A family holiday in Croatia in a villa with a pool works best when the day is shaped not by the hotel buffet but by your children's rhythm: breakfast when everyone is awake, a nap in a darkened room, the pool in the afternoon, a barbecue in the evening. Our three villas in Kaštel Stari, between Split and Trogir, are designed for exactly that. Here's what children can look forward to, what we provide for families – and what parents should keep in mind.
What children can look forward to
As well as the heated saltwater pool (end of March to October) and the hot tub, each villa offers different ways to play:
- Trampoline (Villa Just be Alive): a professional trampoline with a safety net that even adults up to approx. 120 kg can enjoy. Plus plenty of lawn around the pool deck and a fenced garden.
- Table tennis: at Just be Alive and Just be Light.
- Table football: for the big kids and the really big kids – at Just be Light and Just be Alive.
- Film night: a large sofa and smart TV in every villa, with an 85-inch TV at Just be Alive.
Baby equipment – free and already set up
So you don't have to haul a travel cot and high chair through the airport, we provide the following free of charge:
- Cot
- High chair
- Baby monitor
- Children's tableware
- Playpen
Let us know before you arrive what you need – on request, everything will be ready when you get here. You'll find everything else about travelling with little ones under Holiday with a Baby in Croatia and in our guide Croatia with a Baby: Villa, Equipment, Practical Tips.
Beach, promenade and day trips
The beach and promenade are about 10–15 minutes' walk away (around 1 km). The Bay of Kaštela is one of the friendlier stretches of coast: the water is shallow and sheltered, and warms up early in the year. The promenade is flat and easy to manage with a pushchair.
- Šumica: old trees and therefore natural shade.
- Baletna škola: the family-friendly classic in Kaštela, calm water, cafés and restaurants within walking distance.
- Water shoes are a must: the coast is pebbles and rock, and sea urchins live on the rocky stretches.
For outings with children, the small, car-free old town of Trogir (approx. 10 minutes) and a boat trip to shallow, clear water are great options. Tips in our guide Family Holiday Split–Trogir. A car is useful for excursions – there are car hire desks at the airport, around 10 minutes from the villas.
Safety: what we tell parents openly
- The pools are not fenced. That's the norm for holiday villas in Dalmatia – and for families with children who can walk, it's the most important point. Close the terrace door deliberately, agree clearly who is watching, and use swimming aids from day one.
- Stairs: depending on the villa, there are open staircases. We can organise stair gates on request, subject to availability.
- Road: Villa Just be Happy sits at the end of a cul-de-sac with no through traffic, and the garden at Just be Alive is fenced.
- Heat: in July and August, beach in the morning, pool and shade in the afternoon, a stroll in the evening.
- Help on site: several team members live locally and can be reached by WhatsApp or phone practically around the clock.
Age-appropriate supervision remains the parents' responsibility. Tell us how old your children are – we'll tell you honestly which villa suits you best.
Which villa suits you?
- Villa Just be Alive – trampoline, fenced garden, table tennis, lots of lawn: ideal for active children.
- Villa Just be Light – five king-size bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, table football and table tennis: ideal for two families travelling together.
- Villa Just be Happy – quiet cul-de-sac, large terrace with views over the bay.
If grandparents are coming too, have a look at our page on multi-generational holidays.
Frequently asked questions
Does the baby equipment cost extra?
No. We provide a cot, high chair, baby monitor and more free of charge.
Is the pool suitable for small children?
The heated pool is one of the best reasons for families to come – but it is not fenced and must be supervised.
How far is the nearest beach?
Around 1 km, about 10–15 minutes on foot.
When is the best time to travel with children?
For small children, May, June, September and October are more pleasant than high summer – and the pool is still heated then.
Check available dates during the school holidays in good time, or message us on WhatsApp to tell us who's coming – we usually reply within a few minutes.