makarska travel guide book

Makarska Croatia Travel Guide

Makarska is a central Dalmatian coastal town and a popular seaside resort featuring a lovely old town, good nightlife, and some of the best beaches in Croatia. 

Known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear sea, seafront promenade, Mount Biokovo’s rugged landscapes, vibrant nightlife, cosmopolitan vibe, and a short hop away to the nearby Hvar and Brac islands, Makarska is a great place in Croatia to spend a summer vacation. 

Makarska is a nice town and one of Croatia’s most popular family destinations for European holidaymakers, especially Eastern Europeans. 

With our Makarska Travel Guide, find out where Makarska is, the best time to visit Makarska, and why to visit. We also share the best things to see and do in Makarska, places to stay, eat and drink, and provide all necessary travel information to help you plan your stay in Makarska, Croatia.

Makarska is located in central Dalmatia, 60 km south of Split and 220 km north of Dubrovnik. Makarska is a small town that spreads over 28 km2 and has a population of 13.000 people. Makarska is well worth a visit for beach aficionados. The best time to visit Makarska is in September. Makarska has a Mediterranean climate. A vibrant atmosphere, central location, good infrastructure, lovely surroundings, and beautiful beaches make Makarska well worth a visit. Whether you are looking for a place to relax by the beach, swim and snorkel in a lovely Adriatic, hike by the sea, high up in the mountain, island hop, or enjoy a chilled vibe all day long, Makarska’s got you covered!

Makarska has many accommodations for all budgets and travel styles: room 5-star full-service hotels, 4-star resorts, small family-run guest houses, various vacation rentals, and even a campsite. As for places to eat and drink in Makarska, worry not! Bars, restaurants, and ice cream parlors line the seafront promenade from one side of the town to the other.  

Table of Contents

Where is Makarska?

Makarska is located in central Dalmatia, 60 km south of Split and 220 km north of Dubrovnik. 

Makarska lies below Mount Biokovo. Makarska’s old town is in a sheltered bay between two small peninsulas – Osejava to the south and St. Petar to the north. 

The Adriatic Sea separates the town from Barc and Hvar Islands. The Brac Island lies just 7 nm west of Makarska, and a ferry connects them daily throughout the year. Makarska is about 17 nm away from Jelsa on Hvar Island. 

Below is the map of Makarska!

Makarska facts

Makarska is a small town that spreads over 28 km2 and has a population of 13.000 people. 

Its small size and mostly flat surface make Makarska an easily walkable town. 

During the summer, when tourists book all the rooms, the town grows to the capacity of 60.000 people if not more. 

Makarska attracts young people and families with children in high season, while senior citizens and sports groups enjoy the town in the off-season. Makarska is a nice town with a laid-back vibe of a typical summer resort.  

Is Makarska worth visiting?

While not among the top 5 destinations for first-time visitors to Croatia , which include Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Hvar, and Plitvice, Makarska is well worth a visit for beach aficionados.

It is also an excellent base for exploring the rest of Dalmatia, central Dalmatian islands, and neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina. Split, Trogir, Krka Waterfalls, Omis, Brac, Hvar, Dubrovnik, Peljesac, Korcula, and Mostar are all easily reachable daily from Makarska. 

Best time to visit Makarska

The best time to visit Makarska is in September. But you can’t go wrong visiting it anytime between June and September. 

From June to September, the weather is nice in Makarska, the tourist season is in full swing, and the town is bustling with activities and people. 

The town gets overcrowded in July and August. The crowds are especially problematic on the beaches, where people almost fight for a place to lay their towels. 

On the other hand, June and September benefit from sunny weather and fewer crowds. In September, the sea is warmer than in June, so we prefer to visit Makarska in September than in June. 

How many days is enough to visit Makarska?

Makarska is a small coastal town that can easily be visited in a few hours. However, if you are looking for a good base for your stay in Dalmatia, you can easily spend a week in Makarska.

It is centrally located to visit central and southern Dalmatian islands like Hvar, Brac, Korcula, and Mljet. It is also an ideal spot for day trips to Split, Trogir, Krka Waterfalls, Dubrovnik, Peljesac Peninsula, and Mostar.

Add to that kilometers of pristine pebble beaches, a good tourist infrastructure, and a small-town vibe, and you’ll understand why many visitors to Croatia choose Makarska for their 7-day stay in Croatia.

Weather in Makarska

Makarska has a Mediterranean climate with warm and dry summers and mild winters. January and February are the coldest months, with average night temperatures around 7 ° C, while the average daily temperature is around 12 ° C. 

July and August are the warmest months in Makarska, with average daily temperatures of 28 ° C. 

Why visit Makarska? 

Are you in search of a Croatian coastal town with beautiful beaches? Do you like vibrant yet unpretentious coastal towns with good tourist infrastructure, lovely surroundings, and endless possibilities for active holidays? And finally, are you looking for a centrally located destination in Croatia to use as your base while exploring main landmarks? Well, if you answered Yes to the above questions, then Makarska can be a great place. 

Makarska is a nice town known for its beautiful beaches, some of the best in Croatia. Some of these beaches are in the town, and others are in the neighboring villages along Makarska Riviera but within easy reach from Makarska. 

Biokovo , the second largest Croatian mountain, is a perfect backdrop in the hinterland of Makarska. This contrast between the sea and the mountain, and the wonderful nature of the Makarska region, will simply amaze you. 

Located 90 km from Split and 90 km from Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina, 150 km from Dubrovnik, a short boat ride from Hvar and Brac islands, and only 35 km from Omis, makes Makarska a perfect base to explore many interesting places in Croatia. 

The Vepric Shrine is another reason people visit Makarska. It’s dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes, and it started in 1908, on the 50th anniversary of the apparition in Lourdes. It is a nice and peaceful place worth visiting, even if you aren’t into religion.   

Makarska has many (too many) apartments to rent of various quality standards and many hotels. The lower quality accommodation attracts budget-conscious travelers, while competition makes rates even more affordable. So basically, you will find in Makarska more affordable accommodation than in other popular tourist destinations in Croatia, like Split, Dubrovnik, Rovinj, or Zadar.

Whether you are an occasional stroller or a hardcore mountain climber, Makarska offers many scenic walking and hiking trails . Some are adapted to beginners, others for more skilled hikers, and some take you along the seashore, while others bring you high up in the mountains, dramatic views included. 

Makarska is also an unpretentious coastal town where you can just relax without feeling obligated to go sightseeing or do anything. Kick back, relax, and enjoy a real summer vacation, dipping in the sea, reading, sleeping, and drinking cocktails all day. 

What to do in Makarska

Beach hopping and swimming are two main activities to do in Makarska. Don’t miss clothing-optional Nugal Beach, famed Podrace Beach in Brela, or remote Vela Duba Beach in Zivogosce. You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches in Makarska.

Makarska’s old town is small but cute, with a lovely main square, a daily farmers market, and a nice seafront promenade lined with bars, cafes, and restaurants. Explore Makarska’s old town! Stroll along Riva, a seafront promenade or chill at one of the street side terraces while watching the world go by.

If you rent an apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen in Makarska, don’t miss buying the fresh fish, a catch of the day, directly from the fishing boats upon returning to the port . Makarska is one of the few Croatian coastal towns that kept this tradition. Even if you are not shopping for fresh fish, pass by to watch the spectacle. 

Get away to the nearby islands! Hvar and Brac are just a short boat ride from Makarska, and many local agencies offer day trips to the islands. You can also rent a boat or take a ferry to reach them.

Makarska is a known hiking destination in Croatia due to ample trails through the Biokovo mountain range, Osejava Forest Park, forested paths of the Sveti Petar peninsula, and easy paths along the coast to Brela. 

Accommodation in Makarska

Makarska has many accommodations for all budgets and travel styles: room 5-star full-service hotels, 4-star resorts, small family-run guest houses, various vacation rentals, and even a campsite. 

Consider the following when deciding where to stay in Makarska: 

Parking is hard, so if you travel by car, choose an accommodation that provides parking. 

The closer to the sea and the old town accommodation is, the higher the rates. Some properties are right on the seafront. This is especially true for large full-service hotels. 

The main coastal road divides the town into two parts. Anything that is above this road, I would consider far. And also, it’s on the slopes so that you will walk uphill a lot. The views are great, though! Villa rentals are the only accommodation type in the hills I would go for. And it is simply because they are hard to find by the sea. 

Large full-service hotels often offer an affordable half-board formula where you get breakfast and dinner included in the price of your room. Sometimes you can save money by staying at hotels. Check carefully before booking your stay!

Here is our list of the best Makarska hotels !

Recommended accommodation in Makarska

A 5-star seafront, Aminess Khalani Beach Hotel , opened in the summer of 2022. We like Aminess Khalani Beach Hotel for its spacious rooms with amazing sea views, a lovely location by the sea, friendly staff, airy, modern interiors, heated outdoor pools, kids-friendly facilities, and activities. The only downside is that it is a big hotel with over 300 rooms, and it gets busy and noisy during the main summer season. Prices start at 110 € for a double room with breakfast!

Heritage Hotel Porin offers accommodation in 10 double rooms and 1 suite on the seafront promenade. We love Hotel Porin because of its central location, 19th-century architectural details, elegant interiors, and friendly staff. This is a great place to stay if you want to be in the heart of Makarska’s old town! Prices start at 100 € for a double room with breakfast!

Located near the beach and in the vicinity of Khalani Beach Hotel, we like Boutique Hotel Mirjam for its rooftop swimming pool with endless sea views, room with spacious balconies, cleanness, yummy and varied breakfast, and quiet location. Prices start at 90 € for a double room with breakfast!

If you want to feel the spirit of old Makarska when fishing was more important than tourism, choose Apartments Beso was your stay in Makarska. Set in an old stone house next to the old port and overlooking Makarska’s old town, Apartments Beso is a great place to stay in Makarska if you are looking for a centrally-located, yer quiet, and relaxing place. Owners are welcoming, friendly and caring. Prices start at 80 € for a one-bedroom apartment for 2!

Conveniently located, close to the beach and the center of Makarska, Apartments Elda offers accommodation in one- and two-bedroom apartments. The building is completely renovated, with an elevator for easy access to the higher floors. Private parking is right at the property and free of charge! Prices start at 60 € for a one-bedroom apartment for 2!

Restaurants in Makarska

You’ll find plenty of restaurants in Makarska for all budgets. Bars, restaurants, and ice cream parlors line the seafront promenade from Aminess Khalani Beach Resort to the Osejava Forest Park. 

Most of the restaurants in Makarska serve more or less the same type of food: pizza, pasta, risotto, grilled meat and fish, and burgers. These restaurants are mainly intended for tourists.

Expect to pay anywhere between 5.5 € to 10 € for a burger and 10 € to 13.5 € for a plate of pasta, risotto, or a pizza. Specialty pizzas are more expensive and cost 11 € and more. The main dish in Makarska’s restaurants costs anywhere between 20 € and 30 €, while the dessert will set you back another 4€ to 6 €. 

Restaurant Bura serves the best and the most affordable lunch in town. Just aske for marenda! Their a la carte offer is also second-to-none (albeit not as affordable as the lunch offer). 

Head to Papar Grill & Boutique Butchery for the best cevapi in town. Papar is also a good choice for all grilled meat specialties, and it offers the best value for money when it comes to eating out in Makarska. 

If you fancy an upscale dining experience in Makarska, you can’t go wrong with Restaurant Jez . 

Basta Gourmet Bar and Maka make both Neapolitan-style pizzas. While pizzas are equally good, Maka is cheaper and more popular among locals. In Cafe Romana , you can taste typical cake from Makarska. It’s called Makarana, made of almonds, citruses, rose liqueur, and various spices. Cafe Bar Skala serves the best ice cream in town! 

Beaches in Makarska

If there is one thing Makarska is known for, then it’s the beaches! This strip of the coast, known as Makarska Riviera, stretching from Brela to Gradac, features some of the loveliest, most scenic beaches in all of Croatia.

Beaches in Makarska are mostly pebbly, but the pebbles here are small, rounded, and simply perfect! Pebbles make seabed clear, and they don’t get all over you as opposed to sand. The beaches in Makarska are some of the finest we’ve swum anywhere in the world. 

Then, where to swim in Makarska? If, for the moment, we leave aside amazing beaches along the 50 km-long Makarska Riviera, and focus only on in-town beaches, here are your options.

Town beach stretches 1 km from the Sveti Petar peninsula to Hotel Dalmacija. It has cafes, bars, restaurants, shops, children’s playgrounds, and whatnot. This beach is extremely crowded in summer, but the seas remain crystal clear and clean. 

Bilosevac Beach starts right after the town beach. It is a continuous beach, but each part has its name. This beach stretches to Aminess Khalani Beach Resort. The beach also has all services and is busy during the summer because there are many apartment rentals and hotels along this strip. 

Below Aminess Khalani Beach Hotel, you’ll find Buba Beach , whose name derives from the beach bar of the same name. This beach has a clubbing vibe that attracts a younger crowd. The DJ plays music throughout the day, and the cocktails pour. Nice sunsets too!  

If you continue walking along the coast, you can go to Brela. And along the coast are many beautiful beaches like Cvitacka , Ramova , Krvavica , etc … 

Sveti Petar peninsula offers rocky shores for a more intimate beach experience. Although still crowded in summer, here you’ll always have more space for yourself than on other Makarska beaches. Clothing-optional bathing is accepted.

Beach Osejava is a small pebbly beach next to the hotel Osejava. It’s usually busy with hotel guests but also some locals. Osejava Beach is nice, but it is a bit like swimming in the port. 

And finally, Nugal Beach ! This is the nicest of all beaches within walking distance from Makarska. It takes about 30 min walk to reach this beach, but once there you’ll love it. It’s a wonderful pebbly beach with crystal-clear water! 

Parking in Makarska

Parking in Makarska is a mess and hard to come by. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many cars anywhere as I’ve seen in Makarska in July and August. In Makarska, almost every house has apartments to rent but insufficient parking spots. So you see cars everywhere. If you are staying at Airbnb, oftentimes, the owners keep an eye on a parking spot for you, meaning that they hustle on the street to keep a spot reserved for you. But this is not legal, so sometimes there are fights. All in all, horror. 

However, large full-service hotels like Valamar Meteor, Dalmacija by PLACES, or Aminess Khalani Beach Resort, provide parking for their guests. Some vacation rentals also provide corresponding parking spots for each available apartment rental. 

If you visit Makarska for a day, you can also park in parking lots or use the street parking.

Parking in Makarska is divided into three zones: red, yellow, and blue. 

Parking fee applies on all parking in these three zones, from 7 am-7 pm (Oct-May, except on Sunday), and daily from 6 am-2 am (Jun-Sept). 

In the red zone, parking costs 4 € per hour from June through September and 0.9 € per hour from October through May. The daily ticket costs 48 € and 11 € respectively. 

In the yellow zone, parking costs 2 € per hour or 24 € per day from June through September and 0.7 € per hour or 8 € per day from October through May. 

In the blue zone, parking will set you back 1 € per hour or 12 € per day from June through September and 0.4 € per hour or 5 € per day from October through May.

Transport in Makarska

Makarska is a fairly small town best explored on foot or by bike. The electric touristic train connects the town with the nearby hotels. 

Scooter, e-scooter, e-bike, and bike rentals are available everywhere. The rental prices start at 27 € for 3 hours for a scooter, 5 € for a 30 min rental of an e-scooter, or 4 € for a 1h of bicycle rental. 

How to reach Makarska

While Makarska doesn’t have an airport or a train station, it is well-served by intercity buses from all parts of Croatia. 

If you want to visit Makarska by plane , 115 km away, Split Airport is the closest to Makarska. Other options include Dubrovnik and Zadar. Zadar Airport is 200 km north of Makarska, and Dubrovnik Airport is 180 km south of Makarska. You will need to take a bus, rent a car, book a private transfer, or a taxi from each of these towns to reach Makarska. 

We don’t recommend traveling by train in Croatia because the railroad network in Croatia is very limited, the infrastructure is old, and trains are slow. However, if you still want to travel by train to Makarska, you can take a train to either Split or Ploce and from there again, you will need to take a bus, rent a car or book a private transfer or a taxi to reach Makarska. 

Intercity buses connect Makarska with many towns in Croatia. If you want public transport, then buses are your best option when traveling to Makarska. Buses are modern, reliant, fast, affordable, and frequent. You can use the Get By Bus or Bookaway website to find buses to Makarska and buy tickets online.

Car is the best way to reach Makarska . Finding a parking spot in Makarska is a real hustle in July and August. Still, the car gives you so much flexibility and possibilities to visit many beaches and other natural sites, make interesting day trips, and enjoy scenic drives along the Riviera and up in the hills. For us, having a car means having freedom! If you are considering renting a car for your trip to Makarska, we recommend Rentalcars.com !

Taking a private transfer or taxi is another way to reach Makarska. Check Connecto Transfers for the best deals. 

Money and ATM

As of January 1st, 2023, the Croatian currency is Euro. The exchange rates are as follows, 1 $ will get around 0.93 €; 1 CAD about 0.7 €, 1 AUD around 0.65 €, and 1 £ around 1.13 €. If you need to exchange money, currency exchange offices, banks, and hotel receptions are good places to look for.

You will find ATMs throughout the town. ATMs are operated by banks but also by other money operators. The bank machines charge lower fees than the others. If you are budget conscious, avoid Euronet’s, Auro Domus’, and similar operators. Stick to the bank’s ATMs. If you don’t mind a few euros here and there, use any ATM. They are all safe to use, and some are located at more convenient locations than others.

