Aminess Maravea Camping Resort Review: Our Honest Family Stay in Croatia (2026)
📍 Quick Facts
| At a Glance | |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Novigrad, Istria, Croatia |
| 🏕️ Accommodation | Safari Tent (Easy-A-Tent) |
| 👨👩👧👦 Best For | Families, road trips & camping holidays |
| 📅 When We Visited | Late May 2026 |
| 🚗 Parking | Free on-site parking |
| 🍽️ Favourite Restaurant | Loop Restaurant |
| 🏊 Highlight | Excellent family pools and tidal pool |
| 🚂 Don’t Miss | Tourist train to Novigrad |
| ⛱️ Beach Type | Pebble beach with rocky shoreline |
| ⭐ Overall Rating | 4.9 / 5 |
Check Current Prices & Availability at Aminess Maravea
| 👍 What We Loved | 👎 Things to Consider |
|---|---|
| Excellent range of pools for all ages, including a fantastic kids’ pool and beautiful tidal pool. | The pebble and rocky beach is very different from a sandy beach—water shoes are highly recommended. |
| Relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with plenty of space, especially in late May. | Booking can be a little confusing because accommodation is managed by several different providers. |
| Comfortable, well-equipped safari tents that made family camping easy. | If you visit early in the season, some restaurants, entertainment and activities may not yet be operating at full capacity. |
| Loop Restaurant served some of our favourite meals of the holiday. | A little evening noise is possible on weekends, as you’d expect in a large family resort. |
| Tourist train made visiting Novigrad simple without needing the car. | Families looking for huge waterparks or nightly stage shows may prefer a larger all-inclusive resort. |
| Plenty of family activities, from paddleboarding and pedal boats to scooter hire and beach walks. | Some attractions (such as the inflatable water park) are an additional cost. |
Where is Aminess Maravea Camping Resort?
Aminess Maravea Camping Resort is located just north of Novigrad on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula. It’s around a 5-minute drive from Novigrad’s old town, or you can take the popular tourist train that runs between the resort and the town throughout the day.
Our stay was independently booked and paid for. This review is based entirely on our family’s week-long stay at Aminess Maravea Camping Resort in late May 2026. As always, all opinions are our own. Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which help support Numadi at no extra cost to you.
In late May 2026, our family spent a week at Aminess Maravea Camping Resort near Novigrad, Croatia. We stayed in a safari tent with our two daughters, aged four and nine, visiting right at the beginning of the summer season when the resort was just coming to life. During our stay we explored the pools, relaxed on the beaches, rode the tourist train into Novigrad, hired paddleboards and scooters, sampled the restaurants, and simply enjoyed spending time together as a family.
Rather than giving the resort a simple score out of ten, we want to share what it was actually like to stay here with young children. We’ll cover what we loved, what surprised us, what we’d do differently next time, and who we think this resort is best suited for.
If you’re planning a family holiday in Istria, we hope our experience helps you decide whether Aminess Maravea is the right choice for your own adventure. If you are still deciding which part of the Croatian coast to travel to, our guide to The Best Family Beaches In Istria may interest you.
Quick Verdict
Best for: Families with young children, beach lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxed camping resort with excellent facilities and easy access to Novigrad.
What we loved:
- Great swimming pools for different age groups.
- Relaxed atmosphere and plenty of space, though we were there early in the season.
- Easy tourist train to Novigrad.
- Excellent restaurant options.
- Great mix of beach, pools and family activities.
- Comfortable accommodation, with a range of accommodation types available, such as pitches, safari tents, and a range of family and seaside holiday homes
Things to know before booking:
- The booking process can be a little confusing because different accommodation providers operate within the resort.
- If you visit very early in the season, some restaurants, activities and entertainment may not yet be operating at full capacity.
- The shoreline is rocky in places, so we highly recommend packing water shoes.
Would we stay again?
Absolutely. We’d happily return for another family holiday and would even plan a slightly longer stay next time so we could enjoy more of the activities we didn’t quite have time to fit in.
Booking & Accommodation Options
One of the first things that surprised us about Aminess Maravea Camping Resort was that booking wasn’t quite as straightforward as we expected.
When we first started researching our holiday, we assumed we’d simply book directly with the resort. However, we quickly discovered that Aminess Maravea offers several different types of accommodation, and not all of them appear to be managed through the same booking system.
There are a number of accommodation options, including traditional camping pitches, safari tents, mobile homes and family villas. Depending on the style of accommodation you’re looking for, you may end up booking through a partner company rather than directly with the resort itself.
We stayed in a safari tent run by Easy-A-Tent, who looked after our accommodation throughout the week. They had their own on-site team who checked us in to our tent, answered any questions we had during our stay and made the whole experience simple and welcoming.
