Pini Kids Club Archives - Hotel Pinija, Petrčane

Everything You Need to Know Before Arriving at Hotel Pinija – A Complete Guide to Facilities and Experiences

February 19, 2026February 20, 2026Blog, Blog

Planning a holiday often comes with many questions: where is the hotel located, what is the beach like, where can you eat, are there facilities for children, what if the weather is not ideal, can you stay active, is there a wellness area, do you need a car?
Hotel Pinija in Petrčane is not just a seaside hotel – it is a full resort with a rich offer for families, couples and active guests. In this guide, we bring you an overview of all the most important facilities so you know what to expect before you arrive and how to make the most of your stay.

Where is Hotel Pinija located and why is the location special?

Hotel Pinija is located in a dense pine forest on a natural peninsula in Petrčane, a quiet Dalmatian village with a relaxed atmosphere and unspoilt nature. The village centre can be reached in just a few minutes by a pleasant seaside promenade walk.

For those who want a touch of urban life, Zadar is only 12 km away, while nearby Nin offers a small historic town rich in cultural and natural heritage. Nature lovers can explore five national parks in the wider area – Paklenica, Krka, Kornati, Northern Velebit and Plitvice Lakes – as well as the nature parks Vransko Lake and Telašćica.
Hotel Pinija also offers its guests a wide selection of organised excursions and experiences – from tastings of local olive oil, prosciutto and cheese, boat trips and cruises around the Zadar archipelago, to active adventures such as quad safaris, rafting on the Zrmanja River or climbing in Paklenica National Park.

This way, guests can enrich their stay with authentic flavours of Dalmatia and unforgettable experiences in nature, without the need for long planning or organising everything on their own.

Where is Hotel Pinija located and why is the location special?

This way, guests can enrich their stay with authentic flavours of Dalmatia and unforgettable experiences in nature, without the need for long planning or organising everything on their own.

What practical amenities does Hotel Pinija offer to guests?

Hotel Pinija provides a range of practical amenities that make your stay easier and more carefree. Guests have access to free parking, free wireless internet, as well as an electric car charging station (for an additional fee) – an increasingly important feature for modern travellers arriving by car.

Inside the hotel, you will also find a mini market, souvenir shop, ATM, laundry service and luggage storage, while the reception is available 24 hours a day, meaning help and information are always at hand, regardless of your arrival or return time. The hotel’s souvenir shop offers a selection of authentic products from local producers and traditional Dalmatian souvenirs, perfect to take home as a memory of your holiday.

Another great advantage is the hotel’s location: a grocery store and pharmacy are just a few minutes’ walk away (approximately 100 to 200 metres), so for everyday necessities, water or snacks you do not need to use your car. There is also a bus stop nearby, making it easy and convenient to reach Zadar and the surrounding area, which makes Hotel Pinija a great choice for guests who want to explore the region without driving.

Gastronomic experiences at Hotel Pinija

What does the Mediteran Hotel Restaurant offer?

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the Mediteran Hotel Restaurant at a rich buffet. Drinks during breakfast (filter coffee, tea, juice) are included in the price, while drinks during lunch and dinner are charged according to the hotel price list.

The restaurant is modernly designed, with a capacity of around 450 seats, and offers a combination of international and traditional cuisine, suitable both for families with children and guests who prefer a classic hotel dining experience. A special attraction is the show cooking, where guests can watch meals being prepared live. The offer often includes local specialities typical of this region, so guests do not have to go far to taste Dalmatian classics such as pašticada, cod or brudet – they can enjoy all of this right in the hotel, in a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere.

Four restaurants, countless flavours

In addition to the main buffet restaurant, Hotel Pinija offers three à la carte restaurants, each with its own unique concept.

Restaurant Lanterna offers traditional fish and meat dishes as well as specialties prepared under the bell (peka), in the spirit of Dalmatian cuisine and with an emphasis on quality, fresh ingredients. The menu is designed to combine authentic regional flavours with a simple yet refined approach, and the offer is complemented by a carefully selected list of local wines, ideal for pairing with the dishes.

The restaurant is located by the sea and features around 50 seats indoors and about 80 seats on the terrace overlooking the sea, making it a perfect choice for a relaxed yet special dinner in a romantic Mediterranean setting, accompanied by the sound of the sea and a gentle breeze.