Another thing to be aware of is the so-called dynamic currency exchange rate. When you pay with a credit card, you will be offered a choice to pay in your or local currency. It’s a tricky question, as it might seem logical to choose your currency. But you’ll often pay higher fees if you choose to pay in your own currency. So, we always choose to be charged in local currency.

Most hotels offer free WiFi connections and many bars and restaurants. However, the connection is not open, and you’ll need to ask for a password.

Let us know in the comments below if you still have questions regarding Makarska Croatia!

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Makarska, Croatia: A complete travel guide

• July 25, 2023
• curious goose

This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a small commission if you use these links.

The port town of Makarska sits in the centre of the beautiful Makarska Riviera in southern Croatia. Stretching for 60 km from Brela to Gradac, along the Adriatic Sea, the Makarska Riviera boasts some of the best beaches in Croatia.

Overlooked by Mount Biokovo, the town of Makarska is the largest and most popular town in the Makarska Riviera. It’s known for its lively nightlife, seafront promenade, and idyllic setting, sandwiched between the Biokovo mountain range and the glistening Adriatic Sea. This combination of cosmopolitan bars and restaurants and stunning beaches with calm bays makes Makarska a popular choice for a perfect Croatian getaway.

Table of Contents

In this travel guide, I’ll cover how to get to Makarska, when to go and who would enjoy a trip here. I’ll also cover some of the best things to do in Makarska, as well as where to visit on a day trip from Makarska.

How to get to Makarska

Split to makarska.

Makarska is just a 1 hour drive south of Split, so travelling between the two places is relatively easy. You have two options: either by car or by bus.

By Car: If you hire your own car, it is an easy drive to Makarska. Having your own car will also make exploring the Riviera much easier. However, be aware that parking in Makarska town can be tricky, so check with your accommodation if there is parking available.

By Bus: If you don’t have your own car, you can easily catch the bus from Split to Makarska . The bus leaves from Split’s main station and will take 1.5 hours to Makarska bus station. Make sure to book your ticket in advance, Tickets cost around €9 (£7.60).

Dubrovnik to Makarska

If you are travelling from Dubrovnik in the south of Croatia, your options the same, the best way is by car or bus.

By Car: If you are driving yourself, the journey will take about 2.5 hours, but it is a scenic drive along the coastline and there are plenty of little towns and villages you can stop off at on the way to break up the journey.

By Bus: Arriva also runs a bus service from Dubrovnik to Makarska . Leaving Dubrovnik central bus station, the journey takes 3 hrs 15 minutes before arriving at Makarska bus station. You will need to book your tickets in advance, Tickets cost around €19 (£16).

When is the best time of year to visit Makarska?

The best time of year to visit Makarska is between June – September. The hottest months are July and August when temperatures can reach between 30 -34 degrees Celsius. However, this is also peak season and the busiest time of year. During these months, the most popular beaches will be very busy with families and people on their summer holidays. Therefore, the best months to visit Makarska is in June and September.

These are great months as the weather is still warm (mid-high 20’s) but there are less crowds. If you visit in May and October, the weather is around 19 degrees – low 20’s, but it is still sunny and pleasant. Note that the further out of the shoulder season you are, and during the winter months, many of the tourists attractions and restaurants in Croatia will close or partially close.

Who would enjoy a holiday in Makarska?

Is Makarska is good holiday destination for families, couples or groups? Well, Makarska has a wide range of attractions and amenities, meaning that it really is a great holiday destination for everyone.

Makarska for families

In the summer holiday months, families will enjoy the calm bays, which are safe for swimming. There’s a small playground and market at the end of the seafront promenade with a few funfair rides for families too. Makarska also has great accommodation options, from small quiet villas and guesthouses, to large resort hotels with good sized swimming pools, perfect for kids.

Makarska for friends and couples

If you are looking for a bit of relaxation, with great beaches, shops and great cafes and bars, then Makarska is a great place for you. It has all the amenities and convenience you might want for a holiday, but with plenty of opportunity to explore. Spend the day hiking to Osejava Forest Park, wandering around the old town and marina, or road tripping along the coastline of the Riviera.

Makarska nightlife

Makarska is also known for its lively nightlife, with several large beach clubs along the seafront. One of the most most popular beach clubs is Deep Makarska, located in Osejava Forest Park on the edge of Makarska marina. Makarana is another popular beachfront club, at the end of the main promenade. Next to Makarana is Bounty – an upscale restaurant and bar. In Kadic Square, in the old town, is Nautica – a bar and restaurant which is open throughout the day.

If large clubs and loud music is not your idea of a great night, there’s also lots of other options. All along the seafront promenade, you will find more relaxed restaurants and bars with gorgeous views of the sea – this is a great place to watch the sunset. Makarska old town is also a nice place to spend the evening, with smaller, more intimate bars, tucked away down little side alleys.

Great things to do in Makarska

Now that we’ve covered how to get to Makarska, when to go and what style of holiday you can have there, let’s cover some of the best things to see and do in Makarska.

1. Stroll along the seafront promenade

One of the things Makarska is most known for is its seafront promenade. Stretching for almost 4 km from Ramova beach to Makarska’s marketplace and marina, walking along the promenade is one of the best things to do in Makarska. As you make your way along the seafront, there are many shops to stop at along the way, as well as cafes and restaurants. Walking alongside the beach, you’ll also have lots of opportunities to take a refreshing dip in the sea.

2. Visit the Makarska marketplace

At the end of the promenade, you will find the Makarska marketplace – an open air market, overlooking the waterfront. Here, you’ll find every type of holiday souvenir you could ask for as well as clothes and holiday essentials. It’s open all day and into the evening. There are also a couple of pop up food stalls and bars within the market itself.

The area around the market is quite busy and is great for families, with a small playground next to the market, as well as a couple of small fun fair rides for children.

3. Wander around Makarska's old town

Just a few minutes’ walk from the promenade and market place and set back from the marina, is the old town of Makarska. Sitting in the centre of the cobbled, narrow streets is St Mark’s Church, in the main square. There are several cafes surrounding the square and this is a nice place to sit and have a rest. Another notable building in Makarska’s old town is the Franciscan Monastery, which was built in 1614 by Bosnian Monks.

Makarska’s old town may be small, compared to the old towns in Zadar and Split , however it is truly charming. Wandering around the town and getting lost in the small alleyways is a great way to spend a couple of hours in Makarska.

4. Enjoy an evening in the Old Town

The old town is one of the best places to enjoy an evening out in Makarska. Tucked away down the small cobbled streets are cosy local bars and restaurants with outdoor seating. There are often events held in the main square in the centre of the old town, with live music and dance performances. The atmosphere here is great in the evening. All the restaurants and bars fill up and people congregate in the square and throughout the streets of the old town.

5. Stroll around Makarska's marina

Sat between Makarska’s marketplace and the Osejava Forest Park is Makarska’s marina. It is a short, but pretty stroll along the waterfront. From here you can also enjoy views of the monument of St. Peter on the cape of St. Peter’s Forest Park.

6. Enjoy a scenic walk around St Peters Forest Park

St Peter’s Forest Park is a small woodland cape at the end of Makarska’s promenade. There are several trails through the forest and you can walk to St Peter’s church. This small catholic church sits on the edge of the Peninsula, with views over the coast and marina.

7. Hike through the Osejava Forest Park

On the other side of the Marina, opposite St Peters Forest Park is the Osejava Forest Park. This beautiful shady forest has hiking trails with gorgeous views of the Adriatic Sea. Walking through this forest park you can reach the hidden rocky coves of Kraljev Gaj and Solaric beach, as well as the more popular Nugal beach.

8. Visit the Mount Biokovo Nature Park

Mount Biokovo is the highest mountain in the Dalmatia region and the second highest in Croatia. The Mount Biokovo mountain range overlooks Makarska and is home to the Biokovo Nature Park . The park is only open for visitors from April to November.

The cost to enter the Nature Park on a one day ticket is 60 Kunas (£7) per person, and you will need to book your ticket in advance. If you are driving to the Nature Park, be aware that the road there is tricky and there are very limited car parking spaces. Therefore, one of the best ways to visit the park is to join an organised tour.

The most popular attraction in the Biokovo Nature Park is the new Skywalk, which opened in 2020. The glass walkway offers spectacular views of the sea and surrounding islands. If you are an experienced hiker, you can complete one of the hiking trails through the park. The most accessible route is to Vosac Peak, which is only 2.9 km from Makarska centre and follows a well-signposted route. From Vosac Peak, you can continue for another two hours to Sveti Jure, which is the highest peak in the area and offers stunning views across the coastline.

Getting to Biokovo Nature Park is not the easiest, so, if you’re not on a budget, joining a day tour to Biokovo is a great way to take the stress out of the journey.

Also read: Which Croatian national park is better?: Krka or Plitvice Lakes?

9. Enjoy Makarska's Beautiful Beaches

Most of the beaches in Croatia are pebble, so if you’re hoping for white, soft sand, you’re going to be disappointed. But the pebbles are what makes the sea here so crystal clear, and is why Croatia has some of the most stunning beaches in the Adriatic.

Top tip for enjoying the beaches in Croatia: Wear water shoes! They might not be the height of fashion, but trust me, you’re going to need them to negotiate getting in and out of the rocky, uneven shore. It is also a good idea to have a padded mat for sitting on whilst at the beach. All the locals have these and you can buy a mat and water shoes at most of the local shops along the promenade.

There are many beautiful beaches in Makarska’s Riviera. Here are some great options within a short distance from Makarska town:

Makarska town beach

During the day, the town beach is very busy and far too crowded for me personally, but convenient for those who don’t want to travel far to swim in the sea. Town beach is much more enjoyable in the evening. Stroll along the shoreline or enjoy an ice cream as the sun sets.

Ramova beach

This beach is perfect if you want the convenience of sun-loungers, restaurants and facilities, but without the big crowds of Makarska town beach. It is just 3 km away from the centre of town and you can walk along the promenade to get there.

Biloševac Beach

On the northern outskirts of Makarska, Biloševac beach can get quite busy in the summer. As well as plenty of places to eat nearby, there is an inflatable aqua park, jet ski rental and also the Makarska tennis centre. This beach is great for families and those who enjoy being a bit more active.

Nugal Beach

Nugal beach was once a hidden gem, and although it is becoming more well known, it is still quieter than some of the other nearby beaches. The beach is a small, isolated cove, hidden at the base of a steep cliff. You can only access it by walking through the Osejava Forest Park. There are no facilities on the beach, so if you’re staying for the day, bring water and snacks. Nugal beach is a naturist beach, however it welcomes all visitors. Come here early in the morning before it gets too busy.

Explore the Makarska Riviera Region

Makarska is a great place to base yourself to explore the beautiful Riviera. There is so much to do, whether you’re a foodie, a sun worshipper or enjoying walking in the mountains!

And exploring some of the other towns and villages along the Riviera is a great way to spend a day out. The Makarska Riviera boasts 60 km of pristine coastline and glistening blue sea, so you will be spoilt for choice of where to visit. Here’s just a couple of options to inspire you:

Just 15 km north of Makarska and only 20 minutes by car, Brela is a great little town to visit. If you don’t have your own transport, there are regular buses run by Arriva that take around 25 minutes from Makarska. If you’re feeling active, you can rent a bike and cycle along the promenade from Makarska. Brela is home to Punta Rata beach, which has frequently been included amongst the world’s most beautiful beaches.

The town of Baska Voda is just 10 km north of Makarska and is easily reached in 15 minutes on the Arriva bus. It is also just 5 km south of Brela, so you could easily catch the bus to Baska Voda, walk south to Brela along the shoreline, then catch the bus back to Makarska from there. Like Brela, Baska Voda is a relatively small town, with the main attraction being the beaches.

Tucepi lies 6km south of Makarska on the coast. You can reach it by either a 10 minute bus ride, or by walking through the shaded Osejava Forest Park. With a similar feel to Makarska, Tucepi has pebble beaches with calm water, suitable for families. There are also plenty of restaurants and a seafront promenade. One of the main attractions in Tucepi is the zipline, where you can whizz down the 1000 m long cable over a large canyon.

Best day trips from Makarska

Makarska is a great place to base yourself to explore further afield. Here’s some more beautiful destinations you can visit from Makarska on a day trip.

Brac can be reached by taking the Jadrolinija ferry from Makarska to Sumartin on the Island. The ferries are regular and take just 50 minutes, giving you plenty of time to explore the island. One of the most well-known spots on the Island is Zlatni Rat or the ‘Golden Horn’ beach, close to the popular town of Bol.

Korcula is just 65 minutes by catamaran from Makarska so you could easily visit this island on a day trip. It is not as popular with tourists as some of the other islands, such as Brac and Hvar , but this just means it is less crowded. Korcula Town is often referred to as ‘Little Dubrovnik’ due to its medieval squares and buildings.

The vibrant city of Split is a great day out from Makarska. It is just a 1 hour drive, or a 1.5 hour bus ride from Makarska. Spend your day in Split wondering around Diocletian’s Palace and the historic centre. Stroll along the Promenade or walk up to the Marjan Hill lookout for great views over the city.

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Table of Contents

Beaches in Makarska:

Accommodation in Makarska:

Campsites in Makarska:

What to see and do in makarska:.

Daytrips from Makarska:

Where to eat in Makarska:

Shopping in Makarska:

Nightlife in makarska:, how to get to makarska:, recommended articles:.

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Getty Images/Robert Harding World Imagery

Makarska is a beach resort with a spectacular natural setting, backed by the glorious Biokovo mountain range. While the outskirts are a little shabby, there's a lovely long waterfront promenade and a pretty limestone centre that turns peachy orange at sunset. Active types base themselves here to take advantage of the nearby hiking, climbing, paragliding, mountain biking, windsurfing and swimming opportunities, and the good transport connections.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Franciscan Monastery & Shell Museum

There's a huge contemporary mosaic in the apse of the monastery's church and a well-presented shell museum tucked around the back (enter from Alkarska),…

For a party atmosphere, head past the town beach to Buba beach, near the Hotel Rivijera, where music pumps all day during summer.

Makarska's long, pebbly town beach stretches from the Sveti Petar park northwest along the bay. It's lined with hotels, ice-cream shops and beachy stalls.

Makarska Municipal Museum

Kill time on a rainy day tracing the town’s history by checking out this collection of photos, old stones and nautical relics.

This lovely, rocky stretch lies southeast of Makarska; it's popular with nudists.

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Makarska, Croatia: The Complete Travel Guide!

Makarska in Croatia is certainly one of the most beautiful highlights in Dalmatia region and the entire Riviera is definitely one of the most beautiful vacation regions on the Adriatic . Characterized by the imposing Biokovo mountain and a gorgeous coastal landscape, this area is one of the top travel destinations in the country! It is especially the paradisiacal beaches and the many hidden bays that make the Makarska Riviera perfect for a beach vacation . A highlight is also the many romantic resorts that line this impressive coastline, attracting visitors from all over the world with their enchanting vacation flair and stunning attractions . Travelers also appreciate the wide range of activities and excursions that are guaranteed to keep them entertained.

In this travel guide, we will give you all the important information and tips about Makarska in Croatia. In addition, we will show you the best things to do in the Makarska Riviera, the best excursions, exclusive insider tips, great pictures and where to find great accommodations!

Good to know!

The most popular coastal towns on the Riviera are Baska Voda , Brela , Makarska Town, Podgora and Tucepi . Here you will also find the best hotels & accommodations in Makarska.

Directly behind Makarska rises the Biokovo Mountains , a nature park where you can find really great hiking trails. The new Skywalk is also a must-see on any visit.

The breathtaking beaches in Makarska are certainly a highlight and the reason why vacationers come back again and again. Many of them are among the best in Croatia!

The best time to visit Makarska in Croatia is from May to the end of October. During this period, you can expect pleasant weather, lots of sun and little rain!

General Information about Makarska

The wonderful resort town of Makarska is located in the center of Central Dalmatia, south of the coastal metropolis of Split and the Omis Riviera. The entire Makarska Riviera is about 45 kilometers long and stretches from Brela down to Gradac in the south. Along this distance runs the Adriatic coastal road, the so-called Jadranska Magistrala, which connects the 15 fantastic resorts of Makarska. From the road you can always enjoy spectacular views of the amazing Riviera with the deep blue sea and the high cliffs of the mountains. Some of the popular holiday islands such as Brac Island and Hvar Island can also be seen from the panoramic road.

The Makarska region is unique in Croatia because the imposing mountains of Biokovo National Park form a magnificent contrast to the splendid coastline. In addition, during your vacation, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia . The most famous is Punta Rata, which together with the imposing Brela Stone has become a landmark of the Makarska Riviera. The tourist offer is also perfect in Makarska. There are numerous good restaurants, traditional taverns and great bars, as well as fantastic accommodations in every price range. So, everyone is sure to find his or her own personal holiday happiness!

Best Things to Do at Makarska Riviera

During a vacation to Makarska you can look forward to a whole range of attractions and excursion destinations worth seeing. These are located along the 45-kilometer-long Riviera and some of them are even among the most beautiful places in Croatia. So that you don’t lose the overview, we have summarized the best things to do in Makarska at a glance:

Makarska Old Town

One of the most beautiful places to visit is the picturesque Old Town of Makarska . Walking through the historic center, past romantic alleys, typical Dalmatian stone houses and squares, you will discover many attractions worth seeing. The main sight is the famous Kacicev Trg with the Church of St. Mark , and the picturesque Kalelarga Street should not be missed on any tour of the city center. Next to it is the Pijaca, a local market selling local delicacies as well as fruits and vegetables.