Although our accommodation was managed by Easy-A-Tent, we still checked in through the main Aminess Maravea reception before being directed to our accommodation area. The process was straightforward and took around 10 to 15 minutes, with a couple of guests checking in at the same time.
If you’re comparing prices, we’d recommend checking a few different booking options before making your decision. Depending on the accommodation type and your travel dates, availability and pricing can vary between providers.
For us, the process all made sense once we arrived—it was simply a little confusing during the initial planning stage.
Numadi Tip: If you’re specifically looking for a safari tent or family glamping experience, don’t assume the main resort website lists every accommodation option. It’s worth comparing a few booking providers to find the style of accommodation that best suits your family. To save you some time, the links below take you to each accommodation type.
As soon as we’d finished checking in, we were given a resort map, pointed towards our accommodation area and were back in the car within minutes. After a long day on the road, it was exactly the smooth arrival we’d been hoping for.
Our Safari Tent: What It Was Really Like to Stay There
We stayed in a six-person safari tent, even though there were only four of us, and from the moment we stepped inside we knew we’d made the right choice.
After checking in at the main reception, the friendly Easy-A-Tent team met us near our accommodation area, walked us to our tent and took the time to show us where everything was. It was a warm welcome after a long drive and made settling in quick and stress-free.
The safari tent combined the fun of camping with many of the comforts of a holiday home. As we walked in, we were greeted by a bright living area with a small lounge, a well-equipped kitchen and large canvas doors that could be tied open to create one big indoor-outdoor space. It immediately felt relaxed and inviting.
Outside, there was a covered wooden deck with outdoor seating. We quickly moved the indoor dining table outside—just as many of our neighbours had—and ended up eating almost every meal outdoors. It became one of our favourite parts of the accommodation, whether we were enjoying breakfast before heading to the pools or playing cards together after dinner.
The kitchen was better equipped than we expected. It included a refrigerator with freezer, a four-burner gas cooktop, microwave, electric kettle, filter coffee machine and plenty of crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. We’d packed a few kitchen items from home just in case, but rarely needed them.
One small tip if you’re staying in this style of accommodation: remember to pack coffee filters if you enjoy filter coffee. We were lucky to find a packet we’d accidentally left in the car from a previous trip, and they came in very handy for our morning coffees before the campsite supermarket opened.
Our tent had its own private bathroom with a toilet and shower, which we found very convenient with two young children. Not every safari tent includes private bathroom facilities, so it’s worth checking the accommodation description carefully when booking. On the occasions we used the shared campground amenities, they were also clean, modern and well maintained.
Sleeping arrangements were goodfor families. The main bedroom had a comfortable double bed, while the girls each had their own bunk room at the back of the tent. Having separate sleeping spaces gave everyone a little privacy while still keeping us all together under one roof. There was also plenty of shelving and storage for clothes, bags and suitcases, so the tent never felt cluttered despite staying for a full week.
Although our tent didn’t include air conditioning, it stayed surprisingly comfortable thanks to the surrounding trees that provided plenty of shade throughout the day. It was often noticeably cooler than being out on the beach or beside the pools, and even during the warm weather we didn’t require the supplied fan.
Parking was easy. We could drive right up to the tent to unload our luggage before moving the car to a nearby parking area only a short walk away. It made arriving and departing simple without having vehicles parked directly beside the accommodation.
Location-wise, we couldn’t have asked for much more. The beach was only a couple of minutes’ walk away, while the main pools were even closer. Everything we used regularly was within easy walking distance, which made it easy to head back for lunch, forgotten swimming gear or an afternoon break without feeling like we were constantly trekking across the resort.
As with any large camping resort, there was a little noise on a couple of evenings, including one Saturday night when there was live music nearby. However, it never disturbed our stay, and overall it felt relaxed, respectful and family-friendly.
We would happily book this style of accommodation again. It gave us the experience of camping while still enjoying the comfort and convenience that made travelling with young children easy.
The Pools
The pools were one of the main reasons we booked Aminess Maravea Camping Resort, and after spending a week here, they became the centre of our holiday. Whether we wanted a proper swim, somewhere for the girls to play, or simply a quiet place to relax with a coffee, there was always a pool that suited.
The pools were generally open from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm, giving us plenty of time to enjoy them throughout the day.
The Main Family Pool Complex
There are two larger swimming pools connected by generous sunbathing areas, with plenty of loungers and umbrellas. One pool is slightly larger and includes wide entry steps, massage jets, shallow lounging areas and deeper sections where confident swimmers can enjoy themselves. The second pool feels a little quieter but is just as pleasant for a relaxing swim.
Our nine-year-old spent hours swimming, practising swimming and snorkeling, while our youngest was perfectly happy splashing around the shallower areas with one of us always nearby.
