Croatia or Italy with a 7 year old

[Disdam]

We've already started planning next year's summer holiday and I've narrowed it down to two options but not sure what would be better for us.

Italy would be flying in to Verona and spending a day there before moving up to Bozen/Meran. I'm more attracted to this option because I love the mountains but my son is not so much of an outdoors fan. But here we have option like cable cars, botanice gardens, archeology museum, castles which I know he will like.

Croatia could be Zagreb, Split or Dubrovnik. I haven't been to Dubrovnik before so that would be my first choice but I'm worried about it being very crowded and too hot. Although I think the hype around Dubrovnik has died down a bit in the past few years. Also not sure if the city has much to offer children. Son isnt a fan or just wandering around pretty streets and seeing nice buildings so we would be looking for set activities and places to visit.

Following. We're thinking Venice and a few days at the new Eurocamp to keep the kids happy

We just got back from Split. The youngest child was 9. It was HOT! The beaches are fab but pebbly. Water shoes were common. The city itself was beautiful and small for wandering but you might want to consider a couple of locations depending on time. Perhaps Split and then one of the islands which are easily accessible by ferry? You will probably want to spend a lot of time in the water.

We visited Krka National park by coach on a daytrip. You could swim in the lake outside it. Busy, hot but beautiful. Could spend a couple of nights there.

Also hired a boat to take us to some islands and coves to swim in. Expensive but fun and worth it.

Haven’t been to Zagreb/ Dubrovnik with children but Pula is on the coast and an interesting city.

Croatia wasn’t cheap. Not expensive but not cheap.

I think I'm leaning towards northern Italy purely because I would like less crowds and a bit less heat for the next holiday.

I was in Spilt and Zagreb around 10 years ago in september and it was beautiful but a bit cooler and not so crowded as we were outside of school holidays. It would be nice to go back but also nice to see Dubrovnik which would be new for us. I'm starting to doubt on Dubrovnik though as I'm starting to feel there isn't enough to keep us busy for a week to 10 days.

I LOVE Italy. The food is so easy for children and they love children. Plus, the men are VERY easy on the eye!!!!

Good point about the food. He can be a bit picky with food but pizza and pasta always goes down well.