Makarska’s picturesque seafront promenade is the heart of the coastal city and a great place for a stroll. Right behind the promenade are numerous cozy restaurants and cafés. Here you can enjoy the lively hustle and bustle with a view of the harbor and the sea.

Tip : The Hotel Central Beach 9 is a lovely 4-star hotel and is in a prime location close to the beach and the old town. A fantastic choice for a vacation in Makarska!

The wonderful coastal town of Brela is certainly one of the most popular places for a beach holiday along the Riviera, and a visit is one of the best things to do on any trip to Makarska. The most important attractions here are the famous Brela stone and the adjacent Punta Rata beach , which has become the main landmark for a vacation in Makarska. Absolutely stunning is also the coastal promenade, a romantic footpath that connects the fantastic beaches of Brela on a length of about 6 kilometers and leads to the next village of Baska Voda.

Tip : Wonderful for a beach vacation is Casa Mare Brela , which enchants with modern vacation apartments in the first row of the beach.

Biokovo Nature Park

The Biokovo Nature Park is one of the most spectacular sights in Makarska. This imposing mountain range is the perfect place for hiking, for long bike rides or just to enjoy the surrounding nature. A 23-kilometer-long panoramic road leads high up into the park, offering countless views of the mountainous landscape. The road eventually leads to the 1,762-meter peak of Sveti Jure . On the way up, you will find countless opportunities for hiking and great places to rest in beautiful nature. One of the highlights of the park and one of Makarska’s most famous attractions is the Biokovo Skywalk , which opened in 2020. This is a mountain experience that you will not forget in a hurry.

Tip : Tours to the Biokovo Nature Park are also offered, including pick up from the resort. On a guided tour , you can enjoy several spectacular viewpoints as well as the Skywalk.

Forest Park Sveti Petar

A visit to the forest park Sveti Petar is a real highlight on our list of the best things to do in Makarska. This picturesque park is located near the old town of Makarska on a peninsula and can be reached easily on foot. The view of the stunning bay of Makarska with the imposing Biokovo Mountains in the background is just breathtaking. If you like, you can hike along the coast to the Sveti Petar lighthouse and circle the forest park. On the way, there are cozy bathing places in addition to small cafés that invite you to take a break.

Tip : A real insider tip is the Apartment BURA 1 , which is in a prime location directly beneath the forest park and offers a magnificent view of Makarska Old Town and the sea.

Baska Voda is a real jewel of the coast and one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Makarska Riviera. Here you will find dream beaches with fascinating sea colors and a unique vacation atmosphere . A highlight is also the particularly charming harbor and the enchanting promenade with countless cozy cafés and restaurants. The most important landmarks of Baska Voda are the bronze statue of St. Nikola and the church of the same name in the center of the village. Also worth a visit are the small museums in the center of the village, such as the Shell Museum, the Museum of Local History and the Archaeological Collection.

Tip : Recommended for a vacation in Makarska is the beautiful Grand Hotel Slavia . Guests love the perfect location directly by the sea!

Osejava Forest Park & Nugal Beach

The Forest park Osejava is one of the insider tips in Makarska. It is located between the towns of Tucepi and Makarska city and is a wonderful area for hiking along the coast. Many different paths lead you through beautiful pine forests, past breathtaking viewpoints, and you will always enjoy an enchanting natural scenery . In between, you will always find hidden swimming spots where you can jump into the sea and relax for a few hours in wonderful tranquility. However, the highlight of Osejava Park and a real insider tip in Makarska is the Nugal beach , probably one of the most stunning natural bays of the entire Riviera!

The village Podgora is a charming resort in the heart of the Makarska Riviera . This beautiful coastal town is especially appreciated by beach lovers. Here you will find truly picturesque beaches, the sea shining in the most spectacular water colors, and a vacation landscape at its finest. A beautiful promenade runs along the coast, and the pretty harbor with its fantastic restaurants and cafés is also worth a visit! The landmark and most famous attraction of this pretty resort is the monument of Don Mihovil Pavlinovic, a monument with two giant seagull wings, which towers above the town.

Tip : The Medora Auri Family Beach Resort is a popular hotel in Podgora. Great here are especially the location by the sea and the inviting pool!

The coastal town Igrane is a real insider tip for a perfect visit to Makarska . With only 400 inhabitants, one of the smallest villages of the Riviera, an exceptionally quiet and serene atmosphere awaits you here. Moreover, the beautiful scenery is wonderful because the town was built directly on a hill, and thus it exudes a unique charm . The most important attraction is the church Gospa od Ruzarija, which impresses with its imposing bell tower and essentially forms the townscape. The small tourist center and the beach are also gorgeous and make you want to spend unforgettable vacation days here.

Tip : The TUI BLUE Adriatic Beach is a fantastic choice for a holiday in Makarska. It delights its guests with delicious food and a beautiful beach section.

The picturesque resort of Tucepi is a popular destination for sun-seekers as well as for active vacationers. With a length of 4 kilometers, the famous Tucepi beach is the longest beach on the entire Makarska Riviera , where you want to swim and relax right away. Here, visitors enjoy a magnificent ambience of light pebble beach, turquoise sea and the impressive Biokovo mountain range in the background. The tourist center is located around the pretty harbor, which enchants with its many fishing boats, yachts and excursion ships. Numerous fantastic bars , cafés and konobas along the coast provide delicious food and cool drinks and create a great unique atmosphere.

Tip : The Central Beach Apartments offer really lovely apartments in the best location, directly on the beach and with a view of the sea.

Place of pilgrimage Vepric

An interesting attraction in Makarska is Vepric , an enchanting place of pilgrimage surrounded by picturesque nature . This shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and is located in the western part of the region, directly on the coastal road. The place, which was founded in 1908 by Bishop Juraj Carić, exudes a unique peaceful atmosphere and is also popular with non-believers. While walking through the complex, one can visit several places of worship and there are also opportunities to meditate or pray.

Best Day Trips from Makarska

Thanks to the great location, you can enjoy a wide range of day tours from Makarska. Whether it’s culture, nature or sports, the surrounding area offers plenty of opportunities for amazing things to do. Here are the best tours from Makarska summarized at a glance:

One of the most popular day trip destinations from Makarska is definitely the old town of Split . It is only 60 kilometers away and thrills as a UNESCO world heritage city.

A trip from Makarska to the coastal town of Omis is highly recommended. Here you will be amazed by the spectacular Cetina gorge, the old town and there is a zipline !

From Makarska you also have the possibility to visit the city of Mostar in Bosnia or even the city of Dubrovnik in the south of Croatia via a day trip!

A real insider tip is a trip to the hinterland of Makarska, where you can admire the Red Lake and the Blue Lake of Imotski in the midst of beautiful nature.

But also boat trips to the offshore island world, such as to Brac Island with the famous Golden Horn , can be booked from Makarska.

Find the best accommodation in Makarska:

More about croatia:, top 20 amazing things to do in dubrovnik, croatia, korcula island, croatia: the ultimate travel guide, 15 unique things to do on hvar island, brač island, croatia: the complete travel guide, 15 best places to visit in istria, croatia.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning that if you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Our Wanders

Your Everything-To-Know Guide To The Makarska Riviera, Croatia

How could you not fall for a place where turquoise waters meet mighty mountains? Makarska Riviera is one of our favorite regions in Croatia. While it sounds like a bad cliché, this doesn’t make it less true. In fact there’s usually truth in clichés.

Anyway, it’s like telling someone you love them. You don’t care how many times that simple, passionate sentence was told in human history. You just tell it from your heart. So: we love the Makarska Riviera . We’re not the only ones as this beach region is probably the most popular on mainland Croatia.

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What makes the Makarska Riviera so special?

Stretching 60 kilometers from Brela to Gradac, it offers countless pebbly beaches with crystal clear, turquoise water, surrounded by evergreen pine forests. And it has a spectacular natural backdrop: the giant white cliffs of Mount Biokovo. With the barren peaks towering above the coast most of the beaches are blessed with quite picturesque views.

Best place to stay in Makarska:

• luxury : Hotel Park Makarska (4 stars, beachfront)
• mid-range : Hotel Maritimo , Makarska (3 stars, beachfront)
• budget : Villa Palma Apartments , Makarska (free private parking)

What’s more, the pebbles on the beaches are usually small and smooth, so they won’t hurt your feet if you walk barefoot. Unlike on many rocky and pebbly beaches in Croatia, water shoes are not an absolute necessity here. Yet you can still enjoy those incredible shades of blue, azure and turquoise!

Add some fancy restaurants and bars, seafront promenades and buzzing nightlife, and you get the ideal beach holiday destination. With one disadvantage though: everyone and their mother wants to enjoy their summer vacation here, making it so crowded in July and August that it’s hardly enjoyable.

Our most important advice: avoid high season

I know, one goes to the beach when it’s hot. July and August are usually the hottest, sunniest months of the year in Europe – and in Croatia. That’s the exact reason that people are usually packed like sardines on any beach in the Mediterranean during the summer. You can choose to be one of them, of course.

But we prefer visiting the Mediterranean countries in the fall. If you’d like to have time on the beach and swim, then September could be the best choice for Croatia .

October is usually too chilly, windy and rainy, even on the Dalmatian coast, and the sea gets cold quite fast with the shorter days and colder nights. May might have beach weather, but the sea is still too cold at that time – around 17-19°C (62-66°F). September is the sweet spot: the sea is warm enough after the hot summer months, and there’s a good chance for beach weather, too. You need some luck, yes. But we usually take the risk, and we can enjoy less crowded beaches in exchange.

Makarska: the center of the riviera

Squeezed at the foot of Mount Biokovo, Makarska is the center of the riviera that’s named after it. It was our base for 10 days the last time we visited this region together, and we enjoyed staying here.

If you do the same, here’s what you should consider : choose a place that’s close to the sea and has private parking. The seafront promenade leads you to everything you’ll love in the city: stunning beaches, restaurants and bars with sea views, Sveti Petar Peninsula, the harbor and the old town. If you have a car, private parking makes your life so much easier! Finding public parking is a pain, and it also costs a lot.

Read this, too: Minimalist Packing List For A Family Beach Vacation

The best beaches of Makarska

Makarska is not large. Maybe that’s the reason that we liked even its Main Beach, though we’re usually not too enthusiastic about centrally located beaches in cities. Makarska’s Main Beach has an urban atmosphere, and it’s surrounded by hotels and restaurants. But it’s large and pretty, the water is clear, and the view of the towering Biokovo Mountains gives it a special charm.

As we walked along the promenade, it led us either towards Sveti Petar Peninsula and the harbor, or various other beaches in the other direction. These beaches have names – Cvitačka Beach, Buba Beach, Ratac Beach -, but we never really checked the map to differentiate them. And they’re not that different either: pretty pebbly bays with pine trees, rentable deck chairs and mountain views in the back. We usually went to whichever we found the least busy, and we enjoyed them all. Some of these bays are so small that they’re suitable only for one or two families. We only found them free if we arrived early enough in the morning, even at the end of September.

But there are two beaches that we do know by name. Our two very favorites, located on the exact opposite sides of Makarska: Ramova Beach and Nugal Beach. They have a lot in common: you need to walk for them; the path runs through a lovely pine forest; a giant rock wall is right behind the beach; nudists love them. And we love them, too, because they’re so scenic and have a remote, out-of-town-lost-in-nature vibe. Read on to figure out how to reach them.

Coastal trails in the city

Another thing we loved about Makarska is that staying in an apartment in the center we were walking distance both from the main beaches and the lovely coastal trails. That’s right, there are coastal trails, pretty ones! They can be reached on foot from the city center within 10-20 minutes.

Walk around Sveti Petar Peninsula

For one, Makarska has quite a special public park on Sveti Petar Peninsula . This small peninsula is named after a 13 th -century church of St. Peter, and it’s at the port entrance of Makarska. We liked walking the loop trail around it, because it treated us with stunning views of the Main Beach on one side and the harbor on the other. Our favorite view of Makarska’s harbor is from the statue of St. Peter, but we liked all the quiet paths of the Mediterranean park.

The peninsula also offers some beaches . Although we prefer natural to concrete beaches with ladders, these ones are so scenic with Mount Biokovo right in front of you that we still liked them. Then there are some natural rocky beaches which are a bit out of sight despite being so centrally located. (And you bet, naturists like them, too.)

The trail to Nugal Beach

the view of Nugal Beach from the Gradac viewpoint

Another amazing and easy coastal trail is the one that leads from Makarska’s harbor to Nugal Beach. It’s about 2 kilometers long and took us 50 minutes one-way. On our way back, we did a short detour up to the viewpoint named Gradac. It was our favorite view of Nugal Beach and its giant cliffs from above! The view of the Adriatic coastline and Mount Biokovo is also stunning.

Nugal Beach feels remote, and a giant, vertical rock wall towers above its turquoise water. It’s a pebbly beach, and once it was a secret beach for naturists. It’s too well-known for that by now, however, there’s still a nudist area on the beach. Because of its unique scenery and the picturesque coastal trail that leads there, it’s one of our favorite beaches in Croatia!

The trail to Ramova Beach

The coastal trail towards Ramova Beach starts where the paved seafront promenade ends. Right by the beginning of this walk you find Biloševac Beach which is already somewhat quieter than the more centrally located ones. As the trail goes into the pine forest, you’ll find several small coves (often used by naturists).

But continue further, because Ramova Beach is the prettiest of all the bays on this route. It’s a pebbly beach, with larger, but mostly smooth pebbles and a scenic rock wall at the northern end of the bay as a backdrop.

The coastal trail doesn’t end at Ramova Beach though, and we walked a bit further: to the peaceful harbor of Krvavica. It’s an official bike route and runs along the coast all the way to Brela.

Makarska’s harbor and old town

So that lovely seafront promenade takes you from the Main Beach to the palm-fringed harbor and the tiny, but picturesque old town of Makarska. The harbor is busy with ferries, excursion boats, and you can easily find boats and jet-skis to rent, as well. Its promenade is called Riva, and people pour into the countless restaurants here in the evenings.

Kačić Square is the center of the old town. It’s dominated by St Mark’s Church and the towering cliffs of Biokovo – just like anything in town. 🙂 There’s a flower and fruit market next to the church where we could find the best fresh fruits and veggies. For fresh fish, head to the harbor.

Just like any old town on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, the old town of Makarska consists of narrow, cobbled streets and stone houses. They’re definitely not suitable for cars, but suitable for romantic walks and lovely photos.

Read this, too: 15 Stunning Day Trips From Split, Croatia

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Brela: visit the most beautiful beach in Croatia

Let’s take a look outside of Makarska, because however fabulous it is, there are many other places on this riviera that are worth a visit. Like Brela, with a beach which is consistently voted the best one in Croatia . We had to visit it, of course, to see if it’s worth the hype. It is.

Punta Rata is a spectacular beach! The water is crystal clear, the bay is quite large (though not large enough for the summer crowds) and scenic, and lush green pine trees offer shade on the beach. It even has an iconic pine tree that sits on top of a huge rock at the end of the bay. You shouldn’t resist taking a picture of it, no one does – especially not me.

Punta Rata is considered a sandy beach in many articles, but it’s not really sandy. It has very fine, small pebbles, and they’re comfortable to walk on barefoot. It’s also considered a family-friendly beach. Though the water gets deep soon, the entrance is smooth and the waves are usually small. Our Tomi enjoyed playing in the “almost sand” for sure.

In the evening we walked along Brela’s seafront promenade from Punta Rata towards Podrače Beach and further until the sun set. You’re facing a sea sunset here, by the way, so it’s worth waiting for.

Read this, too: 10 Stunning Croatian Beaches You’ve Never Heard Of

Tučepi: visit the longest beach of the riviera

Tučepi is home to the longest beach of the Makarska Riviera. Kamena Beach is almost 4 kilometers long, it has fine, small pebbles and grand views of the Biokovo Mountains. Not surprised? But believe us, you can’t get enough of Biokovo views!

There’s a long promenade fringed by Mediterranean pines behind the beach with bars and restaurants. It’s another great spot for a sunset walk (or drink).

Živogošće: explore hidden beauties

We came to know about the small town of Živogošće because of Velika Duba Beach . This large, pebbly bay is actually outside of any town, but Živogošće is about 15 minutes walk from it. The coastal trail from the town to Velika Duba is easy and pretty, and Velika Duba Beach has such a remote atmosphere that’s rare to find in such a popular holiday region. (Again, September matters.)

If you prefer parking right by the beach, then drive directly to Velika Duba on the dirt road – that’s what we did. Parking costs about the same as in Živogošće.

After a lazy beach day at Velika Duba, we explored the scenic coastal trail to Živogošće in the afternoon. The trail ended at the Blato Beach , but we continued walking to the tiny harbor and further along the coast. That’s how we bumped into Dole camping – one which is so close to the sea and has such cute cabins that we got sorely tempted for camp life.

Meet the mighty mountain of Makarska: Biokovo

We’ve been eyeing with Biokovo during all those beach days until we finally had a day that was not too hot for getting lost in an unshaded, rocky landscape. Biokovo Nature Park is accessible on a paved road which leads all the way up to Sveti Jure’s 1166 meters high summit. But don’t expect a highway, it’s extremely narrow and has countless hairpin curves. There are sections where we had to back up when someone else arrived from the other directions. Naturally, there’s no way to pass another car. 

But in exchange for the hard drive, we got easy trails . Sveti Jure summit is an easy walk from the parking lot at the end of the road. There are other nice viewpoints on the way that can be reached on 20-30 minutes long hiking trails. Our favorite is Vošac that offers fabulous views of the Makarska Riviera and the islands below.