The water felt refreshing when we first arrived. It wasn’t uncomfortably cold, but definitely cool enough to make those first few steps into the water feel invigorating. By the end of the week, whether the water had warmed slightly or we’d simply become accustomed to it, it felt just right. Our oldest daughter could happily stay in for hours, while our youngest was usually ready for a warm-up break after an hour or so.
One thing we really appreciated was how easy it was to spend an entire day here. Loop Restaurant, toilets and changing facilities were all only a few steps away, so there was never any need to pack everything up just to grab a coffee or an ice cream.
The Marshmallow Pool
Our youngest daughter quickly renamed the children’s mushroom water feature the “Marshmallow Pool”, and from that moment the nickname stuck for the rest of our holiday.
This became her favourite place in the entire resort.
The shallow children’s pool featured small slides, water features and plenty of space for younger children to play in the water. A large shade sail covered part of the pool, while nearby grassed areas beneath the trees provided another relaxing place for parents to sit if they preferred a picnic blanket over a sun lounger.
Our older daughter often moved between the children’s pool and the larger pools nearby, meaning both girls could enjoy themselves while we were never far apart.
One small thing we noticed was that the pool complex is built across several different levels connected by tiled steps. We never saw anyone slip or fall, but because the white tiling blends together, we occasionally reminded the girls to slow down when running between the different areas.
The Octopus Slide Pool
It actually took us several days to discover another pool hidden within a different part of the resort near the family holiday homes.
Although only about a five-minute walk from the main pool complex, it almost felt like discovering a completely different resort.
This shallow pool featured several colourful water slides and was particularly well suited to younger children. Our four-year-old absolutely loved gradually building up the courage to try each slide, while our nine-year-old enjoyed them too, although she was probably beginning to outgrow them.
The water here was quite shallow, making it an ideal place for younger children to play safely while parents relaxed nearby.
The Tidal Pool
Although the main pool complex became our family’s favourite base each day, my personal favourite was actually the tidal pool beside the sea.
Unlike the other pools, the tidal pool isn’t enclosed within the main swimming complex, but sits right beside the waterfront at the main beach area.
One end was shallow enough for our youngest daughter to comfortably paddle and play, while the deeper section was easily deep enough for adults to swim. We often found ourselves simply sitting on the edge with our feet in the water, chatting while enjoying the sea views before cooling off with another swim.
Loungers and umbrellas surrounded the tidal pool, and because we visited towards the beginning of the season, we never had any difficulty finding a place to relax.
If I had been travelling on my own, I suspect I’d have spent most afternoons here with a book and a coffee.
A Few Things to Know
During our stay we were given wristbands at check-in, and the pool entrances were fitted with electronic access gates. However, because we visited at the end of May, none of the gates were operating and we were free to walk in and out whenever we liked. It’s possible this system operates differently during the busier summer months.
Another thing that impressed us was how well maintained everything was. Almost every morning we watched staff pressure washing the pool surrounds, cleaning the loungers and preparing the facilities before guests arrived. It was a small detail, but one that really reflected the overall standard of the resort.
⭐ Numadi Family Rating – Pools
★★★★★ (5/5)
The variety of pools was excellent. Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, older children or simply want somewhere peaceful to relax, there’s a pool to suit everyone. The combination of the main family pools, children’s area, octopus slide pool and beautiful tidal pool meant we never once felt the need to leave the resort just to find somewhere different to swim.
The Beach & Waterfront
While the pools became our family’s favourite place to spend the day, we still spent plenty of time exploring the waterfront at Aminess Maravea.
If you’re expecting a long stretch of soft golden sand, it’s worth knowing that’s not what you’ll find here. Like much of Croatia’s coastline, the beach is made up of smooth pebbles, rocky sections and paved areas beside the sea rather than traditional sandy beaches.
First Impressions
Our first visit to the beach came only a few hours after arriving.
After the long drive from Germany, my oldest daughter and I wandered down to explore while my wife and youngest daughter had a well-earned rest.
It happened to be quite a windy afternoon, so the sea wasn’t at its clearest. Looking across the bay, my first thought was that it wasn’t the crystal-clear water I was expecting.
The following morning completely changed my mind.
I wandered back down with a coffee just after sunrise and found an almost deserted waterfront. The sea was calm, incredibly clear and beautifully clean. It quickly became one of my favourite places to start the day.
Pebbles, Rocks & Crystal-Clear Water
The main swimming area consists of a gently sloping pebble beach where most families set up for the day.
We found ourselves wishing we’d packed dedicated water shoes, especially when helping the girls in and out of the water. If we returned, they’d definitely be one of the first things we’d pack.