Golden Restaurant & Bar brings a modern gastronomic concept with dishes inspired by Asian flavours, ideal for guests looking for something different and contemporary. Along with an attractive cocktail menu and an evening atmosphere with music and sunset views, this venue often becomes a stage for special evening programmes such as fire shows, dancers’ performances and other entertainment acts, which further enhance the atmosphere and turn dinner into a real experience. A spacious terrace with around 140 seats, right by the sea, perfectly completes the experience of relaxed yet lively summer evenings with good food, drinks and entertainment.

Restaurant Kantun is located directly on the beach, on a terrace surrounded by greenery, and has around 70 seats. Its menu combines Mediterranean, Italian and international cuisine, making it a great choice for a relaxed meal during the day or a light dinner by the sea.

Thanks to its casual atmosphere and beachfront location, Kantun is an ideal place to enjoy a pizza, a burger or another simple and tasty dish between swims, without the need to return to the hotel. Guests can also enjoy a wide selection of local and international drinks, turning a meal into a pleasant break from the sun and the sea.

Which bars can you enjoy during your stay?

Hotel Pinija has six bars, located throughout the hotel and by the sea.

Pine Bar is the perfect place to start your day with a morning coffee or to relax with homemade cakes, a glass of wine or a quiet break with a book. Thanks to its pleasant and calm atmosphere, it is often used for informal meetings or short business conversations, as well as a comfortable place to unwind during the day.

Pool Bar, located by the pool, offers a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere with the sound of the sea and the scent of pine trees, and is especially attractive at sunset, when the terrace becomes the perfect spot for a cocktail or a refreshing drink after a day spent in the sun and swimming.

Bura Beach Bar is the perfect choice for a quick break between swims. Here, guests can enjoy light meals, cold drinks or homemade ice cream, without leaving the beach or moving away from the sea.

During the summer months, More Caffe Bar, located right by the sea with a beautiful view of Petrčane, is also open and ideal for a quick refreshment or coffee by the sea, as well as Pini Marini Beach Bar, known for its homemade ice cream, pancakes and a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, making it a favourite stop for families with children and anyone looking for a sweet break on warm days.

What does the Wellness & Spa Centre offer?

The Wellness & Spa Centre at Hotel Pinija covers an impressive 2,000 m² of indoor space and 1,000 m² of outdoor space, designed as a true oasis of peace and relaxation. Here, guests can enjoy a combination of water, warmth and tranquillity, far from everyday hustle and bustle.

Within the wellness area, guests have access to pools and saunas, including a Finnish sauna for deep warming and muscle relaxation, and a steam (Turkish) sauna, ideal for detoxification and skin care. A special experience is offered by the relax zone with heated loungers and sea view, where body and mind can fully unwind, as well as a whirlpool, perfect for relaxation after an active day. An additional dimension of calm is provided by the relaxation room with a Himalayan salt wall, which creates a pleasant microclimate and promotes a feeling of deep relaxation. (Access to the relax zone is available for an additional fee.)

In addition to spa facilities, guests can choose from a wide range of treatments and massages, tailored to different needs – from classic relaxing massages to targeted body care. Manicure and pedicure services are also available, as well as special wellness packages designed for a complete reset and a short escape from everyday life. During the summer months, some massages are also available on the beach, offering a unique relaxation experience accompanied by the sound of the sea and the scent of pine trees.

What are the pools like at Hotel Pinija?

Hotel Pinija offers several pool facilities tailored to different ages and guest preferences. Guests have access to an indoor heated pool with hydromassage features and an outdoor heated freshwater pool, allowing them to enjoy swimming regardless of the weather and season.

For families with children, especially important are the children’s indoor and outdoor heated pools, where the youngest guests can play safely while parents relax nearby. This combination of pools makes Hotel Pinija a great choice even outside the main summer season, when the sea may not yet be warm enough, but the desire to swim remains.

The pool experience is further enriched by the Sauna World, which includes a Finnish sauna, steam (Turkish) sauna and a family sauna, as well as experience showers that complete the wellness experience with various water and light effects. In this way, the pool and wellness areas naturally complement each other, creating a space where guests can enjoy both active swimming and complete relaxation.

What sports and recreational activities are available?

Guests who enjoy an active holiday will find a wide range of sports and recreational facilities. The day can start with morning walks or cycling along the coast, and continue in the fitness centre, on the tennis courts or with a game of mini golf.

The price of the stay includes the use of the fitness centre, indoor pool with saunas and outdoor pool. For an additional fee, guests can use the tennis courts, bike rental, mini golf (classic and on grass), table tennis and boules. On the beach, during the summer months, various water sports are also available, such as jet ski and parasailing, as well as kayak and SUP board rental, further enriching the offer for guests looking for sea and adventure.