The Biokovo Skywalk is right by the road, it’s a new and quite cool attraction. It’s included in the admission that you pay when entering the nature park. Though as we were told by a somewhat unfriendly park ranger, we were supposed to visit it only once during the day, and it should happen on the way up (about which no one told us beforehand). They didn’t even allow us to park there on our way down from Sveti Jure. I understand their reason, which is handling the crowds, but our kid was sleeping in the car on the drive up, and we would have liked to show the Skywalk to him on our way back. We are just used to more kindness in Croatia.

Day trip to the crater lakes of Imotski

While the Makarska Riviera is typically chosen for beach holidays, that doesn’t mean you can’t find other exciting outdoor activities. Most people just don’t look for them. In addition to the countless trails that Biokovo offers, there’s a unique day trip to the crater lakes of Imotski.

Yes, Croatia even has crater lakes, two of them! They’re located about 40 minutes drive from Makarska, in the small town of Imotski. But only one of them has water all year: Crveno Jezero (Red Lake in English) . Despite its name, the water is deep blue, red in the name refers to the steep red rock walls around the lake. We enjoyed the views from several viewpoints by the lake.

The other lake, Modro Jezero (or Blue Lake) , was a bit disappointing to us, because it was completely dried out by September. It should not have come as a surprise though, it usually dries up during the summer. There’s a trail that takes you down to the bottom of Blue Lake – or to the local’s soccer field when there’s no water.

You can also stroll on the lovely streets of Imotski, visit its medieval fortress, the Topana Fortress, or take a bike tour along the Vrljika River.

Enjoy the sunsets

Sea sunsets, there’s nothing like you! Okay, maybe ocean sunsets. 😛 Anyway, the Makarska Riviera is facing west, and that means amazing sunsets on clear days .

Our favorite sunset view was with the iconic Brela tree , but you know, each sunset has its own beauty, especially when you’re with people you love.

This particular shot is from the small bay of Mala Duba, and as you might – or might not – see I was breastfeeding my baby boy while watching the sun set. A peaceful, warm moment when even our energetic, fidgeting Tomi stayed calm for a while. And another place where I enjoyed an astonishing view while breastfeeding. 🙂

It’s expensive anywhere on the Makarska Riviera. Most of the beaches have paid parking lots where you can choose to pay hourly or daily rates (even outside of the high season). You need to pay for parking in Makarska, too. If you encounter free spots, those are usually for residents only, or for customers of a restaurant or supermarket.

The best solution? Book an accommodation that offers free private parking (lots of them do that!) and is walking distance from the beach. We did that in Makarska, so we only paid for parking when we visited Brela or other beaches outside of Makarska as a day trip.

Get our compact, easy-to-follow 10-Day Croatia itinerary and enjoy the trip of your lifetime.

Where to stay?

No wrong choice here, but consider your needs and plans for the stay. Makarska is the largest city, so if you like buzzing nightlife and a large selection of restaurants and bars, don’t look further. However, we enjoyed Makarska with a toddler, too. A centrally located accommodation allows you to walk anywhere in the city and to many different beaches. It’s not a real big city, anyway, just pleasantly lively. It was also a great base for us to explore the trails and beaches of the whole region.

Baska Voda is right next to Makarska, and it’s popular among families who prefer a quieter, smaller town. The Biokovo massif towers above Baska Voda and its beaches similarly as in Makarska, so it’s really like a little brother. However, let’s keep it real: no place will be quiet in this riviera in the high season. Every single coastal town, even the tiniest one, will be incredibly busy, and all the beaches will be packed.

If you want to spend more days on the amazing beaches of Brela , stay there at a place that offers free private parking and is walking distance from the beaches. Punta Rata Beach has one of the most expensive parking lots in Croatia, and you might not even find an available spot in the summer.

Tučepi , Podgora and Živogošće are south of Makarska. They have their own seafront promenades and pebbly bays, with an amazing mountain backdrop, as usual here. Really, any small coastal town will have at least a small bay for swimming. However, what we said in general doesn’t cease to be true here: they’re all busy in July and August.

I remember summers from my childhood where we drove to Croatia with my parents, stopped in a town that we liked and started to look for accommodation there. We quickly found one. But that was about 20 years ago, you can’t do that anymore. Plan ahead, and plan outside of the high season if possible.

Have you been to Croatia? Do you have a favorite region?

Disclosure: Please note that affiliate links are used in this post, and at no additional cost to you, we earn a commission if you make a purchase. If you are ready to book your trip and would like to support this website in some way, here’s your chance. Thank you! 🙂

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Related articles:

Which Are The Best Makarska Riviera Beaches?

Your Guide To Zadar Old Town, Croatia

What To Do In Varaždin, Croatia’s Best Baroque City?

By beata urmos.

Bea is a travel writer and the co-founder of Our Wanders, an adventurous family travel blog. She’s been traveling for more than 10 years, seeking outdoor adventures, fairy tale castles and unique experiences. She's passionate about sharing all she has learned along the way, and she's an expert in planning trips of any length. She’d love to help you plan your own amazing trip, too.

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Destinations

Makarska city travel guide.

Makarska is a small Croatian coastal city located in the South of the country, in the Dalmatian region. The city hosts 14.000 inhabitants year-round but hosts also a lot of tourists during the high season. Makarska is particularly renowned for its fine sandy beaches, its palm-fringed promenade and its bustling nightlife. One of the highlights of Makarska is also its old town with narrow-stone-paved streets and several outstanding monuments.

Article's main photo:  Vedran Tolić

MAKARSKA TRAVEL GUIDE

History of makarska.

During the 2nd millennium before Christ , there was a settlement near the Makarska that we know today. It is the first trace of Makarska ever recorded . During the 3rd century before Christ, the Makarska region became part of the broader alliance of tribes led by the Ardaeans . The Romans settled in Makarska during their reign because it was a strategic place for them.

Photo by: Anita Tamburovic

This place became part of the Eastern Roman Empire after the division of the empire, in 395. The city was called back in those days “ Muccurum” . Muccurum was then destroyed in 548 by the Ostrogoths led by their king, Totila . They were then expelled by the Byzantine Emperor. During the 7th century, the area was occupied by the Narentines , known as “Pirates of the Adriatic” a South Slavic tribe that occupied the Southern Dalmatia. It is during the 12th century that the city was annexed to the Kingdom of Croatia , but was conquered by the Republic of Venice as of a century later. After the Venetian withdrawal, Makarska was alternately ruled by several authorities: Croatian, Bosnian and Herzegovinian . In 1452 , Duke Stjepan Vukčić Kosača gave the region to the Venetian Empire to protect it from the Turks that were invading the Balkans. But Makarska fell to the hands of the Turks in 1499. The name Makarska was first cited on paper during the Turks reign, in 1502 . Makarska was used as a connection point with other cities of the Adriatic sea so it was a very strategic and protected area . They thus built a lot of defensive buildings to protect the city, including a fortress (used as a defence against the Venetians), three towers and big walls surrounding the city. Venetia took back the city in 1646 but the Turks were still fighting to gain it back until 1699 .

It remains under Venetian influence until 1797 which is when it is given to the Austrians thanks to the Treaty of Campo Formio . It became under the influence of Napoleon for a few years, between 1806 and 1813 , before being back to the Austrian authorities. The French empire brought a lot of social and technical innovations during their conquest. As in the whole region, Austrians imposed a policy of Italianization (that is to say that the official language became Italian). It was only in 1865 that Croatian was introduced. Makarska remained assigned to Austria-Hungary until 1918 though. Tourism gots in start in Makarska in 1914 with the erection of the first hotel . The population of Makarska tripled after WW2 and the city profited from a general growth .

Photo by: Zvominir Cuvalo

MAKARSKA CITY SIGHTS

St marko’s church.

Located in the Kacic Square (the main square) the St Marko’s church was is a nice little church that will delight the history enthusiasts. This baroque church was started building in 1700 thanks to the initiative of the Makarska bishop Nikola Bijanković . In 1756 the Bishop Stjepan Blašković consecrated St Marko’s church. The church is decorated with several altars including one containing the bones of St. Clement , the patron saint of the city of Makarska and the diocese. Unfortunately, the church was highly damaged in 1962 because of a violent earthquake and had to be partly rebuilt, changing a little bit the appearance of its interior.

Statue of Andrija Kačić-Miošić

Andrija Kačić Miošić was a very popular Croatian poet and Franciscan monk , as well as a philosopher and teacher , descendant of one of the oldest and most influential Croatian noble families. He was a very wise and brilliant man. He notably contributed to the development of the modern Croatian language. He lived during the 18th century and was born in Brist, near Makarska, so it is not surprising that this monument was erected. The plinth is decorated with beautiful mosaics and features all the countries mentioned by the poet in his famous songbook “ pleasant conversation of the Slavic peoples ”. This expression of national consciousness made Kačić-Miošić a hero in these lands, but it didn’t go down too well with the Habsburg Monarchy of the time. The Empire banned the mosaic; it was finally added in 1922 , 32 years after the monument was erected. Rendić , the sculptor, was one of the most famous and talented Croatian sculptors.

Photo by:  Vedran Tolić

Franciscan Monastery  

This monastery has recently celebrated its 500th anniversary . It hosts a picture gallery, a library, a museum focusing on preserving shells and the Institute of Mountains and sea.  The Franciscan monastery was built in 1502 after the Franciscans arrived from Bosnia. The monks created a library that hosts more than 5000 volumes (books, manuscripts, journals…). It has a huge archive with writings from different areas and different periods.  A church is located in front of the monastery, the church of St Mary , that was built during the 14th century . It was damaged several times but it is still in a good shape thanks to the fixes provided to the church.  Around 1910 a new church was built, the building finished by the 1940’s. It has a beautiful dome and a magnificent mosaic showing Christ, God and the gift of life that he gives to humans. It was created by Joseph Biffel .  The old monastery has for itself a rustic cloistered courtyard with a stone wellhead, a church and a bell tower. It used to be a school for religious studies where monks could learn about science, natural sciences and humanities.  One of them was Dr Jure Radić , an eminent biologist who created the Institute of the Sea and Mountains that still exists nowadays and that is located in the monastery. There is as well the very popular Malacological museum , a museum that collects shell species. The museum has the biggest shells collection in the world with more than 3000 different shell species ! It is the most famous place in Makarska. 

St Philip’s church

Located on the waterfront, this little church featuring a bell tower will for sure catch your attention. A clergyman of Split and a Bishop of Makarska, Nikola Bjanković , decided to build it in 1672 to establish a Philippine congregation and build a church dedicated to St Philip Neri. It was finished building in 1680 . It has modest yet beautiful decorations. Bishop Blašković and his nephew are both buried in the church, by the main altar. There is a legend telling that one night, the church was locked and people heard organ music emanating from the church and they thought that it might be the Bishop trying to make the faithful understand that he wanted to be moved out of the church. When they opened the church, they realised that his body was perfectly preserved . When they closed back the grave, the music was never heard again . True miracle or preserving sea salt, it is up to you to choose!

St Peter’s peninsula

The little church of St Peter is located on the St Peter’s peninsula that protects Makarska’s harbour. It is a city park with a long promenade and beaches. This is a true fragment of beautiful nature. The church was built during the 15th century . Around the church and the peninsula, you can find Roman, Venetian and Prehistoric remains which make it a very interesting historical site. You can as well admire the Biokovo mountains in the background, the sea, the islands and the city. There is as well the St Peter’s lighthouse that was built in 1884 and an undersea cave that was built during the WW2 by Germans to store submarines. St Peter’s peninsula is a very famous place to jump for the cliffs , people come from all over Europe to try it!

TRANSPORT AND ACCOMMODATION IN MAKARSKA

If you are travelling to Makarska or any other town on Makarska Riviera by car , depending on the direction (Austria, Slovenia, Hungary) you need to go through Zagreb to Split with main Croatian highway A1 , or along the Croatian coast from Rijeka to Split or Makarska.

Photo by: Antonio Ralija

The closest international airports to Makarska are the ones in Split and Dubrovnik (Dubrovnik is 165km away from Makarska). From Dubrovnik or Split, frequent bus lines are available to Makarska, or you can choose taxi (it must get very expensive so try to avoid it) or car rental . The train station in Split is just next to the bus station in Split, from where you can continue your journey to your final destination on Makarska Riviera.

InterCity trains operate now from Zagreb to Split and back three times a day (with additional connections at night).

Bus lines connect all parts of the country. Regular international bus lines connect Croatia with all neighbouring countries, as well as most of the middle European and West European countries. You can stay in one of the numerous hotels of Makarska, including some overlooking the sea.

Photo by: Galib Birindzic

WHAT TO DO IN MAKARSKA

Start your day in Makarska drinking a coffee overlooking the sea on one of the numerous terraces offering a great view. Then head down to the Kacic Square to go to the green market , a market taking place each morning and that sells fresh products and flowers. Take advantage of being in Kacic to visit the old Franciscan monastery and the church . Spend time here to immerse yourself in this very unique atmosphere. Don’t forget to admire the Statue of Andrija Kačić-Miošić while being in Kacic square. Then enter the Malacological museum to admire all the different shells. You will spend a little bit of time here as there are more than 3000 species. After the visit, you can whether eat a picnic using what you bought at the market whether heading down to a restaurant. There are many good restaurants, you won’t struggle to find one.

After lunch, head down to the Nugal beach that is 20 minutes away walking from the centre but that is worth it. Spend a few hours here to relax and maybe even to swim . Once you feel like moving, head down to the St Peter’s peninsula to visit the park . Have a look at the church and at the ancient remains , it is interesting and beautiful. Don’t forget to take pictures of the mountains in the background! Check also the lighthouse that is quite charming. End your day by admiring the beautiful sunset on the peninsula , it is the best one in Makarska.

Photo by: Patrick Knapic

Now that it is night time , put on your best outfit and let’s go! Makarska is famous for its nightlife . If you want something trendy and with an overexcited atmosphere, I would suggest you to go to the deep bar and club , it is the place where all young people meet, you are sure to spend a great night there. Furthermore, it is built in a cave which gives it a surreal atmosphere , you have to try it once in your life!

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The Makarska Riviera in Croatia: Best Beaches & Travel Tips

Where turquoise blue water meets spectacular mountain ranges – welcome to Makarska Riviera! This approximately 50 kilometre long section of coast in the south of Dalmatia is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and impressive holiday destinations in Croatia .

Right behind the roofs of the picturesque coastal town, the barren peaks of the Biokovo Mountains rise steeply into the sky. The natural backdrop along the Makarska Riviera is definitely something quite special.  

Small warning: It could happen that after reading this travel guide you will want to book a holiday in Makarska Riviera right away. Not to say we didn’t warn you. We let you in on our best tips and the most beautiful beaches along the Makarska Riviera so that you can perfectly prepare for your trip. Here we go!

1. Makarska Riviera in Croatia: Overview of interesting Facts and initial Tips

2. best places, beaches and sights along the makarksa riviera, 3. tips for day trips in the region, 4. staying along the makarska riviera: our tip.

Where is the Makarska Riviera?

The Makarska Riviera starts a one-hour drive south of Split in the town, Brela. From there the Makarska Riviera stretches about 50 kilometres south until Gradac.

Along the coastal road, which snakes along the feet of the Biokovo Mountains, you will pass by many picturesque port cities. The largest city of the Makarska Riviera (and also where the name comes from) is Makarska. We will share more detailed information and tips about each place in later chapters.

What can I experience in the Makarska Riviera?

The Makarska Riviera is first and foremost a beach holiday destination . This is because there are some dreamy beaches located along this section of Croatia’s coast – including the Punta Rata beach in Brela, which is often voted the most beautiful beach in Croatia.

You will mainly find pebble beaches along the Makarska Riviera. The water glows with intense blue tones. With the combination of the high towering Biokovo Mountains behind, you can look forward to an incredible backdrop.

Are you not so keen on spending the entire day lying on the beach? No problem – the Makarska Riviera is also a great destination for anyone who prefers to be sporty and active . For example, there are endless hiking trails in the Biokovo Nature Park . The area is also suitable for biking tours .

Last but not least, we find the small coastal towns (or often villages) along the Makarska Riviera very picturesque and worth seeing. It is most lively in Makarska. A coffee here, an ice cream there and an aperitif at sunset – if you are looking for relaxing Mediterranean flair, you’re in the right place.

Where is the best place to stay along the Makarska Riviera?

Short answer: It depends! There will be some places that are more suitable than others, depending on what you are after. Spoiler: The differences between each place are not so big that you could go seriously wrong.

We will briefly describe the most well-known holiday spots so that you can get a bit of an idea in advance. Detailed information with our tips will follow in the next chapter.

• Makarska: The largest city in the region is suitable for anyone who like to have it as urban as possible. Here you can sip an aperitif on the lively promenade and dine in various restaurants.
• Baška Voda: If you find the hustle and bustle of Makarska to be too much, you will be in good hands in Baška Voda. It is a little more relaxed here. The backdrop (turquoise blue water, ports, mountains in the background) is very similar.
• Brela: The perfect place for people who love the beach because here you will find some of the most beautiful beachers – especially Punta Rata. The town itself is quite a long stretch, so you shouldn’t expect to find a proper historic town centre here.

The largest city in the Makarska Riviera is the port city of the same name, Makarska. With around 13,000 inhabitants, it has a very city feel, although the centre still leaves a very relaxing impression – different than in Split, for example.

Makarska has a comparatively large old town when you compare it to other cities in the region. So if you like to stroll through small alleyways, stop in at one or another café and let yourself drift a little, you are in good hands in Makarska.