Beyond the pebble beach are rocky sections that became surprisingly fun to explore. Our oldest daughter loved looking around the rocks with her snorkelling gear, while early each morning we often spotted locals quietly fishing before the beach became busy.
One thing we particularly appreciated was how clean everything felt. The promenade, swimming areas and shoreline were all well maintained throughout our stay.
The Waterfront
Rather than one continuous beach, you’ll find a mixture of pebble areas, small rocky coves, paved sunbathing platforms and easy access points into the sea via steps. Freshwater showers are dotted along the waterfront, making it easy to rinse off after swimming.
The promenade, with more loungers and deck chairs, provided access between a couple of the restaurants, the rental equipment, and the beach, and was a great place to watch the sunset in the evening.
Swimming & Snorkelling
Once in the water, we realised why so many people love swimming here.
Visibility was often excellent, especially during calm mornings when you could clearly see several metres down to the seabed. On windier afternoons the water naturally became a little cloudier, but we still found it beautifully clean throughout the week.
Our daughter spent hours practising with her snorkelling gear around the rocks, spotting colourful fish, sea cucumbers and, of course, plenty of jellyfish.
The jellyfish certainly caught our attention at first because we weren’t familiar with the local species. After watching other swimmers and doing a little research, we realised most people simply swam around them without worrying too much. Even so, we naturally gave them plenty of space and were always a little more cautious with the girls.
Further offshore, a line of buoys separates the swimming area from boats and other watercraft, giving swimmers a generous area to enjoy safely.
Water Activities
Throughout the week we hired paddleboards and pedal boats, while the rental centre also offered a variety of other equipment to explore the coastline.
One feature that’s impossible to miss is the large inflatable water park floating just offshore.
At first I wasn’t completely sold on it because it dominates part of the otherwise beautiful coastal view, but after spending time out there together I completely understood why children love it. Climbing, balancing, jumping into the sea and racing each other around the obstacles created some of our favourite family memories of the week.
Our Thoughts
Although we spent a lot of time relaxing beside the pools, mainly because they were easier with younger children, we still found ourselves returning to the beach every day.
The combination of crystal-clear water, relaxed waterfront atmosphere and beautiful Adriatic views made it a place we genuinely looked forward to visiting.
If you’re expecting a classic sandy beach holiday, it may take a day or two to adjust.
If you’re open to experiencing Croatia’s unique coastline, however, we think you’ll soon understand why so many people fall in love with it.
⭐ Numadi Family Rating – Beach & Waterfront
★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Beautifully clean water, fantastic snorkelling opportunities and a lovely waterfront atmosphere. We’d definitely recommend packing water shoes, and families with younger children may find themselves alternating between the beach and the easier main pool complex throughout the day.
Food & Dining
One of the nicest surprises during our stay at Aminess Maravea Camping Resort was just how easy it was to eat well without ever leaving the resort.
Whether we wanted a relaxed family dinner, a coffee overlooking the Adriatic or simply a few groceries for breakfast back at our safari tent, everything was only a short walk away. Although we visited towards the beginning of the season and not every restaurant was operating every evening, we never felt short of options.
Loop Restaurant
Without question, Loop Restaurant became our favourite place to eat.
Conveniently located beside the main pool complex, it was the sort of place where we’d finish a swim, dry off for a few minutes and wander straight in for dinner. The atmosphere was relaxed, welcoming and very family friendly, making it an easy choice to return to several times during our stay.
We were lucky enough to get an outdoor table on most evenings, where we could still catch glimpses of the Adriatic through the surrounding trees while enjoying dinner.
The menu offered an excellent mix of fresh seafood, grilled meats, pizzas, salads and vegetarian dishes, giving everyone in our family plenty to choose from.
Our favourite dish quickly became the cold sharing platter. It featured local cheeses, cured hams, olives, anchovies and beautifully prepared octopus carpaccio—exactly the sort of meal we love discovering while travelling. It was fresh, beautifully presented and the perfect way to begin dinner while the girls coloured in or chatted about everything they’d done that day.
One evening the restaurant had run out of fresh bread to accompany the platter, so instead they brought us a freshly baked pizza base. Dipped into the olive oil and balsamic already on the table, it was absolutely delicious.
The pizzas were another highlight and quickly became family favourites.
After dinner we’d often stay a little longer while the girls enjoyed an ice cream, and we would enjoy a glass of wine or espresso. Those slow evenings together became some of our favourite memories of the holiday.
We enjoyed the olive oil served with our meals so much that my wife bought a bottle from the resort shop before we left. Every time we use it at home now, it reminds us of those warm Croatian evenings spent together as a family.
The Other Restaurants
Although we happily returned to Loop Restaurant several times, Aminess Maravea also has two other on-site dining options: À la carte Restaurant La Gradela and BBQ Point.