What is Pini Kids Club and what kind of animation is available for children?

Hotel Pinija is especially oriented towards families, which is reflected in its rich animation programme for children and adults. The programme is led by experienced animators, and the activities are designed to include all age groups – from the youngest to adult guests.

Children can take part in mini club activities, creative workshops, sports games, Pini Kids Disco, as well as play in the children’s playroom and playground. Evening and sports animation programmes further enrich the stay and create that special, relaxed holiday atmosphere where children have fun and parents can truly unwind.

Conclusion: Why choose Hotel Pinija in Petrčane?

Hotel Pinija is not just a place to stay, but a place where holidays are experienced as a whole and without rush. A well-maintained beach in the shade of pine trees, diverse gastronomy with four restaurants and six bars, a spacious wellness & spa centre, pools, sports and recreational facilities, and rich animation programmes for children and adults create an offer that suits different holiday styles and generations.

When you add all the practical benefits – such as an electric car charging station, the proximity of a shop and pharmacy, and good transport connections – it becomes clear why guests love to return to Pinija. Here, you do not have to choose between an active and a relaxing holiday, or between a family trip and an “adult” escape from everyday life. At Hotel Pinija, everything is already in place, so you can focus on what matters most: enjoying the moment, the sea, and the time spent with the people you love.

Book your perfect family holiday now: reservations@hotel-pinija.hr

See you at Hotel Pinija!

When children are happy, parents can truly relax: a family holiday at Hotel Pinija

February 12, 2026February 12, 2026Blog, Blog

There are hotels that are “family-friendly,” and then there are hotels that truly live the family concept. Hotel Pinija has belonged to the latter group for years. Here, a family holiday doesn’t just mean larger rooms and a children’s menu, but a thoughtfully designed stay where children have their own world and parents – finally – have the chance to slow down.

Located on a green peninsula in Petrčane, surrounded by pine trees and the sea, Hotel Pinija offers that rare combination: secluded enough to feel peaceful, yet close to everything families need. Seaside promenades, the natural shade of pine trees, well-kept beaches, and the hotel’s well-organized layout create a sense of safety and relaxation from the very first day.

Children quickly find their rhythm here – mornings at the beach or by the pool, afternoons filled with games and activities, and evenings with mini disco or themed programs. Parents, on the other hand, realize that this time they don’t have to constantly “organize the fun,” because it is already thoughtfully built into the stay.

Pini – more than a mascot, a true friend on holiday

For many of the youngest guests, Hotel Pinija doesn’t begin at the reception desk or in their room, but with Pini, the cheerful sea turtle mascot who has become the symbol of the hotel’s children’s world. Pini quickly becomes the first familiar face children associate with holidays, play, and carefree moments. He is not there just for photos or a quick greeting in passing, but is an active part of the children’s world in the hotel and the daily programs – often welcoming them already in the morning, even at breakfast, creating a warm and familiar feeling from the very start of the day.

Children meet him in the Pini Kids Club, during themed days, games, and evening programs, and over time they begin to see him as their little guide through the holiday. This continuity and the presence of a familiar character help children relax more quickly, join activities more easily, and take part in group programs with greater confidence, even when it is their first time at the hotel.

For parents, Pini plays an equally important role. He is a symbol that Hotel Pinija is truly focused on families and children, and an additional confirmation that the programs are designed with attention to children’s needs, their rhythm, and their sense of safety.

It is also special that children can take a part of that experience home with them. Whether it’s a plush toy or an umbrella with his character, these small souvenirs become a memory of the holiday that children cherish long after they return home. It is precisely these details, which may seem small at first glance, that make a big difference in practice – they create an emotional connection with the place, a sense of familiarity, and a reason why children are happy to return to Hotel Pinija, together with their families.

Pini Kids Club – a place where every day brings a new adventure

Pini Kids Club is not designed as a place where children are just “looked after,” but as a small world where every day has its own story. The programs change from week to week, with different themes, games, and creative workshops, so children quickly realize that something new awaits them every day – from themed days and group games to creative activities and outdoor fun.

Days at the Pini Kids Club have their own rhythm. Mornings start with light, playful activities and meeting new friends, while afternoons are reserved for games, workshops, and programs that encourage imagination and cooperation. Evenings bring a special atmosphere – children’s programs, mini disco, and time spent with Pini become the highlight of the day.