Sights, highlights & must-dos in Makarska

Main square: You should definitely pay a visit to Makarska’s enchanting main square (‘Kačićev trg’). A few buildings worth seeing are nestled in this spacious square – above all the baroque parish church of St. Marko. And in addition, you have the spectacular mountain panorama – wow! Our tip: We recommend Caffé Bar Kantun for a coffee break, located nearby.

Banks of the promenade: Another highlight in Makarska is the long, lively harbour promenade called Riva. Countless restaurants are situated here. In the morning the locals enjoy their ‘kava’ here, in the evening people pour into the restaurants.

View of Makarska : It is worthwhile to walk further along the promenade, both in the direction north and south. You can enjoy a lovely view back towards the old town in both ends. We ‘only’ made it to the viewpoint next to the Sveti Petar statue. However, if you like you can take a longer walk through the pine forest until you get to the lighthouse.

Dining at Arta Larga by Gastro Diva: Of course, we can’t miss a restaurant tip in our blog article. For Makarska, we can highly recommend this small restaurant hidden in the old town. On the menu they offer Mediterranean, modern inspired dishes – including vegetarian options. We found it great!

Beaches in Makarska

Main beach in Makarska (Donja Luka): Makarska’s city beach can be found about a 10-minute walk west of the old town. Here a long-stretching pebble beach with a breathtakingly beautiful mountain backdrop is waiting for you. It was very peaceful when we were there, but we were told that it can often be very overcrowded during the main season.

Nugal Beach: Here you can expect to find one of the most beautiful bays around Makarska. This rather natural beach is located south-east of the old town in Osejava forest park and is only accessible on foot or by boat. Nugal Beach was once a legendary FKK beach (in one particular section), now many people in swimsuits also visit the beach.

Baška Voda is located about a 15-minute drive north of Makarska. The town is kind of the smaller version of Makarska . The flair and backdrop are similar however, it is less busy. (Important: Baška Voda is nevertheless a popular holiday destination in the high season. Just so you don’t get the wrong impression.)

The old town of Baška Voda is tiny – it is not much more than a few streets. The beaches, however, are gorgeous and the atmosphere is very pleasant.

Sights, highlights & must-dos in Baška Voda

Promenade & view of Baška Voda: One thing not to be missed is a relaxing stroll along the promenade in direction north. There you will find a kind of headland. From here you can enjoy the best view back towards the town centre including the mighty Biokovo Mountain Range rising up behind it.

St. Nicholas church: The most well-known church in Baška Voda is the St. Nicholas church, located practically right on the promenade. Don’t expect any big highlight, but it’s worthwhile to stop by.

Beaches in Baška Voda

There are many pretty beaches located close to the old town of Baška Voda, which are within easy walking distance. The backdrop is mostly similar: light pebbles, turquoise blue water , and all that in front of the impressive mountain backdrop.

We ourselves spent our time at the town’s beach close to the St. Nicholas church, which was uncommonly empty when we visited. Important: Sometimes the situation can be very different during the high season. Then probably the beaches further away from the town centre are the better option.

Where is the most beautiful beach along the Makarska Riviera? If you want to trust the top rankings, then it’s in Brela: Punta Rata Beach, with its distinctive, overgrown cliffs jutting out of the sea, is something of a landmark of the region.

One thing is for certain: Brela is not a classic beach holiday destination . It doesn’t have a proper historic centre; the beaches are more clearly the focus. The town is very long and skinny and one bay is lined up beside the next.

Along the kilometre-long promenade , some of which runs very idyllically under pine trees, you pass by hotels, apartments, restaurants and of course beaches – Dalmatia like in the picture books, so to speak.

Speaking of taking a walk: You can walk from Brela to the neighbouring town of Baška Voda (approx. 20 to 25 minutes). So, if you desire a little more hustle and bustle, you don’t have to go without.

Our restaurant tip: You can eat very well in Konoba Feral. Unfortunately (like almost everywhere), there are not many vegetarian options, but the quality of the meals is fantastic.

THE beach in Brela: Punta Rata

Hello postcard motif! The pebble beach of Punta Rata is simply a feast for the eyes. A striking cliff rises out of the turquoise blue sea, which is overgrown with green pines. Wow!

Important to know: There was really very little going on during our visit – however, unfortunately this beautiful little place on earth is usually not so empty. Nevertheless, the backdrop is just gorgeous. It can be a little challenging to find a carpark during the high season. So, if you are staying in Baška Voda, we would recommend walking over from there instead.

Biokovo Nature Park

Imposing, mighty & visible from afar – the Bioskovo Mountain shape the Makarska Riviera landscape in a special way. One section of the mountains is declared a nature reserve to protect the flora and fauna. We can only warmly recommend taking a day trip to this nature park.

What is there to experience in the Biokovo Nature Park?

The Biokovo Mountains are the second highest in Croatia and therefore an Eldorado for everyone who likes to spend time in wild, untouched nature. An extensive network of hiking trails runs through the nature reserve. Since climb up to the top of Sveti Jure (1,762 metres) requires some fitness, many people (including us) explore the mountains by car . (We will get to the many special things that await you here soon).

Even though at first glance Biokovo seems to be barren, the vegetation is surprisingly lush. One special part is that an incredible number of different animals live here: In the few hours that we were there we spotted horses, cows, and countless birds.

Drive to the skywalk & peak (Sveti Jure): Our tips

Perhaps you have already come across reports online about the dizzying roads that snake their way through the Biokovo Mountains? In case you haven’t, then we can reveal that quite an adventure awaits you here.

J ust a single road makes its way through the Biokovo Nature Park. It begins at the main entrance (in the south-east, close to Podgora) and winds its way from here 23 kilometres upwards. The mountain road ends right on top of the peak (Sveti Jure) at 1,762 metres above sea level.

About halfway along this stretch is the newest attraction in the Biokovo Nature Park, the spectacular skywalk . Think what you like about such ‘artificially created’ viewpoints, but the view from here is really incredible. The entrance is free.

Important info for the drive

• The street is just one lane ! That means you must avoid oncoming traffic. There are quite regular wider sections. However, you need to be aware that sometimes it may be necessary to reverse. So, it you aren’t comfortable with doing hill-starts or steering on steep mountain roads, you shouldn’t drive your own car!
• The second section of the journey (from the skywalk to the peak) is even more nerve-wracking than the first. So, if you were already sweating after the first part, you should think about whether or not to continue further.
• Only a certain number of vehicles are allowed into the nature reserve at one time. In the high season it is not uncommon to have a line of vehicles waiting at the entrance very early in the morning.
• We personally probably wouldn’t drive up during the high season anyway but rather hike up or take a scooter. There was barely anything happening when we were there (due to the pandemic). However, when we think about having to perform daring evasive manoeuvres every hundred metres, we would be a little different.

More detailed info including opening times and entrance fees can be found on the official website: Biokovo Nature Park

Imotski & Blue Lake

Deep in Croatia’s inland, shortly before the border to Bosnia and Herzegovina, you can find the sleepy town of Imotski . Imotski is famous for an extraordinary natural jewel: The blue Lake , a karst lake, shimmering with the deepest blue tones.

You can reach Imotski from the Makarska Riviera in about a 30 to 50 minute drive (depending on where you leave from along the coast). Once you park your car, you can explore Imotski and the Blue Lake on foot. If you want a relaxing time, we would plan at least half a day for this excursion.

Imotski: Walk to the attractions in the town centre

Contemplative, likeable & pleasantly calm – this sums up the mountain town of Imotski in just a few words. Before you explore the Blue Lake, we warmly recommend taking a stroll through the historic town centre.

The cobbled alleyways exude a very special flair. In some corners the plaster is crumbling a lot, but it is precisely due to this reason of the houses not being perfectly renovated that gives the town its very likable charm.

For a coffee break , you can stop off at Šetalište Stjepana Radića. A few cafés and bars are nestled there. From there you can head up a few stairs to the legendary football stadium ‘Our Lady Dolac’, build directly on the mountain.

From there it is just a stone’s throw to Topana Fortress – a historic castle complex built practically directly at the precipice of the Blue Lake. You can visit the fortress. (There is a small entrance fee in summer.) You have the best view of the lake from a small viewing platform right in front of the entrance to the fortress.

Blue Lake: Decent to the natural phenomenon

The Blue Lake (‘Modro Jezero’) is already quite simply a surreal, breathtaking sight from the bird’s eye view . It was probably created from the collapsing of the karst layers above. The water is fed from underground paths. Therefore, it is possible that the water is very low during the height of summer, or the lake can even dry up for a short time.  

A gravel path snakes its way down to the lake. If you have enough time and are reasonably good on your feet, then we can only warmly recommend the descent. Allow around 30 minutes for the track. Sun protection and reasonably sturdy footwear are recommended. (From experience, you can also do it in Birkenstocks – so not to worry.)

Once you reach the bottom, a long awaiting cool down in the cold lake water is waiting for you. Good to know: We were actually the only people down the lake shore when we visited. That is however unfortunately not the norm, as we have seen in other photos. The lake is a popular day trip destination, especially during summer.

Red & Green Lakes

Just a few kilometres away from the Blue Lake lies the so-called Red Lake (‘Crveno Jezero’), the name of which is somewhat misleading. It gets its name from the steep red walls that rise up around the lake. With the combination of the green water, a very special spectacle of nature is also waiting for you here.

In contrast to the Blue Lake, you can’t walk down to the lake – the walls are far too steep for that. The Red Lake is therefore only viewable from the bird’s eye view and the stopover is quite manageable in terms of time. You can park your close to the lake.

All good things come in threes: The third lake in the league is the Green Lake (‘Zeleno Jezero’) It is located a bit out of the way, about a ten-minute drive away from the Red Lake. It is not surrounded by the high rock walls, but more spacious and just a worth seeing.

Perhaps you are searching for the ideal place to stay during your holiday in the Makarska Riviera? Then we have an excellent tip for you. We chose (after some extensive researching) the Villa Basca in the town of Baška Voda, which we can highly recommend.

What should you expect? A peacefully situated, family run accommodation in which you feel very comfortable right from the start. Here you have a historic house which has been carefully renovated and which houses but nine comfortable rooms. A small side tip: We were very happy with our balcony and would definitely book a room with a balcony again.

The place is outstanding: The Villa Basca is located in an extremely quiet side street right in the centre. The promenade and beaches are just a stone’s throw away and getting there is also convenient thanks to the on-site parking.

The hosts are very accommodating and friendly – you feel a bit like one big family. The extensive breakfast is also worth a mention. (If you are vegetarian, you should let them know the day before.) Our conclusion: highly recommended – we will gladly come again.

You can book the hotel here: Villa Basca

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This travel guide contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through the links, we receive a small commission. This does not change the price for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

And now we are curious: Have you ever been to the Makarska Riviera? Were you just as impressed as we were? Where did you stay? We look very forward to hearing about your experiences and tips in the comments – thank you very much!

You might also be interested in this

Croatia Itinerary: The Most Beautiful Travel Destinations for your Road Trip

Rovinj Travel Guide: Best Sights, Beaches & Tips

Šibenik Travel Guide: Wonderful Sights & our Tips

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Makarska Riviera in Croatia (2024): Things to do in Makarska – travel guide

Imagine fine pebble beaches with turquoise blue sea, lush pine forests and seaside towns with the massive Biokovo massif towering over them like a sentinel – the Makarska Riviera in Dalmatia is one of the most beautiful destinations in Croatia . Discover the best things to do in Makarska Riviera, the most beautiful beaches, interesting places, tips for excursions and other useful information in our complete travel guide to Makarska Riviera, Croatia.

The Makarska Riviera stretches along the Adriatic coast for 60 kilometres between the towns of Brela in the north-west and Gradac in the south-east.

Its imaginary centre is the smaller town of Makarska. Apart from this, it includes other popular resorts including Brela, Baska Voda, Krkavica, Tučepi, Živogošće, Podgora, Drvenik or Gradac.

14. Imotski

The best restaurants on the makarska riviera, by bus or train, things to do in makarska riviera: best places and beaches to visit.

Apart from lazing by the water, diving and water sports, the Makarska Riviera offers plenty of things to do in Makarska. Now we will show you interesting places and tips for excursions that we think are among the best on the Makarska Riviera and Dalmatia.

1. Makarska

Stroll along the waterfront promenade, known as the Riva, which is lined with cafés, restaurants, bars and shops. It is the perfect place for a quiet walk, sitting down for a meal or just observing the surrounding world.

Don’t miss the historic old town with St. Mark’s Cathedral , which, while not as imposing as other cathedrals in Europe , has an indescribable charm thanks to the dominant mountain behind it. Wander the narrow pedestrian streets that wind out of the square and pop into one of the wine bars or restaurants.

When you want to cool down, go to the town beach, which is crowded in the high season, but on the other hand is beautifully clean and with complete facilities (we will get to the most beautiful beaches on the Makarska Riviera).

Park šuma Sveti Petar is located a short walk from the port of Makarska. Here you’ll enjoy well-groomed trails, bars and restaurants, and viewpoints with seating to watch the sunset.

2. Promenade across the Makarska Riviera

Across the Makarska Riviera, from Brela to Gradac (with a few exceptions), there is a promenade around the coast, which is suitable for walking and cycling. There are benches here and there, and you can refresh yourself along the way and enjoy the fantastic views.

Especially the sunsets here are as good as on the whole Makarska Riviera due to its position to the west.

3. Biokovo Nature Park

Take a hike in Biokovo Nature Park, where you can enjoy fantastic views of the Adriatic coast and inland. The trails vary in difficulty, from a few hours to a full day. And who knows, you might even see wild horses roaming around along the way.

Go hiking early in the morning, especially in high season. We left at 5am and returned before lunch to escape the worst of the sun. In addition, in the afternoon the sky is often cloudy and there is a risk of thunderstorms. Bring plenty of water too, as there are almost no refreshment options in Biokovo.

A short walk from the entrance to the park is the botanical garden, where you can see many species of plants from the mountain environment in one place.

Hotels in Makarska 😴

TUI BLUE Adriatic Beach

4* all-inclusive resort suitable for couples

Medora Auri Resort

All-inclusive resort ideal for families

4. Park Biokovo – Sveti Jure

With an altitude of 1762 metres, Sveti Jure is the highest peak of the Biokovo mountain range and one of the highest in Croatia. There is a small chapel at the top.

There is a mountain road through Biokovo Park to the top of Sveti Jure, which can be reached by car or bus. The road is panoramic, very narrow and with many hairpin bends. Especially in high season, be prepared for the fact that you may have to reverse in front of cars coming back down. In addition, a maximum of 20 cars are allowed into the park every hour, so there are queues (for up to 2 hours) at the bottom of the park entrance.

The best time to visit is so early in the morning, when you can enjoy the park without crowds and you will have a much more pleasant ride up.

Biokovo Park is a protected area and entrance to the park is charged – at this link you can book your entry to the park and ensure that you actually get into the park during the season. The entrance to Biokovo Park is located between Tučepi and Podgora.

5. Skywalk Biokovo

The biggest attraction of the Biokovo Park for most people is the Biokovo Skywalk at an altitude of 1228 metres. You can imagine it as a 12-metre long glass walkway that stretches over the edge of the cliff.

The walkway is made of safety glass and suspended from a metal frame so you can not only see in front of you, but also watch the cliff drop down below.

The Biokovo Skywalk is located about halfway to Sveti Jure and entrance is included in the Biokovo Park entrance fee.

6. Peak of Vošac

For one of the best views in Biokovo, climb to the top of Vošac at an altitude of 1,422 metres. The route starts in the small village of Makar just outside Makarska, where you can park your car at the church in the free parking lot .

From there, you will have a 2.5-3.5 hour climb to the top with an elevation gain of over 1,000 metres. The trail is not difficult, but wear good shoes, have plenty of water and a sure step.

If you are unsure of the mountain terrain, you can reach the top of Vošac by an easy route suitable for children from the Planinarski dom pod Vošcem lodge, where you can park. You can get here by turning left off the road to the top of Sveti Jure. From the car park, you can walk to Vošac in about 25 minutes.

7. Osejava Park

If hiking in Makarska appeals to you, the Osejava Park is just a short walk away. A beautiful wooded area with even better views, where you can enjoy plenty of hiking and biking trails that often lead under the shade of the trees. Osejava Park is located between Makarska and Tučepi.

Split , a historic town northwest of Makarska, houses the magnificent UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Temple, one of the most beautiful monuments in Croatia . You can wander through the old streets of the city, climb the bell tower for a fantastic view, or walk to Marjan Park for more views of the city and coastline.

From Makarska, it takes about an hour to get to Split, depending on where exactly you are starting from.

☞ Read our detailed travel guide to Split .

9. Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik , known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic”, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for its well-preserved old town surrounded by impressive walls that are a joy to explore. And if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, Dubrovnik shouldn’t be missed.

From Makarska it is about 2.5 to 3 hours by car, but the sightseeing route along the coast is worth it. In high season, prepare for lots of tourists, just like in Split.

10. Island of Hvar

Hvar is one of the closest islands around the Makarska Riviera. It is easily accessible by ferry or catamaran. Explore Hvar’s picturesque harbour town, lavender fields and vineyards, or visit secluded beaches and nooks and crannies where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings almost to yourself.

The easiest way to get to Hvar is from Drvenik, where ferries leave several times a day – check the timetables on the Jadrolinija website.