Both looked excellent and enjoy more open, uninterrupted views across the sea than Loop Restaurant. We had planned to try them during our stay, but because we visited at the very beginning of the season they happened to be closed on a couple of evenings when we were ready to dine there.
They’re definitely on our list for next time.
Lounge Bar One Second
Almost every afternoon we found ourselves relaxing at Lounge Bar One Second, a beachfront bar overlooking the Adriatic.
It quickly became part of our daily routine.
We’d usually order coffees, homemade lemonade, an Aperol Spritz or a cold beer while the girls chose an ice cream from the freezer. It was one of those places where there never seemed to be any rush to leave. We’d simply sit together watching paddleboarders, swimmers and families enjoying the waterfront while deciding what we’d do for the rest of the afternoon.
Sometimes one of us would stay behind for another coffee while the other took the girls back to the pools, giving each of us a chance to properly unwind.
Just around the corner was a dedicated gelato stand serving gelato, waffles and other sweet treats. Unsurprisingly, it became another regular stop whenever the girls spotted it.
The Supermarket
The on-site supermarket proved incredibly useful throughout the week.
It stocked everything we needed for breakfasts, lunches, snacks and drinks back at our tent, meaning we rarely needed to leave the resort for supplies.
Because we visited right at the beginning of the season, some shelves were still only partially stocked and there were a few products we couldn’t find. We would have loved to see a slightly larger range of local meats and regional specialties, but even so, we never struggled to buy everything we needed.
One thing we particularly enjoyed was simply browsing the supermarket. Visiting supermarkets in different countries has become one of our favourite little travel traditions, and it’s always fun discovering local products you don’t normally see at home.
Visiting Early in the Season
If you’re visiting in late May or very early June, it’s worth keeping in mind that some restaurants and facilities may still be transitioning into their full summer schedule.
During our stay, Loop Restaurant operated consistently and became the heart of the resort’s dining scene. Other restaurants were only open on selected evenings, while the breakfast buffet was due to begin daily service shortly after we left.
Although this slightly reduced the number of dining options available, it never affected our enjoyment of the resort. If anything, it made the whole atmosphere feel quieter and more relaxed.
⭐ Numadi Family Rating – Food & Dining
★★★★★ (5/5)
Excellent food, a relaxed family atmosphere and enough variety that we were genuinely happy eating within the resort for most of our stay. We’d happily return to Loop Restaurant alone—but next time we’ll make sure we also try La Gradela and BBQ Point.
Things to Do & Family Activities
One of the things we loved most about Aminess Maravea Camping Resort was that you could make your holiday as relaxing—or as active—as you wanted.
Some days we barely left the pools and beach, while on others we found ourselves exploring Novigrad, hiring paddleboards or riding scooters along the coast. We never managed to fit in everything we wanted to do, which is probably the best compliment we can give the resort.
Ride the Tourist Train to Novigrad
One of the few times we left the resort itself, we took the tourist train into nearby Novigrad.
The train runs regularly throughout the day and takes around 20 minutes to reach the town centre, following a scenic route along much of the coastline before arriving just a short walk from the old town.
Our youngest daughter loved the train so much that she asked to ride it again later in the week, so we ended up making two trips into town.
It was a wonderfully relaxing way to travel. Rather than worrying about parking, we could simply enjoy the views, chat together and arrive ready to explore.
Planning to visit Novigrad? Read our complete Family Guide to Novigrad.
Paddleboards, Pedal Boats & The Inflatable Water Park
The waterfront rental centre offered plenty of ways to get out on the water.
During our stay we hired a stand-up paddleboard, a pedal boat with a slide and spent an afternoon on the large inflatable water park floating just offshore.
The paddleboard was probably one of my personal highlights. On calm mornings the water was incredibly clear, making it easy to look several metres down to the seabed while paddling along the coastline.
The inflatable water park quickly became our oldest daughter’s favourite activity.
Our youngest daughter also wanted to have a go, so we bought her a shorter session. She loved the central trampoline but found some of the larger climbing obstacles a little intimidating, which was perfectly understandable at four years old. It was great seeing her gradually build the confidence to try more things before happily swimming back with Mum while our oldest and I stayed out for another half hour.
One thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to swim a short distance from the beach to reach the inflatable. The water wasn’t especially deep where we crossed, but we did keep an eye out for the occasional jellyfish along the way.
Exploring the Coast by Scooter
One afternoon we hired electric scooters from the waterfront rental centre, and it turned out to be another highlight of the holiday.
The adults had a couple of Harley-style electric scooters while our oldest daughter rode her own e-scooter, making it easy to explore more of the coastline than we could comfortably walk with younger children.
We revisited several nearby beaches we’d discovered earlier in the week, enjoyed the coastal scenery and stopped to admire old stone houses, olive groves and colourful fields of wildflowers along the way.
