Neilson- Croatia v Sardinia - teens....

zippy2022 · 2022-09-28T08:01:24+00:00

We went to Vounaki this year and had a great holiday and are now trying to decide if we want to go to Neilson again and if so, whether we go to Croatia or Sardinia. DH likes the look of Sardinia more. Thinks the beach looks nicer and that Croatia looks a bit Soviet 1970s...I like the idea of being able to walk to the town in Croatia, for DD especially who will be 16. In Vounaki there were loads of teenagers and they'd go to the town on their own etc. DD was a bit young this year and didn't want to but thinks she would if she went again. Also, Sardinia only has one pool so suspect will be taken over by the kids clubs quite often! Anyone been to either/both? Were there lots of teenagers in both? Also have a DS who will be 14. We will stay on after as well and quite fancy spending some time in Croatia where we haven't been. We went to Sardinia years ago. Basically I need to sell Croatia to DH- he loves the beach!

Georgyporky · 28/09/2022 19:00

"Sardinia only has one pool" ???

Sardinia is a very large island, we've stayed in Cagliari & Alghero & they are so very different. Lots of interesting things to do in both locations.

Thiswayorthatway · 28/09/2022 19:09

Neilson Croatia is not Soviet 1970’s at all. We went in August with primary aged DC and loved it. Plenty of teens there too. 2 pools - 1 Olympic size 50m x 10m and 1 big kids pool. Fantastic water sports but not much of a beach as it’s all pebbles/rock. Glad we took beach shoes. Sun beds round pool or on grass in shade of olive trees near the sea. Town of Starigrad us only 15 min walk, pleasant harbour and plenty of restaurants, touristy but not rowdy as plenty of families from nearby campsites. Lots to do in national park, wine tasting and city trips nearby. Can’t help with Sardinia I’m afraid.

Original poster

zippy2022 · 28/09/2022 19:18

Thiswayorthatway · 28/09/2022 19:09

Neilson Croatia is not Soviet 1970’s at all. We went in August with primary aged DC and loved it. Plenty of teens there too. 2 pools - 1 Olympic size 50m x 10m and 1 big kids pool. Fantastic water sports but not much of a beach as it’s all pebbles/rock. Glad we took beach shoes. Sun beds round pool or on grass in shade of olive trees near the sea. Town of Starigrad us only 15 min walk, pleasant harbour and plenty of restaurants, touristy but not rowdy as plenty of families from nearby campsites. Lots to do in national park, wine tasting and city trips nearby. Can’t help with Sardinia I’m afraid.

Great- thanks for the info. Vounaki has a proper beach which DH liked but I'm going to convince him to book Croatia.

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UnaOfStormhold · 28/09/2022 19:19

We did Sardinia this year and Croatia last year, both of which we enjoyed. Sardinia is beautiful and has a really lovely sandy beach and pine forest. There are restaurants within walking distance but not really a town which limits going out options. It had one splash pool and one big pool, which did get busy at times.

Croatia has an eyesore of a tower block (though the views from the rooftop bar at the top are stunning!) and the tower rooms seem a bit poky. Elsewhere in the hotel you can get family rooms with separate sleeping areas which are a big plus. Beach is pebbly rather than sandy and much more developed. Croatia has a climbing wall in resort and the national park is nearby which is really lovely to visit, and as you say is a short walk to town. There's a splash pool, intermediate size kids pool and big pool.

Both seemed to have busy groups of happy teenagers. I think in your case I would opt for Croatia though both are lovely.

Original poster

zippy2022 · 28/09/2022 19:25

UnaOfStormhold · 28/09/2022 19:19

We did Sardinia this year and Croatia last year, both of which we enjoyed. Sardinia is beautiful and has a really lovely sandy beach and pine forest. There are restaurants within walking distance but not really a town which limits going out options. It had one splash pool and one big pool, which did get busy at times.

Croatia has an eyesore of a tower block (though the views from the rooftop bar at the top are stunning!) and the tower rooms seem a bit poky. Elsewhere in the hotel you can get family rooms with separate sleeping areas which are a big plus. Beach is pebbly rather than sandy and much more developed. Croatia has a climbing wall in resort and the national park is nearby which is really lovely to visit, and as you say is a short walk to town. There's a splash pool, intermediate size kids pool and big pool.

Both seemed to have busy groups of happy teenagers. I think in your case I would opt for Croatia though both are lovely.

Perfect you've been to both- thanks! The tower was the first thing DH noted!
I'd really recommend Vounaki and would happily go back. DD wants to try somewhere else as there was a bit of a cliquey group in her age group club and she thinks they may be there again if we go at the same time! There were lots of repeat visitors.

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AuraBora · 28/09/2022 19:33

I can't comment specifically on Neilson holidays but my mum has just been on holiday to Croatia and was astounded by the soaring inflation and the price of everything. Eating out was very expensive as were drinks. Higher than average London prices. Something to bear in mind perhaps when choosing - altho I don't know what it will be like next year.

Thiswayorthatway · 28/09/2022 21:23

I didn’t really notice the tower block 🙃too busy looking at the view. In August the food & drinks locally were cheaper than London prices, maybe Split and Dubrovnik are expensive.