Bluesun hotel Neptun

3* resort by the beach in Tucepi

Villa Palloma

Family hotel with apartments in Baska Voda

11. Island of Brac

The island of Brac is another popular destination in the Adriatic Sea, home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach and the charming town of Bol. You can reach the island by ferry or catamaran from Makarska – you can find the timetables here .

Zlatni rat beach is often praised as the most beautiful beach in Croatia. This is due to its shape, which changes according to the wind. The beach is beautiful, but it’s literally head to head in the summer and the prices are quite high for Croatia. I recommend coming as early in the morning as possible to enjoy the beach more for yourself.

12. Boat trips

Makarska is a great base for boat trips. From here you can reach the nearby islands of Brac and Hvar (see previous points), but also more distant places like Dubrovnik.

The catamaran serves the line Split-Brač-Makarska-Korčula-Mljet-Dubrovnik . The journey from Makarska to Dubrovnik takes 3.5 hours. In Dubrovnik you will have about 2 hours before the catamaran goes back.

From Makarska, the same line will take you to the island of Korcula, with its beautiful historic centre, in just over an hour.

Or disembark in Mljet, the greenest island in Croatia , and set off from the marina to Mljet National Park. There is a charge for admission and you can also rent bikes on site or take a dip in the local lake, where salt and fresh water mix. More information about Mljet Park can be found on the official website .

13. Krka National Park

Krka National Park is a little further away – it is 2.5 hours northwest of Makarska, so you can visit it on your way home.

The park is famous for its beautiful waterfalls, including Skradinsky Beech and Roški Waterfall. A beautiful place to walk along the wooden paths or take a boat ride on the local lake.

☞ Are you planning a holiday? Here are the best things to do in Croatia (including a map and practical information).

In Imotski, about an hour’s drive from Makarska, there are two unique natural attractions: the Blue and Red Lakes – karst lakes set deep in the rocks, around which a trail with views leads.

Surprisingly, you won’t meet too many people here, but the entrance is free and the lakes are very easy to reach because they are located right next to the road.

☞ Are you planning a holiday to one of the Croatian islands? Here you will find tips on the most beautiful islands in Croatia, including information on how to get to the islands (ferries, ports, etc.) and downloadable maps.

The best beaches on the Makarska Riviera

The Makarska Riviera is famous for its beaches with fine pebbles and crystal clear water, which are lined with lush pine forests. Here are some of the best beaches in Makarska:

Punta Rata, Brela: Punta Rata is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the region and boasts a picturesque pebble beach surrounded by pine trees.

Baska Voda beach: This beach is located in the town of Baska Voda and offers a combination of pebbles and sand with crystal clear water ideal for swimming and snorkelling. It is family-friendly and offers a range of facilities including cafés, restaurants and sun loungers.

Tučepi Beach: Tučepi Beach is the longest beach on the Makarska Riviera and is over 4 km long. It offers a pebbly shoreline, shallow water ideal for families and plenty of facilities such as beach bars, sun loungers and water sports equipment rental.

Nugal beach, Makarska: Nugal is a small, picturesque pebble beach located between steep cliffs. It is accessible after a 30-minute hike through the pine forest. It used to be a nudist beach, but recently it has become very popular, so you can find a nudist section and a regular beach.

Podgora beach: Located in the village of Podgora, this beach offers a mixture of pebbles and sand with clear water ideal for swimming. It is surrounded by the picturesque backdrop of the Biokovo Mountains and offers various amenities such as sun loungers, parasols and beach bars.

Beaches of Zivogosce: Smaller beaches suitable for families with children in the small village of Živogošće. It has a pebbly coastline, crystal clear water and is surrounded by olive groves and pine trees.

Hotels on the Makarska Riviera

• TUI BLUE Adriatic Beach: 4* hotel suitable for couples, all-inclusive and close to the beach
• Medora Auri Family Beach Resort: Excellent resort for families with children in Podgora
• Bluesun hotel Neptun: Modern 3* all-inclusive resort right by the beach in Tucepi
• Villa Palloma: Smaller, family-run hotel (choice of rooms and apartments) a short walk from the centre of Baska Voda
• Apartments Grozdana: Cheap, cozy and fully equipped apartments in Gradac

What is the traditional food to taste in Makarska?

The cuisine on the Makarska Riviera, as in the whole of Dalmatia and Croatia, is strongly influenced by Mediterranean flavours and traditions.

The basic products are fresh seafood, local ingredients and quality olive oil, which is completely different in taste from the oils you normally buy in the shops. The cooking process is very simple to allow the natural flavours of the ingredients to shine through.

Traditional food on the Makarska Riviera and Dalmatia in Croatia:

• Grilled fish: Fresh fish such as perch, bream or sardines are simply grilled and served drizzled with olive oil, garlic and herbs to enhance their flavour. Petya doesn’t really like fish, but he liked it here very much.
• Black risotto (crni risotto): This unique dish has a dark colour thanks to the calamari ink that is mixed with Arborio rice, calamari, garlic, onion and white wine. It has a rich and spicy taste.
• Octopus salad: A refreshing starter of tender octopus, tomatoes, onions, capers and olives, flavoured with olive oil and lemon juice.
• Peka: A traditional Dalmatian dish prepared by slow cooking meat (usually lamb or veal) and vegetables (potatoes, onions and peppers) under a bell-shaped lid (peka) covered with hot coals.
• Self-contradiction: Slow-cooked beef stew marinated in vinegar and red wine. The dish is cooked with onions, carrots, celery, garlic and spices and served with homemade gnocchi or pasta.
• Buzara: A popular seafood dish usually made from mussels or clams and cooked in a sauce of white wine, garlic, parsley and tomatoes. Top with crusty bread.
• Prosciutto (prosciutto) and cheese (cheese): Quality Croatian ham is often paired with local cheeses, such as the famous Pag cheese from the island of Pag. This combination is a popular appetizer or snack, served with olives and bread.
• Fritule: Fried small balls of dough similar to doughnuts, flavored with lemon or orange zest, raisins and sometimes a little brandy. They are usually dusted with icing sugar and served as a dessert or sweet snack. They can be bought in various windows or kiosks.
• Rožata: Traditional Croatian custard pudding made from pudding similar to flan or caramel cream, flavoured with pink liqueur and topped with caramel sauce.

What to drink in Croatia?

Do you like beer? Try Karlovačko, a popular light beer with a light and refreshing taste, or Ožujsko, a lager beer with a smooth, biting taste.

The Makarska Riviera is home to many great restaurants to enjoy. Here are our tips for restaurants around Makarska, where the food is delicious and the restaurants are unique:

• Konoba Feral, Brela
• Konoba Galinac, Brela (+ view)
• Restaurant Bracera, Baska Voda
• Konoba Pukic, Promajna
• Restaurant Panorama, Makarska (+ view)
• Konoba Ranch, Tučepi
• Masline Bar, Zivogosce

How to get to Makarska Riviera?

The nearest international airports on the Makarska Riviera are Split Airport (SPU) and Dubrovnik Airport (DBV). Split Airport is about 85 km from Makarska, Dubrovnik Airport is about 170 km away. Many airlines from various European cities fly to these airports on a regular basis. Check out the latest flights to Split here .

Upon arrival, you can rent a car or take a bus to the Makarska Riviera. There are no trains to Makarska.

If you plan to rent a car, you can pick it up right at the airport. You can book here to ensure the best price.

Makarska Riviera by car

Roads in Croatia are generally well maintained and marked. In high season, be prepared for possible traffic jams.

If you want to enjoy a beautiful view of the Adriatic Sea on the way, take the D8 (Adriatic Highway). The journey will take longer than the E65, but the views are worth it.

Petrol and diesel prices vary from country to country. The current fuel prices can be found at this link .

Depending on where you are travelling from, the following charges may apply:

• A vignette in Austria for €11.50 for 10 days. You can buy a vignette for Austria online.
• A motorway vignette in Slovenia for €16 for 7 days and €32 for 1 month. You can buy a motorway lock here .
• Karavanke motorway tunnel between Austria and Slovenia for €8.20 (beware, there are queues in high season)
• Toll in Croatia (see next item)

Toll in Croatia

Croatia has a toll system on its motorways, operated by Hrvatske Autoceste and Autocesta Rijeka-Zagreb (ARZ). Here is a map of the toll sections where you can calculate the toll.

Tolls are calculated based on the distance travelled and the category of vehicle. You can pay in cash, by credit/debit card or through the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC, ENC in Croatian).

If you are using an electronic toll collection system, just drive through the marked ENC lane and the toll will be automatically deducted from your account. To use electronic toll collection, you need to purchase an ENC – here is a list of sales outlets.

The advantage is that you don’t have to wait at the toll gate. Plus, you’ll get a discount on tolls.

☞ Read our detailed guide on how to drive to Croatia (fees on the way, route, map and other tips).

Speed limits on roads in Croatia

• In built-up areas, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h.
• On open roads outside urban areas, the maximum speed is 90 km/h.
• On expressways (two-lane roads with off-ramps), the maximum speed limit is 110 km/h.
• The speed limit on motorways is 130 km/h.

☞ How to protect yourself when travelling by car: Auto insurance provides you with car insurance to get your car repaired, towed to a garage, transported back home or a replacement vehicle if needed. They will arrange and communicate everything for you.

Parking on the Makarska Riviera can be challenging during peak season. There are a lot of tourists for the limited number of parking spaces. Outdoor (mostly paid) parking lots are located near the beaches and marinas.

You can pay for parking at the machine. It’s a good idea to arrive at popular spots in the morning to ensure a free parking space.

On-street parking in the city is mostly reserved for residents. If you are arriving by car, please check whether your accommodation allows free or additional parking. In addition, some properties require you to inform them when you book that you will be arriving by car in order to secure a parking space.

Prague is one of the cities in Europe that offers relatively good connections to Makarska, mostly with 1 change. You can choose between day and night lines. From Prague you can reach Makarska Riviera by the following ways (connections are interconnected):

• Flixbus bus to Zagreb, Croatia and here change to bus to Makarska – journey around 17-18 hours
• Take the Regiojet train to Ogulin, Croatia and change to a connecting bus that will take you to the Makarska Riviera (stops at all resorts) – almost 24 hours
• Regiojet train to Rijeka, Croatia (same connection as to Ogulin, only you get off at the next station) and from there by bus to Baska – journey 17 hours
• Here you will find all train and bus connections clearly in one place.

The bus to Zagreb also stops in Vienna or Graz. Trains go via Bratislava and Zagreb.

Prices in Makarska, Croatia

Prices on the Makarska Riviera can vary depending on the season and location. Makarska is cheaper compared to some other European destinations, but in the high season prices rise. If you’re wondering how much a holiday on the Makarska Riviera will cost, take a look at the approximate prices:

Accommodation

• Cheap hotels, guesthouses or private rooms: 30-60 € per night
• Hotels or mid-range apartments: 60-120 € per night
• Luxury hotels or villas: €120 or more per night
• Cheap local restaurants: 6-12 € per main meal
• Mid-range restaurants: 12-25 € per main meal
• Fine dining: €25 or more per main meal
• Beer (0.5 litres): 2-4 €
• Imported beer (0.33 litres): €2.5-3-5
• Coffee: 1,50-3 €
• Soft drinks: 2-3 €
• Local bus ticket: 1,50-3 €
• Taxi fare (standard fare): 1,50 €: 1-2 € per km, initial rate 2-4 €
• Car rental: 30-70 € per day, depending on the type of car and rental company.

What is the weather and when to visit Makarska Riviera?

When deciding when to visit the Makarska Riviera, the weather in Makarska and the amount of tourists and activities will play the biggest role in the decision.

Let’s take a look at what kind of weather you can expect on the Makarska Riviera throughout the year:

Summer (June to August): This period is the main tourist season on the Makarska Riviera, with warm and sunny weather, temperatures from 25°C to 30°C and the warmest sea temperatures (around 24°C). Expect large crowds, higher prices and limited accommodation availability.

Ramen season (May, September and October): In May and September to October, the ramen season has milder temperatures (around 20°C to 25°C) and fewer people, which is a great time to visit if you prefer a quieter atmosphere. The sea temperature remains warm enough for swimming. Prices and availability of accommodation are generally more favourable during this period.

Low season (November to April): It can be cooler in the low season on the Makarska Riviera, with temperatures ranging from 5 °C to 15 °C and, especially from November to February, more frequent rain. Some tourist facilities may be closed or operate on a limited basis during the low season, and accommodation prices tend to be lower because there are fewer tourists.

Is travel insurance to Croatia necessary?

Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover any necessary medical treatment due to illness or accident during your stay in Croatia.

However, the insurance does not cover any deductibles (for example, for hospitalisation, dental treatment or medicines).

Travel insurance covers this deductible, as well as situations such as trip cancellation, loss of luggage or liability insurance . Travel insurance will thus comprehensively take care of your safety while travelling. Take a look at travel insurance here.

Tips on how to enjoy your holiday on the Makarska Riviera

• Book your accommodation in advance: gone are the days when it was enough to book your accommodation on the spot. Especially in high season, book early to ensure the best options and prices.
• Plan your day trips: The Makarska Riviera is a great starting point for exploring nearby attractions such as Split , Dubrovnik, Hvar Island and Krka National Park.
• Enjoy food in local restaurants and konobas (traditional Croatian taverns) – fresh fish and seafood, local cheeses, pastries and wine.
• Protect the environment: Help preserve the natural beauty of the Makarska Riviera by respecting protected areas, not littering and using natural sunscreens that do not disturb the underwater environment.
• Croatians are known for their warm and welcoming hospitality , which you can most feel away from the tourist areas.
• Hello – Dobar dan
• Goodbye – Doviđenja
• Please – Molim
• Thank you – Hvala vam

This has been our detailed travel guide to Makarska Riviera in Croatia and things to do around Makarska. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!

More information about Croatia

CROATIA: Get inspired by the best destinations to go to the sea in Croatia or check out our travel guide to Split. Read our detailed guide on how to drive to Croatia (fees along the way, route, map and other tips).

Are you planning a holiday to one of the Croatian islands? Here you will find tips on the most beautiful islands in Croatia, including information on how to get to the islands (ferries, ports, etc.) and downloadable maps. Looking for inspiration? This is a list of the best things to do in Croatia (including a map and practical information).

GREECE: Or are you more interested in Greece? Things to do in Greece we share in the next article.

ITALY: There are so many beautiful places in Italy – we’ve listed the most beautiful places in Italy in a separate article.

SPAIN: Get inspired with tips on best things to do in Spain. From beaches, historic towns to beautiful nature. Mallorca is one of the most beautiful islands in Spain – see photos and tips on things to do in Mallorca .

23 Things to do in Croatia: Best places to visit (+ map)

13 The Most Beautiful Croatian islands for holiday in Croatia

26 Best sea destinations and beach resorts in Croatia

Split, Croatia: 15 Things to do in Split – travel guide

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20 great things to do in Makarska

Discover the best things to do in Makarska with our insider’s tips on sightseeing, dining and drinking

Makarska lends its name to the Riviera that stretches for 30 kilometres in either direction, one north towards Split , the other south to Dubrovnik . Easily the largest settlement, Makarska is both the geographical and administrative centre, a busy town of several churches, a Baroque palace and a Napoleonic monument. Ancient Cretans may have lived here, the Romans certainly did, and for 400 years it was governed by Ottomans, Venetians, France and Vienna in ever-switching succession.  No longer a trading post, its half-moon bay now fringed with palm trees and pretty terrace cafés, Makarska is the ideal base from which to explore the Biokovo Nature Park that rises behind it.

RECOMMENDED: More great destinations in Croatia.

Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere.

You can also find out more about  how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world , or take a look at our list of the  50 best things to do in the world right now .

The best things to do in Makarska

1.  devour succulent swordfish.

Set one street in from Makarska’s busy seafront, Jež has long been a locals’ favourite, a reliable choice for Dalmatian standards. Then came Jadran Grančić, only 25 but with eight years of experience at the top hotels in Zagreb. Initially suspicious regulars needed time, and a special gastronomic evening, to take to his molecular gastronomy, but now Jež has won over both the traditional customer and the discerning tourist, happy to find swordfish on a Makarska menu and home-made bread to accompany the divine prawn soup. Classy service and décor are both appropriate for the upper price bracket.

2.  Party with fishermen

Makarska kicks into life from June until September. Occurring almost (but not strictly) every week in July and August, Makarska's Fishermen's night sees a sprightly folk festival animate the waterfront. A celebration of local culture specifically for visitors, it's a great opportunity to snag some fresh fish and seafood, washed down with local Croatian wine. The festival sees people milling about in traditional costume and attendees participating in fun, simple games like balancing on a beam to the soundtrack of Dalmatian music. 

3.  Hit the beach

Makarska is blessed with beaches. If walking, simply go northwards until you land the perfect spot. The town beach is a long promenade featuring cafés, restaurants and ice-cream vendors. With jet-skis cutting tracks in the water, and inflatables and pedalos bopping up and down, this option is great for families but far from a peaceful getaway. A short trek north, Ramova beach has majestically clear waters, with the occasional parasailer ripping across the sea. Nugal beach, to the south, offers excellent seclusion. It's not easy to access (by foot or by boat are the only options) the reason, perhaps, why it's the favourite of many locals. Underground freshwater springs rise here, meaning the water is refreshingly cooling. It's also a popular nudist spot.

4.  Sip coffee with a view

You can usually determine the quality of a bar before you sit down by looking at the clientele which inhabits it. That Pivnica Pivac 's clientele are not all tourists should provide an inducement to enter. Located just by the main promenade, this bar offers pleasant views and the best range of beers in Makarska. They stay open until 2 am and with their uncommonly good music playlist, it's easy to stay until closing time. It's also a great place to remedy your hangover with a coffee in the morning.