Activities We Didn’t Quite Get To
One thing we appreciated was the variety of activities available throughout the resort.
Although we didn’t manage to fit everything into one week, guests could also enjoy mini golf, tennis courts, table tennis, organised sports, children’s entertainment and a Kids’ Club during the season.
The evening mini discos were popular with younger children, although because we visited right at the beginning of the season they felt a little quieter than we’d experienced at other European resorts.
There was also a dolphin cruise operating from nearby, complete with a fun pirate-themed boat. We actually planned to book it, but by the time we looked into availability we had already filled our days with swimming, relaxing and exploring the resort. It’s definitely something we’d like to experience on our next visit.
Sometimes Doing Less Is Better
Looking back, one of the nicest things about our week wasn’t ticking off every available activity.
It was having the freedom to decide each morning what we felt like doing.
Some days we hired paddleboards.
Some days we caught the train into Novigrad.
Other days we barely left the pools before finishing with an ice cream beside the sea.
That slower pace suited our family perfectly, and it’s one of the reasons we’d happily return.
⭐ Numadi Family Rating – Activities
★★★★★ (5/5)
Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply a relaxing family holiday, there’s more than enough to keep everyone entertained. We left with a list of activities we still wanted to try, which probably says everything about how much there is to do.
💡 Numadi Tip
Don’t try to squeeze every activity into one holiday.
Leave a few things for next time.
Some of our favourite memories came from simply slowing down, spending longer at the pools, and enjoying another coffee while the girls played nearby.
Visiting Aminess Maravea in Late May: Is Early Season Worth It?
One of the questions we had before booking was whether we would be visiting too early.
Looking back after spending a week here, we’d happily choose this time of year again.
Like any destination, there are a few trade-offs, but for our family the advantages easily outweighed the negatives.
What We Loved About Visiting Early
The biggest benefit was how relaxed everything felt.
Although there were plenty of other families enjoying the resort, it never felt overcrowded. We never had trouble finding a sun lounger by the pools or the tidal pool, and there was always enough space for the girls to swim, play and explore without feeling like they were constantly competing for room.
The quieter atmosphere also made it easier to slow down and simply enjoy the holiday. Whether we were sitting at Lounge Bar One Second with a coffee, relaxing by the pools or wandering along the waterfront, everything felt calm rather than busy.
The weather was another pleasant surprise.
After leaving cool, wet weather in southern Germany only a few days earlier, we arrived to warm sunshine, with some afternoons reaching around 33°C. It felt like the perfect temperature for swimming, relaxing by the beach and spending long days outdoors.
Things That Hadn’t Fully Started Yet
Because the resort had only recently opened for the season, a few things were still easing into full operation.
The daily breakfast buffet was due to begin shortly after we left, while some restaurants only opened on selected evenings. We also noticed that parts of the supermarket were still being stocked, with a few shelves not yet completely full.
The Kids’ Club and evening entertainment were running, but they felt quieter than they probably would during the height of summer. Our girls still enjoyed the mini disco, although it didn’t quite have the same lively atmosphere we’d experienced at another European resort later in the season.
Around the pools we were given wristbands at check-in, but the electronic entry gates weren’t operating during our visit. Likewise, loungers were readily available and nobody checked wristbands while we were there. We suspect these systems become more structured once the resort reaches peak capacity, but we can’t say for certain.
Some water sports equipment and activities also appeared to be gradually coming online as the season gathered momentum.
Would We Choose Late May Again?
Without hesitation—yes.
For our family, the slightly quieter atmosphere more than compensated for the handful of facilities that hadn’t yet reached full summer operation.
If your priority is having every restaurant, activity and entertainment option running every single day, then visiting in July or August may suit you better.
If, however, you’re looking for warm weather, fewer crowds, easier access to facilities and a slower pace of life, we think late May offers fantastic value.
It’s one of those times of year where the resort still feels peaceful, yet there’s already more than enough happening to keep a family busy for an entire week.
⭐ Numadi Family Rating – Late May
★★★★★ (5/5)
For families who enjoy travelling outside the busiest holiday periods, we’d happily recommend visiting Aminess Maravea in late May. The weather was beautiful, the resort felt wonderfully relaxed and we never felt like we were missing out on our holiday because it wasn’t yet peak season.
💡 Numadi Tip
If you’re travelling in late May or early June, don’t worry if every restaurant or activity isn’t operating at full capacity during your first couple of days.
The quieter atmosphere quickly became one of our favourite parts of the holiday, and we’d happily choose it again over the busier peak summer months.
Things We’d Do Differently Next Time
One of the best signs of a great holiday is leaving with a list of things you’d love to do when you return.
