Eco farm near Grude

The country estate "Marića Gaj" is located near to the city Grude in western Hercegovina. It has manor dating back from 1930ies which has been modernised and now serves as a pension. The farm is run by a local family that really puts focus on ecological farming. On the premises is a huge (40 hectare) karst forest through which paths lead to archeological sites (illyric & catholic graves).
There are donkeys, a horse, pigs, chicken, cats and dogs. The owners Zdravka and Tomo make their own wine (red & white), different types of rakija and of course jams, bread, olive oil... you name it.
The place is great for children of nearly all age. There are two playgrounds with swings and slides and they plan to replace them by larger ones next year.
The house is set back from the road, thus kids can roam around without constant supervision. The rooms have AC/heating and open WiFi.
From there it's about an hour ride to the coast near Makarska. From Sarajevo it takes approx. 3 hours to reach Marica Gaj.
Check out their webpage for more details. Zdravka speaks english and flawless german.

CHILD-FRIENDLY ITALIAN AGRITURISMO

On the other side of the Adriatic Sea, in Abruzzo, Italy (ferry Split-Ancona or Split-Pescara, 21.00h-07.00h) we found a great agriturismo, Le Magnolie. The complex consists of a beautiful main building with a slow-food/organic restaurant, a swimming pool and 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartments with fully equipped kitchens. Apartment Girasole is best for children because of its fenced terrace. Fruit and vegetables are grown on the land and you can pick whatever you want. Charming cities, rugged mountains and some nice beaches are nearby. Very child-friendly with cots, highchairs and even children’s plates and cups etc. For more information: www.lemagnolie.com. PS This is one of the rare occasions where reality is even better than the pictures! (Ad. By Pauline van Wijk)

Villa on Croation island Hvar for rent

LOVELY LARGE HOUSE IN BEAUTIFUL STARI GRAD ON THE CROATIAN ISLAND OF HVAR FOR RENT. A very tastefully renovated and furnished old house which overlooks the beautiful old port of Stari Grad. It has 4 bedrooms (1 triple, 2 double and 1 twin), 3 bathrooms, 2 living rooms, 2 kitchens and 2 large terraces. There are good restaurants, cafes and shops within a few minutes walk of the house. For further details: http://www.villamjestocroatia.com/ (Ad. By Anne Burke)

APARTMENTS IN NEUM

Apartments in a house consisting of 3 apartments right on the sea in Neum - the link is http://www.omerbasic.com.ba/. Unfortunately the English version of the site is still under construction but you can see the photos of the apartments and the prices are also available under the rubrique ‘cjenovnik’. Contact Amra on 061-929419 for further details.

BABY-FRIENDLY FAMILY HOUSE TO RENT ON THE DALMATIAN COAST

4 bed (sleeps 8) detached house in Kuciste (Peljesac Riviera between Orebic and Viganj) available to rent from ex-Sarajevo family. Rates from €90 - €160 per night inc. depending on the season and number of people. Internet WIFI is included. Wonderful views over to Korcula and plenty of outside space. Walking distance to amenities inc shop, post-office, bars, restaurants, windsurf school. Please check out the website http://web.mac.com/sarajevomatthews1 for further details and photos of the property or email familymatthews@mac.com with any questions.

BABY-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY RESORT IN DUBROVNIK

This place has been highly recommended for families, and both Jen Mazuchi and Jen Davis have stayed there.
http://lumbarda.accommodation-dubrovnik.com/en/home