5.  Admire the sunset

Placed at the foot of the mountain Biokovo, expect glorious views of the sea and the charming town, backdropped by a spectacular mountain range. It offers a stunning contrast at sundown or sunset, as the colours of the rocks and buildings seem to change shades almost every minute in response to the ebbing strength of the sun's rays.

6.  Party till sunrise

Makarska is not a clubbing capital, but as the largest settlement between Split and Dubrovnik, it has more options than most. Young people from neighbouring villages often beeline here on weekend nights. Peter Pan is popular with locals, but the Balkan turbo-folk music might begin to grate. The best option is Deep Makarska , situated inside a cave. They take full advantage of the setting, illuminating the cave with atmospheric lighting. It also offers a splendid view.

7.  Order your ispod peke

For fish in Makarska, Peškera is one of the best options, the daily catch presented to guests before their choice is prepared in the classic Dalmatian fashion. This is also the place to try octopus or veal slow -cooked under a so-called bell or  peka , and covered in hot embers. This  ispod peke  method requires at least a couple of hours to bring to perfection, so the usual custom is to order the day before or earlier that morning. The vegetables will have been grown nearby. A spacious terrace surrounded by greenery, close to the beach, completes the picture.

8.  Rave on the beach

If you're expecting white linen service or quiet contemplation over a glass of wine, Buba  isn't the beachside bar you're looking for. But for a youngish, party-minded crowd of locals and internationals,  this is the place to congregate. DJs play throughout the day and nights, the music ranging from deep house to tougher variants and full on party mode.

9.  Sample spectacular Dalmatian food

It may not look much from the outside, bare brickwork and a ship’s lifebelt, or the inside, bare brickwork, and low ceilings, but the Kalalarga on Makarska’s main thoroughfare of ulica Ante Star čevića serves some of the best Dalmatian food you ’ll be served on the Makarska Riviera. With the town’s main fish market 200 metres away and the produce market also close, chef Mario Toma š and kitchen have quality materials to work with, to produce traditional favourites and dishes with a more modern slant. These appear on the selection of daily specials, which operates in place of any tired regular menu.

10.  Dine on a sunset waterfront

Right on Obala kralja Tomislava, Makarska’s seafront promenade, Riva is attached to the four-star hotel of the same name but a destination restaurant in its own right. The attraction here is not just the location, although that obviously helps. The fish here has been landed earlier that day, the mussels and crabs will also be fresh. Carnivores are well catered for, steak tartare a favourite. Riva also has one of the widest choices of domestic wine in Makarska. A terrace sheltered by pine trees provides shade and atmosphere, while the interior is decked out with suitably maritime imagery.

11.  Take a guided tour of Biokovo Nature Park

Sternly looking down over the Makarska Riviera, the unspoiled heights of Biokovo are best explored with an expert English-language guide provided by the park itself. Tours can be half-day (three-hour) or full-day (six-hour) and fees include admission and multimedia presentations. Depending on the route, you should discover abandoned villages, isolated churches, remains of prehistoric dwellings and look-out posts with stunning views, not to mention the rare flora and fauna. Your guide will also explain the unusual geology of the region and the tectonic shifts that created it. Suitable footwear is a must, and independent exploration is inadvisable for those unfamiliar with the terrain.

12.  Get to know Croatian wines

Dalmatia is famous for its wines. Different varieties of grapes hang from vines which cling to steep island slopes or rest in hinterland fields of much more gentle gradients. Some wines made within a 50km radius of here can offer completely different flavours to others made just a few kilometres away. Touring a local winemaker is a good way to get to grips with the different varieties and flavours. Zlatan Otok's vineyards near Baška Voda are 75 hectares with 650 000 vines between the altitudes of 30 and 400 metres. Here they grow reds Plavac Mali, Crljenak (Zinfandel), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and whites Pošip, Žilavka, Dubrovnik Malvasia, Chardonnay and Yellow Muscat.

13.  Adventure on a safari

Safari Makarska is an off-road adventure presented by a friendly local guide Mladen. His local knowledge and manner are what make this such an enjoyable and authentic experience. His Landrover zips along backroads of the hinterland on a trip that is eventful and funny. You can experience some of the best sights, smells and tastes this region has to offer, including the rugged Biokovo mountain.

14.  Zipwire across the Cetina river

Cetina is a river that winds its way through some 100 kilometres of the Dalmatian hinterland before reaching the sea at Omiš. You don't need to travel so far to visit it though, as its nearest point to Makarska lies just beyond the upper part of Brela, three-quarters of an hour to Makarska's north. Along the river, you can take part in various activities such as canyoning, rock climbing, kayaking and more. There's a high zip line over the river too, which is a bit of a trek, but worth it if that's your thing. There's also one at Tučepi, in the valley below Biokovo, which is fun and easy to reach by car, but with less picturesque views.

15.  Fine dining at Jeny

For many years one of the finest dining spots on the Makarska Riviera, if not the finest, the Michelin-recommended  Jeny was opened by the Čović brothers back in the 1980s, head chef Vlado and restaurant manager Milenko. With its dégustation menu of seven exquisitely conceived courses paired with six glasses of wine, this Tu čepi institution remains the gold standard for gastronomy in this part of Dalmatia. Jeny operates evenings only, usually with a long winter break, each year preparing a completely new menu for the upcoming season. The panoramic view of the Adriatic from this elevated location would be reason alone to visit.

16.  Scale the heights of Biokovo

This five-hour tour provides unparalleled views from the highest point in the Biokovo mountain range, Sveti Jure. Wearing sturdy footwear, you set off from Makarska to reach the visitor centre at Ravna vla š ka. From there, you head all the way up to Sveti Jure, Croatia’s second-highest peak at 1,762 metres (5,780 feet), the whole coastline spread out below. In certain conditions, you can see as far as Italy. On the way, the English-speaking guide will point out the various flora and fauna of the Biokovo Nature Park. With sections of the trek by air-conditioned minivan, this tour is also suitable for reasonably fit youngsters and seniors.

17.  Sea kayaking off Brela

A cousin of canoeing, its boats derived from those used by Inuit hunters in Alaska, sea kayaking is a safe and fun sport for all ages. Here on the Makarska Riviera, it means being surrounded by the clear blue Adriatic, backdropped by the dramatic Biokovo mountain range. After English-language instruction, kayakers set off from Jakiruša Bay in Brela, passing undeveloped rocky coastline before arriving at equally unspoiled Vruja Bay. Here you relax on its usually deserted sandy beach, perhaps going for a swim and snorkel taking in the marine life, before heading back to Brela. The tour lasts four hours, all equipment provided.

18.  Trek to seclusion at Jakiruša

A beautiful beach just north of Brela, Jakiruša best section is far from easy to get reach. Usually, this involves driving and then clambering down to the beach from above, so not recommended for young families or the elderly. But its inaccessibility is exactly what keeps Jakiruša so special. The beach is very attractive and usually uncrowded.

19.  Take a daytrip to Baška Voda

A short journey up the coastal road, Baška Voda is a delightful former fishing village which is well used to catering for tourists. It has excellent beaches, such as Nikolina and Promajna, which are especially good for kids, which shade provided by the nearby pines. The town also possesses restaurants of a different ambience to Makarska. An evening meal in Baška Voda is a relaxed affair, perfect for a quiet family outing.

20.  Go night diving

Based by the main seafront promenade in Makarska, experienced More Sub runs all kinds of diving activities for all ages and levels, led by English-speaking guides. Its speciality is boat dives, half-day trips around Vruja Bay, as well as night dives and sunset dives, conditions willing. For experienced divers, a night dive might even take in a wreck, usually the Bracera Mare near Makarska, a traditional  trabakul  boat that once plied the Adriatic. Today it is the haunt of scorpionfish and eels. More Sub also offers courses, from complete beginner to underwater navigation and digital underwater photography.

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The Makarska Riviera

The Makarska Riviera stretches for 60km between the towns of Brela and Gradac with the main town being, of course, Makarska . The Riviera is one of the most famous tourist locations on the Croatian coast, and is popular with visitors. It is also one of the most beautiful with a number of beautiful beaches, pine trees, sparkling water and peaceful bays. The area is known for the impressive Biokovo Mountain, which overlooks the coastal area.

For more information about the Makarska Riviera, see our special pages and sections below:

• Getting to the Makarska Riviera Details of the best way of reaching this part of Dalmatia
• Makarska Information on this popular Dalmatian town
• Brela Details of this lovely and relaxing holiday resort, which has some of the best beaches in Croatia
• Baska Voda More gorgeous beaches here and another lovely holiday town
• Tucepi Another popular holiday resort with a wide choice of accommodation
• Podgora Another excellent choice for a holiday destination on the Riviera
• Mount Biokovo What to see and do on Dalmatia’s largest mountain
• Events in the Makarska Riviera Events and festivals in this region
• Accommodation in Makarska and Accommodation in Brela

Other Resorts in the Makarska Riviera

Some of the other larger tourist resorts on the Riviera include Gradac .

Additional info

For the adventurous amongst you, there are a couple of ziplines in the region! There’s one in Tucepi – which can be accessed via the agency TipExtreme  – and another in Omis that goes over the River Cetina – see Zipline Croatia  for details.

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Tourist destination info Makarska

Makarska is one of the most popular tourist destinations of the Croatian coast which is attractive because of its natural and climate characteristics and diverse tourist offering. It is one of the most beautiful pearls of the Adriatic and is the center of the region better known as Makarska Rivijera. It is settled at the bottom of Biokovo Mountain and is comprised of a Mediterranean – style old town and a newer part with hotels, restaurants, shops and others. The first known inhabitants of Makarska were the Illyrians. The first proof of the ancient settlement Inariona dates back to the first half of the 4th century. In the official records of the Salona Parliament of the year 533, Mucurum is mentioned as a town where a diocese was formed. This city has gone through a long history and resisted many conquerors, making it one of the most beautiful destinations of the Adriatic. This city has several historical monuments and museums. If you wish to get better acquainted with its history, you can visit the Franciscan monastery (houses a pinacotheca, library, unique Malacological museum and the “Mountain and Sea Institute”), churches of St. Mark, St. Peter and St. Philip, city museum and others. The multiple kilometer long beaches are well known for their clean sand, quiet of the pine tree woods and clear sea. One of them is home of the well known “Buba” beach bar which is a favorite destination for party-goers and where you will always encounter an upbeat atmosphere and lots of young people. The younger generations can also find entertainment in the following bars and clubs: “Art Caffe”, “Deep” (currently the most popular summer outing), “Marineta”, “West”, “Petar Pan”, “Escape” and others. For those who do not feel the desire to party until the dawn, can enjoy the Makarska Cultural Summer which offers plays, classical and popular music concerts, Dalmatian choir concerts, exhibits in galleries and museums, poetry readings, folklore performances, Fishermen’s Evening, summer carnival and the evenings of Kalelarga.

Those who enjoy an active vacation can take part in various sports activities such as soccer, futsal, basketball, volleyball, badminton, tennis, handball, bowling, bocce ball, fitness or various water sports such as wind surfing, scuba diving, jet ski, fishing and surfing. Those who are in need of adrenaline and adventure can go rafting on the wild Cetina River, mountain climbing, mountain biking, trekking, sports climbing and paragliding. You can enjoy the culinary specialties of this regionin restaurants such as “Veliki Mornar”, “Porat”, “Bonaca”, “Maslina”, “Mornar” and “Adria”.

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Explore Makarska by property type

Keep exploring Makarska Region:

Things to do.

• City museum Makarska
• Caffe bar „Marineta“
• Disco club „Petar Pan“
• Beach bar „Buba“
• Church of St. Philip

Food & Wine

• Restaurant Don Antonio
• Restaurant Bonaca
• Tavern Stari Mlin
• Restaurant Putnik

Destinations nearby

• Tucepi ( 4.04  km)
• Promajna ( 5.5  km)
• Podgora ( 7.64  km)
• Baska Voda ( 8.64  km)
• Brela ( 10.61  km)
• Drasnice ( 11.58  km)
• Sumartin - island Brac ( 11.58  km)
• Igrane ( 14.94  km)
• Povlja - island Brac ( 15  km)
• Zivogosce ( 16.88  km)
• Pisak ( 17.04  km)
• Gdinj - island Hvar ( 19.73  km)

What our guests say about Makarska

• Excellent 4.6 Laura Family Romania 19/08/2024 Makasrka is a very nice location, with beaches along the coast. Still, it is a relativelly expensive location, you should be prepared to pay including daily parking at each beach, and it is not a cheap cost. Good food, nice views. Locals are somehow polite, but distant, they are lacking the warm welcoming spirit which greeks have.
• Very good 3 Davud Group of friends Bosna i Hercegovina 24/07/2022 Divni Jadran i neobicni domacini. Boravak u gradu i na lijepom Jadnanu je ono sto je zadovoljstvo. Odnos domacina prema gostima je neprimjeren. S obzirom da su bili u pitanju mladji gosti to ne daje pravo vlasniku objekta da ih tretira kao huligane ili tinejdzere koji su, po osjećaju vlasnika prostora, došli da pokradu nešto iz objekta. Radilo de o pristojnoj djeci koja su odgojena u etički ispravnom okruženju i nisu ta vrsta djačaka koji dolaze na odmor činiti štetu drugim ljudima. Niko nema pravo svoga gosta tretirati na taj način. Frižider sobi je neuredan i ispunjen neugodnim mirisom, namještaj je star i dotrajao. Uglavnom iskustvo koje nećemo ponovii na ovom mjestu.
• Excellent 4.8 Vincent Family Sweden 28/07/2018 I will travel here more times. Great location, friendly ppl, good food. I will be back.

Makarska recommended accommodation

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Home » Makarska » Makarska Riviera – Best Dalmatian Beaches

Makarska Riviera – Best Dalmatian Beaches

Where is Makarska Riviera? Heading south from Split driving along the most scenic road D8, you’ll meet a straight stretch of coastline starting from Brela village.

From there starts 38 miles long narrow strip of Adriatic Sea naturally protected by majestic Biokovo Mountain slopes.

Biokovo mountain protects it from the cold continental climate and is responsible for its rich Mediterranean vegetation, mild winters and long, warm summers.

Riviera’s coastline boasts on average 2750 hours of sunshine per year. The sea is incredibly clear and appealing, with an average yearly temperature of 20˚C reaching in summer period  up to 27˚C.

Most visitors to Dalmatia head straight for the islands, not knowing they are missing one of the most famous tourist destinations in the central Dalmatia. Rent your apartment on this Riviera!

Makarska Riviera Map

Above map shows Riviera’s central position in Central Dalmatia region, spreading between Brela village, north of Makarska town (the capital) all the way to Gradac village, on the south.

The whole area has excellent connections with Split and Dalmatian hinterland such as Zagvozd , Imotski (with its Red and Blue Lakes – see the map ) and Vrgorac , famous for its seven towers built during the Ottoman wars, as well as the well-preserved historical village of Kokorici . Find it on the map .

Split to Makarska ferry

Split Makarska View schedule

From here you can easily reach some Central Dalmatian islands like Brac and Hvar. From Makarska you have a car ferry to Sumartin (Brac island), and from Drvenik there is a ferry to Sucuraj (Hvar island) and to Dominice Korcula island.

It’s the only Riviera along the Adriatic coast that has so many beaches. The 60 km long Riviera is dotted with numerous pebble beaches, known for the smooth white pebbles and sandy areas. (only few ones)

There are also many secluded beaches surrounded by lime-stone rocks. Due to the pebble beaches almost all beaches have received, for its cleanness, the blue flag – the international mark of high quality for sea water quality and  the protection of the environment.

Riviera’s spacious beaches with crystal clear sea water and the pleasant shade of century old pine trees are recommended to families with children and those looking for wonderful, well-maintained beaches with a wide range of additional activities like diving, sailing and windsurfing.

Here are some best known beaches from Brela to Gradac village:

Brela Makarska Riviera beaches

Situated only 14 km north of Makarska capital is the most famous summer resorts on Riviera’s coast with a few kilometers long pebble beaches. Below are images of some of the best beaches. Click on each image to enlarge it!

Brela naturist beach

Brela’s  naturist beach is located between the western end of the seaside promenade in the Vrulja cove .

Vrulja cove is hardly accessible. It is a wild and fascinating cove with the most incredible and dramatic nature and little gravel beaches. To reach this unique nudist paradise beach , the best way is, hiring a boat in Brela.

Baska Voda beaches

Baska Voda, once upon a time a fishermen settlement, is another awesome holiday destination, located just 10 km north from Makarska town. Baska Voda has several very  long pebble beaches all surrounded by pine trees.

Thanks to the beautiful coastline and sea and its geographical position, at the foot of Biokovo mountain, it’s also a place for hikers and nature lovers.

Recommended accommodation – Horizont Hotel

Situated right on the promenade 200 meters from the center of Baska Voda and 50 meters from the Horizont pebble beach! Special Offer – Mediterranean Package!

Makarska beaches

Makarska town is the capital of Makarska Riviera and one of the most popular summer holiday destinations. On Makarska page you can find all information about how to reach this town, what to do and see, about Makarska cuisine.

Now is time to give you more info and images about Makarska centrally located beaches and some beaches in town’s neighbor like Bratus and Krvavica.

Recommended accommodation:

Hotel Dalmacija – The modernly built Hotel Dalmacija enjoys a location close to the sea and the kilometer long Beach, boasting amazing sea views.

Tucepi beaches

Tucepi is another settlement in a series of small villages along the Makarska Riviera, only 4 km from Makarska. There are some beautiful pebble beaches.