By the end of our week at Aminess Maravea Camping Resort, we were already talking about what we’d do differently next time—not because we’d made mistakes, but because we’d discovered so many little things that would make an already great holiday even better.
We’d Pack Water Shoes
If there’s one thing we’d recommend to every family visiting Aminess Maravea, it’s packing a good pair of water shoes.
While the pebble beaches and rocky shoreline are part of Croatia’s charm, they take a little getting used to if you’re more familiar with sandy beaches. Water shoes would have made getting in and out of the sea much more comfortable for both us and the girls.
We’d Bring Low Beach Chairs
Most of our beach time was spent sitting on towels or picnic blankets.
Next time we’d definitely bring a couple of low beach chairs like many other families were using. They looked much more comfortable for reading a book, watching the kids swim or simply spending a lazy afternoon by the sea.
We’d Try More Restaurants
Although Loop Restaurant became our favourite place to eat, we’d love to try À la carte Restaurant La Gradela and BBQ Point on our next visit.
Both enjoy beautiful waterfront locations and looked fantastic whenever we walked past.
We’d Book the Dolphin Cruise Earlier
The day trip to Pirate Bay and Rovinj, and the evening dolphin cruise both looked like fantastic family experiences.
Unfortunately, by the time we decided we wanted to book it, we’d already filled our schedule with other activities.
Next time it’ll be one of the first things we organise after arriving.
We’d Stay a Little Longer
Perhaps the biggest lesson from our trip was that one week simply wasn’t quite enough.
Between the pools, beaches, Novigrad, water activities and everything else the resort has to offer, another two or three days would have allowed us to experience more while still keeping the relaxed pace we enjoyed so much.
We’d Still Leave Time to Relax
Ironically, one thing we wouldn’t change is trying to fit everything into a single holiday.
Some of our favourite memories weren’t the biggest attractions at all.
They were the quiet moments—morning coffees overlooking the Adriatic, slow family dinners, watching the girls play in the pools and simply enjoying the feeling of having nowhere else we needed to be.
Those are the memories that stayed with us long after we arrived home.
Who We’d Recommend Aminess Maravea Camping Resort To
Every family enjoys holidays a little differently, and that’s one of the reasons we liked Aminess Maravea Camping Resort so much—it caters well to a wide range of travellers.
After spending a week here ourselves, here’s who we think will get the most from a stay.
👨👩👧👦 Families with Young Children
If you’re travelling with younger children like we were (ours were four and nine), this resort is an excellent choice.
The combination of shallow children’s pools, larger family pools, easy beach access, playgrounds, open spaces and organised activities meant there was always something for the girls to enjoy.
We especially appreciated how easy it was to move between the pools, the beach, restaurants and our accommodation without long walks or needing to drive anywhere.
🚗 Families on a European Road Trip
If you’re driving through Europe, Aminess Maravea makes an ideal base for a relaxing week.
The safari tents offered everything we needed for a comfortable stay, parking was simple, and having cooking facilities meant we could prepare some of our own meals while still enjoying restaurants whenever we felt like eating out.
After a long drive from Germany, having somewhere we could simply unpack and settle in for a week was exactly what we needed.
🏖️ Families Who Like to Mix Relaxation with Activities
Some resorts encourage you to stay busy every minute of the day.
This wasn’t one of them.
We loved that we could spend one day paddleboarding, riding the tourist train into Novigrad or exploring the coastline, then happily spend the next doing very little beyond swimming, reading and enjoying long family dinners.
That slower pace suited us perfectly.
🌅 Travellers Looking for a Relaxed Croatian Holiday
If your ideal holiday involves crystal-clear water, beautiful sunsets, relaxed waterfront cafés and evenings spent lingering over dinner rather than rushing from one attraction to the next, we think you’ll feel very much at home here.
The atmosphere throughout the resort felt welcoming and unhurried, especially during our late May visit.
Who It Might Not Suit Quite as Well
No destination is perfect for everyone.
If you’re looking for a resort with huge water slides, large-scale evening shows or constant entertainment from morning until night, you may prefer one of Croatia’s larger all-inclusive resorts.
Likewise, if your idea of the perfect beach holiday is soft white sand, it’s worth remembering that this part of Croatia is known for its pebble beaches and rocky coastline rather than long sandy beaches.
For us, that quickly became part of the charm—but it’s something that’s worth knowing before you arrive.
Our Overall Thoughts
Aminess Maravea Camping Resort isn’t about flashy attractions or trying to impress you every minute of the day.
Instead, it offers something we value even more as a family—a place where everything is easy.
Easy to relax.
Easy to keep the kids entertained.
Easy to enjoy great food.
Easy to slow down.
By the end of the week, that’s exactly what we appreciated most.