The programs are designed to be fun, but not exhausting. Children have enough structure to feel safe and included, and enough freedom to experience their holiday as play, not as an obligation. For parents, the Pini Kids Club means the reassurance that their children are in an environment adapted to their age and interests, with an animation team that knows how to combine fun, movement, and creativity. While the children are busy with activities, parents can take time for themselves – for a walk by the sea, wellness, or a quiet coffee in the shade of the pine trees.

Game room and children’s playroom: everyone has their own space

One of the things families quickly notice at Hotel Pinija is how thoughtfully the facilities are divided according to children’s age groups. Older children and teenagers have their own game room with large TV screens and current games – a space that quickly becomes their base for socializing, friendly competition, and laughter. This is where new friendships are formed, “rematches” are arranged, and hours go by without that familiar question: “What should we do now?”

On the other hand, the youngest guests have their own children’s playroom, designed specifically for their age – a safe, colorful, and stimulating space where they can play, explore, and develop their imagination. The playroom is not just a “backup option for bad weather,” but part of everyday family holiday life, a place where children feel relaxed and welcome.

This clear division of spaces means one simple but important thing in practice: every child has content tailored to them. There are fewer compromises, less dissatisfaction, and less tension. And parents get what is most valued on holiday – the feeling that everything is easier, simpler, and more calmly organized.

Time for parents: wellness and gastronomy as part of a real holiday

One of the greatest advantages of staying at Hotel Pinija is that parents don’t have to choose between “taking care of the children” and “taking care of themselves.” While children are engaged in animation programs, in the Pini Kids Club, the playroom, or the game room, adults finally get the space for what often remains just a wish on holiday – real rest. The Wellness & SPA center offers a spacious relax zone with hydromassages and heated loungers overlooking the sea, as well as an indoor heated pool that includes the Sauna World with Finnish, steam, and infrared saunas, creating an environment in which body and mind naturally return to balance – whether through a short escape into a zone of peace, relaxation in the sauna, or a massage, even a massage on the beach under a canopy, accompanied by the sound of the sea.

After that, the holiday continues through gastronomy: Hotel Pinija features four restaurants and six bars, giving families freedom of choice and a relaxed daily rhythm – from breakfast and lunch by the pool or the sea, to dinners in a pleasant atmosphere with the most beautiful sunsets. Alongside the Hotel Restaurant Mediteran, guests can enjoy à la carte dishes and local specialties at Restaurant Lanterna, while at the Kantun Restaurant on the beach they can grab a pizza or a burger – perfect for a casual break between swimming and play. In the evening, the experience continues at the Golden Restaurant & Bar, where guests can enjoy Asian specialties, accompanied by a fire show and various evening performances that add a special atmosphere to the stay.

The offer is varied enough to satisfy both children and adults: the youngest have choices close to their tastes, while parents can enjoy Mediterranean and international flavors, without feeling that a meal becomes another obligation. It is precisely in this combination – while children have their full and fun day, and parents their peace, wellness, and good food – that Hotel Pinija shows what a family holiday without compromises really means.

Beaches, pools, and outdoor living – space for play, relaxation, and shared moments

One of the greatest advantages of Hotel Pinija is its location on a natural peninsula, where the sea, pine forest, and well-maintained promenades are just a few steps from the room. For families, this means freedom of choice – the day can start with swimming at the beach, continue by the pool, or simply with play in the fresh air, without the need for planning or long trips away from the hotel.

Next to the beach there is an outdoor children’s playground, a place where the youngest can play freely and burn off energy, while parents stay nearby and enjoy the view of the sea. In those moments, the holiday gains its true value – while the children play, parents can take the opportunity for a massage on the beach under a canopy, in the shade and with the sound of the sea.

Hotel Pinija also offers a range of additional sports facilities that further enrich the stay: mini golf, tennis, and other activities are ideal for family time or light recreation. Those who love the sea can also enjoy water fun, with the possibility of renting kayaks and enjoying inflatable water attractions, making days at the beach even more playful and dynamic.

The beaches near the hotel are adapted for families, with plenty of space for play and relaxation, while the pools offer an additional option for easygoing swimming and shared time with children. Everything is organized so that days flow naturally – a bit of activity, a bit of rest, a bit of shared moments – without stress or rush.

Why do families return to Hotel Pinija?

Because at Hotel Pinija, a family holiday feels simple and natural. Children have their own world of play, socializing, and new experiences, while parents have space for peace, relaxation, and small moments for themselves. Everything is well organized, without rush or stress, so the stay becomes what a holiday should be – time that the whole family enjoys and is happy to return to.

Book your perfect family holiday now: reservations@hotel-pinija.hr

See you at Hotel Pinija!