💡 Numadi Tip
If your family enjoys the sort of holidays where the best memories come from swimming together, sharing long dinners and discovering a few hidden gems along the way, rather than rushing from attraction to attraction, we think Aminess Maravea is a wonderful choice.
Final Verdict: Would We Stay at Aminess Maravea Again?
After spending a week at Aminess Maravea Camping Resort, the answer is an easy yes.
In fact, we were already talking about coming back before we’d even left.
That probably says more than anything else in this review.
For our family, this wasn’t a holiday about chasing big attractions or ticking off a long bucket list. It was about slowing down, spending quality time together and enjoying the simple things that often become the best memories.
Morning walks with a coffee beside the Adriatic.
Watching our girls laugh in the pools.
Long dinners at Loop Restaurant.
Lazy afternoons at Lounge Bar One Second while the girls enjoyed another ice cream.
Exploring Novigrad on the tourist train.
Those are the moments we still talk about long after returning home.
No resort is perfect, and Aminess Maravea is no exception.
If you’re expecting endless waterslides, huge evening productions or a classic sandy beach, this probably isn’t the right destination for you.
But if you’re looking for a relaxed, family-friendly resort with excellent facilities, beautiful swimming areas, comfortable accommodation and easy access to one of Croatia’s most charming coastal towns, we think it’s an outstanding choice.
Visiting in late May suited us particularly well. The resort felt peaceful, there was plenty of space around the pools and beach, and while a few facilities were still easing into their full summer schedule, we never felt like our holiday was missing anything.
One of the biggest compliments we can give Aminess Maravea is that we left with a list of things we still wanted to do.
We still want to try La Gradela and BBQ Point.
We still want to book the dolphin cruise.
We’d love to spend another afternoon exploring the coastline by scooter.
And we’d happily return for another slow evening sharing a platter at Loop Restaurant while watching the sun begin to set through the trees.
For us, that’s the sign of a truly memorable holiday.
How does Aminess Maravea compare to other European family camping resorts?
We’ve stayed at several family camping resorts across Europe, including Grado in Italy. Maravea stood out for its beautiful pools, relaxed atmosphere and easy access to Novigrad. If you’re looking for large-scale entertainment every evening there may be stronger options, but for a slower family holiday we actually preferred the balance Maravea offered.
Our Overall Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pools | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Beach & Waterfront | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Food & Dining | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Family Activities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Location | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Overall Score
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5
Aminess Maravea Camping Resort delivered exactly the kind of family holiday we were hoping for—relaxed, comfortable, fun and filled with the sort of small moments that become lifelong memories.
If you’re planning a family holiday in Istria, we’d have no hesitation recommending it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aminess Maravea Camping Resort good for families?
Yes. We found it to be one of the most family-friendly resorts we’ve stayed at, thanks to its excellent pool complex, relaxed atmosphere, easy beach access and wide range of activities for children of different ages.
What type of beach does Aminess Maravea have?
The resort has a pebble beach with rocky sections rather than a sandy beach. We recommend packing water shoes, especially for younger children.
Can you walk to Novigrad from the resort?
Yes, although it’s a fairly long walk. We preferred taking the tourist train, which took around 20 minutes and was one of the highlights of the trip for our daughters.
Is there a supermarket at Aminess Maravea?
Yes. The on-site supermarket stocked everything we needed for breakfasts, snacks and simple meals. Because we visited in late May, a few shelves were still being stocked for the summer season, but we never struggled to find what we needed.
Are the pools suitable for young children?
Absolutely. There are several pools, including a dedicated children’s pool with a mushroom water feature, small slides and shaded areas. Our four-year-old spent hours there, while our nine-year-old enjoyed the larger family pools.
Is parking included?
Yes. We had free parking very close to our safari tent. We were able to drive to the accommodation to unload our luggage before parking for the week.
Is Aminess Maravea worth visiting in late May?
We thought so. Late May gave us warm weather, fewer crowds and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. A few restaurants and facilities hadn’t yet moved into their full summer schedule, but we’d happily visit again at the same time of year.
How many nights should you stay?
We stayed for one week and thought it was an ideal length of time. If we returned, we’d probably stay a little longer so we could fit in a few more activities and spend even more time exploring Novigrad.
Would we stay at Aminess Maravea again?
Without hesitation—yes. It offered exactly the sort of relaxed family holiday we enjoy, and we left already talking about returning.
Helpful Resources Before You Book
Before finalising your trip, you might also find these guides helpful:
If you’re ready to compare prices and accommodation options, you can also check the latest availability through our Agoda booking link below.
Check Prices & Availability on Agoda
Thank you for reading our review. We hope it helps you decide whether Aminess Maravea Camping Resort is the right fit for your own family adventure. If you do end up visiting, we’d love to hear about your experience too.