For nudist or naturist lovers, just before entering the village from Makarska, you can find a wonderful beach in a pebbled bay surrounded by steep cliffs. It’s a Nugal Tucepi naturist beach !

Bellow you’ll find more Tucepi’s beaches!

Recommended accommodation – Bluesun Holiday Village Afrodita

Bluesun Holiday Village Afrodita in Tučepi is a charming complex of luxurious villas, set in a lovely Mediterranean garden with a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.

Podgora Beaches

Driving south from Makarska, only 9 km you will reach another beauty of Makarska Riviera, Podgora village. It has grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations in Dalmatia with a lovely port for fishing boats and picturesque stroll promenade.

The first time I visited this small place, its stone promenade (Riva) has reminded me on famous Split Riva .

Find hotels and apartments in Podgora »

Beaches here are everywhere, long pebble beaches or small secluded ones. Below are some most beautiful beach images.

Igrane village beaches

Igrane is a small harbor on the Makarska Riviera, 7 km southeast of Podgora.

The village is located on a small peninsula, with a large sandy beach (1.5 miles) to the south-east side.

Find apartments, villas and hotels in Igrane

Zivogosce beaches

Only few minutes from Igrane, there is Zivogosce , another Makarska Riviera village. Landscape is not changed, the new beaches are everywhere, all small pebbled beach protected by abundant pine trees.

This time almost 6 km of interconnected beaches, clean and unpolluted sea, all situated at the foot of a high Biokovo mountain peak Sutvid 1155 m, giving tourists a special temptation for holidays enjoyment.

To reach Zivogosce by car, just take highway A1 from Zagreb and exit to Sestanovac . From the exit Sestanovac Zivogosce is 35 km away.

Looking for nudist beaches?

If you’re looking for naturist beaches, you won’t be disappointed! Nimfa naturist beach is located near the “Nimfa” Hotel in Zivogosce .

Dole naturist beach located near the western end of “ Dole ” auto-camp, between Zivogosce and Igrane, is one of the most popular naturist beaches in Makarska region.

Velika Duba beach (see the image above) is also a very popular naturist beach! Don’t forget to go through our Dalmatia nudist beaches for more inspiration on where to unwind!

Drvenik and Gradac beaches!

In the southernmost part of Makarska Riviera two villages, deserves your attention. The first one is Drvenik and the last one Gradac village, only 13 km to Ploce town (Bosnia and Herzegovina).

Drvenik village lies in two bays (Gornja vala and Donja vala) with some beautiful pebble beaches but its importance is related to a ferry port which connects Hvar and Korcula islands.

Ferry to Hvar – Jadrolinija ferry company has regular ferry connections with the southernmost village on Hvar island (Sucuraj) which takes about half an hour and is considerably shorter than a ferry from Split to Stari Grad (Hvar island). Once there you have to drive to Hvar town (about 80 km) or Stari Grad (60 km), Jelsa (50 km).

From this page you can download (just a simple right click) both winter or summer schedule for ferry line N° 632 Drvenik – Sucuraj – Drvenik.

Ferry to Korcula island – All information and schedule can be found by visiting Korcula LNP ferry company .

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• Dubrovnik to Trogir - charming 8-day sailing trip from Dubrovnik to Trogir
• Adventure Sailing - kayaking, snorkeling, cycling and more in this active sailing adventure

Top rated: Dubrovnik Discovery

Depart from Dubrovnik on a week long cruise and explore Mljet, Hvar, Korcula, Trstenik, and Sipan.

More departure ports:

One-day sailing trips:.

• From Dubrovnik
• View all Croatia 1-day sailing trips

Organized tours are excellent ways to explore my beautiful country, and I highly recommend taking at least one trip during your visit. There are limitless fascinating places to see, and you can easily book a tour or day trip from my trusted partners below.

Below are five top rated tours from Split!

Discover more trip ideas:

• Top day trips from Split (my article)
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Find transfers and compare prices on:

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More options:

• Hire a private chauffeur (from €166/day)
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• Rent a car on RentalCars.com (price comparisons)

Cruises are fantastic and inexpensive way to discover multiple destinations in Croatia.

Split to Dubrovnik Cruise

8 days, 9 destinations

From Split to Omis and Makarska, Bol (Brac island), Stari Grad (Hvar island), Vis, Korcula, Mljet, Sipan or Slano, Dubrovnik

€ 480 - 890

(€ 60 - 111 per day)

Young & Fun Party Cruise

8 days, 8 destinations

From Split to Makarska, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Mljet, Hvar, Brac (Bol), Omis

€ 370 - 700

(€ 46 - 87 per day)

From Dubrovnik to Sipan or Slano, Mljet, Korcula, Bisevo, Vis, Hvar, Bol (Brac island), Makarska, Pucisca (Brac), Omis, and Split

€ 425 - 890

(€ 53 - 111 per day)

• ← Makarska Riviera Apartments
• Split in March and April For a Perfect Spring Break →

Pero is Splitgg's founder who was born and lived in Split most of his life. His passion for traveling and immense experience from working in tourism industry encouraged him to write many of our expert Split travel guides. More about our authors »

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12 Things To Do in Makarska, Croatia

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Makarska, Croatia has long appealed to vacationing tourists eager to soak up the sun and party late into night – which just happen to be two of the Best Things to do in Makarska!

The pebbly Makarska beaches, stretching for 1.5 miles, sit under the gaze of Biokovo Mountain and are sandwiched between the cool waters of the Adriatic Sea and shaded gardens of evergreens. At the center of Makarska is the historic Old Town boasting dozens of restaurants and a pleasant harbor filled with gently rocking boats.

While the Makarska nightlife options are slim, that fact is overcome by a unique and iconic Croatian nightclub in a seaside cave. 

12 Best Things To Do in Makarska, Croatia

Makarska, Croatia is the epitome of a classic summer-by-the-sea – and a Top Croatian City that we feel is often overlooked.

Our visit, however, was in the spring and we were looking for things to do in Makarska in the sand and beyond the beach, as well. We wondered if our week-long, off-season stay might be a few days too long. As it turned out, the springtime Croatia weather is ideal for an active and lovely stay by the Adriatic Sea.

Regardless of the season, visitors will find heaps of fun Makarska things to do. Just be sure to use our list of what to do in Makarska – and enjoy your trip to Croatia! 

Pin, Save or Bookmark our Things To Do in Makarska article so that you can access while planning your vacation to Croatia!  

#1 Stroll the Adriatic Shoreline

The craggy coastline of the Makarska Riviera is covered in tangled trails and paved paths that lead both north and south from the city center. The routes that hug the shoreline lead to the best beaches in Makarska, Croatia and provide panoramic vistas of translucent teal water and off-shore islands.

Beaches North of Makarska

Along the waterfront north of city center is the famed Makarska Beach – one of the best beaches in the region. The crystal-clear water laps the pebbly beach and there are a few shaded spots, too. Just get there early in the summertime when the beach gets very crowded. 

More of the best Makarska beaches are further north – including Beach Bilosevac (and the famous Buba Beach Bar), Beach Cvitacka and Romava Beach. 

The promenade stretches all the way north to Krvavica, where there is a small marina and an awesome (and eerie) abandoned hotel.

South of Makarska Beaches

To the south of the Makarska town center, start off on a shoreline stroll in the Osejava Forest Park, where the trail runs through shaded groves and sometimes along the edge of the cliff above the Adriatic Sea. Spot to check out the several paths that lead to incredible Makarska lookout points.

At the south end of the forest, Jadran Beach and Beach Slatina are the two best Makarska beaches. The shoreline walkway continues south to the Lucica Beach and the resort town of Tucepi, where there are even more beaches to discover.

#2 Hike Up Biokovo Mountain

There are an array of outdoor activities at Biokovo Nature Park – from stunning viewpoints to the thrilling Biokovo Skywalk to biking and hiking. 

St. Jure (St. George) ranks as the highest peak in the Biokovo Mountain range, standing more than a mile above sea-level. 

Ascending St. Jure from Makarska on foot is estimated to take 7 hours one-way , which is a little intense for us. However, with a car, it’s possible to drive to several lookout points .

Visitors can also join a tour – like this one – that features the best Biokovo viewpoints, a tour on the Skywalk, a short hike to a stunning viewpoint – plus a homemade local dessert!

Trek to St. Ivan Church

Visitors who want to stretch their legs on the Makarska mountain trails – without going all the way to the top – can follow the trail up from the Makarska Old Town to the St. Ivan Church and village of Makar. From there, switchback trails lead up the side of the rocky mountain. While there are some serious switchbacks, travelers ae rewarded with stunning views.

Trails around the Botanical Garden

At the elevated Botanicki vrt Kotisina visitors can follow hiking trails through a variety of plants on the mountainside to exceptional viewpoints. 

#3 Water Activities in Makarska

There are 79 islands (and about 500 islets) that dot the Adriatic Sea along the Dalmatian Coast. Brac and Hvar are two of the largest islands…both of which are just off-shore from Makarska. Set sail from the harbor on an organized excursion or rent a boat to navigate the waters on your own.

Boats to Croatian Islands from Makarska

The behemoth Makarski Jadran is a popular party boat that bounces around the islands on day trips. 

Alternatively, jump onboard the Jadrolinija ferry for a budget island hopping option. The Makarska to Brac ferries departs multiple times daily to the town of Sumartin, where you can get a local bus or taxi to other parts of the island (like the famous Zlatni Rat Beach!).

Stand Up Paddle or Kayaking in Makarska

Small group kayaking tours depart Makarska on half-day adventures out at sea. Participants paddle on the Adriatic Sea to hidden coves and secret beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Get the details!

Makarska Diving

Visitors who would rather be in the water, can learn to scuba dive in the Adriatic Sea. Qualified instructors teach scuba diving from the beach in nearby Brela. Find out more!

Visiting more islands in the Adriatic Sea? Use our tips top tips for visiting Korcula , what to do on Vis and tips for things to do in Stari Grad on Hvar .

#4 Explore Makarska on a Bike

The coastline trails on the Makarska Riviera aren’t only for walking – many of the paths are suitable for biking, too! Bikes can be rented from tourist agencies or via the bike sharing system, Nextbike .

Active travelers and experienced cyclists can also hit the Biokovo mountain trails from Grad Makarska. 

#5 Take a Day Trip from Makarska

While there are plenty of things to see in Makarska, there are top things to do near Makarska, Croatia, as well. 

Centrally located on the Dalmatian Coast, Makarska makes a great base for not only island hopping, but also for exploring nearby mainland destinations. Travelers without a car have no need to worry – tour companies offer day trip excursions from Makarska in nearly every direction and buses can be used to get to many destinations, too.

We are highlighting a few of the most popular day tours from Makarska so that you can best plan your trip! In the summer season, it’s best to book in advance.

Travelers can head south to the “Pearl of the Adriatic” and discover the iconic city of Dubrovnik . Take the scenic coastal road to the walled city and spend a few hours seeing the best Dubrovnik sights and visit a gorgeous Dubrovnik beach . Travelers can plan the trip on their own or join an organized tour .

Krka Waterfalls

Krka National Park is a wonderland of waterfalls and one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. Without a car, it’s best to take a tour . 

Nature enthusiasts can travel to  Omis ; where there are mountains to climb and rapids to battle. On this tour , participants spend the on a boat in Cetina Canyon.

DIY Makarska Day Trips

Travelers can also use their own car or regional buses to create their own Makarska day trips. 

Wine lovers won’t want to miss a day trip to the Peljesac Peninsula, which is covered in vineyards and home to numerous family-run wineries. Other Makarska excursions for wine enthusiasts include a visit to a Croatian winery in production since 1812. Find out more !

Visit the city of Split and marvel at the ancient Diocletian’s Palace , discover more Croatian Beaches and excellent hiking as well! Hop over to another country altogether with a visit to Bosnia Herzegovina and the fascinating town of Mostar !

Makarska Travel Adventure Activities

Adventurous travelers can explore beyond Makarska to partake in some of the nearby thrilling activities and serene nature.

For an adrenaline rush, go ziplining in Tucepi Canyon – an afternoon activity that is fun for families, couples and solo travelers. They even offer hotel pick up. Get the details!  

At the nearby freshwater Bacina Lakes, which are surrounded by soaring mountains and sublime nature, visitors can set off an on exploration via a half day kayaking or paddle boarding tour!

#6 Shop at a Croatian Village Market

Tucked into the mountains between Makarska and Omis is Zadvarje – a tiny village with a magnificent market…and it ranks as one of the best Makarska, Croatia things to do! 

Rather than clustering into a square or park, the random booths of the Tuesday market are set up along both sides of the main street.

While the usual Croatian market offerings are all present – in-season produce, local meats and cheeses, homemade jam and fresh fish from the sea – the Zadvarje market has heaps of unique products for sale.

Tables are piled with hardware supplies, antiques are laid out on blankets, lamb is roasted on a spit and, in an open lot, men negotiate prices for cows, pigs, sheep and chickens.

Note: A car is required to get to the Zadvarje market from Makarska. Tourist agencies may organize bus tours in the summer. We were fortunate enough to have our Airbnb hosts let us tag along on their trip!

#7 Watch a Fabulous Makarska Sunset 

Sunsets in Makarska are absolutely stunning. In fact, one of the best things to do in Makarska, Croatia is to watch the sun sink into the horizon from St. Peter’s Peninsula.

Find a spot to watch sunset on the rocks by St. Peter’s Lighthouse. Built in 1884, the Sveti Petar Lighthouse resides on the northern tip of the peninsula. That said, there are also trails to a secluded clearing on top of the west-facing cliffs, near the 13th century St. Peter’s Church. 

#8 Bare It All at the Makarska Nude Beach

For visitors to Makarska interested in attaining a no-line tan, there are several nude beaches to achieve a full-body bronzing. While not uncommon to see women sunbathing topless, but the beaches where baring-it-all is expected are marked FKK (for the German word “Freikorper-Kultur,” meaning free body culture). It is one of the more progressive things to do in Makarska Riviera. 

The most popular nude beach in Makarska is Nugal Beach – a secluded crescent alcove beneath a cliff. To get to the picturesque Makarska beach, follow the shoreline trail on the Osejava Peninsula, south of Mararska Old Town.

#9 Eat Dalmatian Food and Drink Croatian Craft Beer

Drinking and eating in Makarska is a true delight. The Dalmatian cuisine features fresh seafood, Mediterranean dishes and Balkan fare – and visitors should definitely get a taste of local libations! 

Best Makarska Restaurants

While there are many restaurants in Makarska to choose from, we are sharing a few of the top rated picks. 

A high end restaurant in Makarska, Bounty sits right on the beachfront (so it’s a fabulous choice for a sunset meal!). Well known for their delicious steak dinners, they also serve traditional starters, fish and burgers. 

Gastro Diva

Somewhat of a hidden gem, Gastro Diva serves exceptional local cuisine at fare prices. Their menu is complemented by a wonderful Croatian wine.

Innovative and fun, Tempera prepares perfectly presented dishes and specialty cocktails. Not just limited to Croatian fare, the restaurant offers a break from the typical food served in the region. 

Craft Beer in Makarska 

While the Croatian craft beer scene has yet to fully catch on in the smaller towns along the Dalmatian coastline, there are a few bars serving up local Croatian suds in Makarska town. 

Pivnica Pivac , which is stocked with microbrew bottles from around the world and pours local craft beer on tap is our favorite spot for an afternoon refreshment on the Makarska Riva.

Also located on the Makarska Harbor, the Hops Beer and Food Factory is also a fantastic spot for sipping local craft beer in a modern establishment. They also serve great burgers and often have live music!

Croatian Wine

Makarska visitors who want a taste of the local wine in Croatia without going on a tour, should head straight for Grabovac – it’s the best wine bar in Makarska! Their wines are complemented with local cheese platters and olives. 

#10 Walk through Kacic Square (Church Square, Makarska)

At the heart of every Croatian old town is a main square…and in Makarska the main square is Kacic Square. Although small and quaint (unless there’s festival – see #12 – or wedding), we think it is a Makarska must see sight!

Dominated by St. Mark’s Church and bell tower, the square is also home to the Kacic-Miosic Monument (erected in 1890) and a Venetian drinking fountain.

To the left of the church is Makarska’s Green Market. The vendors at the small Makarska market sell fresh produce and flowers every morning.

#11 Visit the Makarska Observatory

Built on a Glavica Hill on the site of a World War II monument, Makarska’s Astronomical Observatory is hidden among a ring of towering evergreen trees to protect the site from city lights.

The small silo-looking building is open after dark when visitors can search for the stars and planets in the high sky. It is one of the Best Things To Do Makarska at night! 

#12 Check out a Local Makarska Festival

As a top destination on the Dalmatian Coast, there is almost always something going on in Makarska. Our visit coincided with a weekend wine festival, complete with lots of wine, DJs and live performances.

Stop by the Makarska Tourist Board office to check the schedule of events and upcoming festivals that will be taking place during your Makarska vacation! 

More Makarska Things To Do

We detailed our favorite Makarska attractions, but there are more activities in and around the town that fellow travelers might want to add to their Makarska itinerary. 

Makarska Museums

Visitors wondering what to do in Makarska when it rains can visit one of the fine museums. There are two museums in Makarska: the City Museum and Malakoloski Museum – and both are ideal for a visit when the Makarska weather is foul. 

The City Museum is housed in an 18th century palace on the waterfront Makarska Riva. The displays in the small museum detail the history of the town.

The Malakoloski Museum is another interesting little museum in Makarksa that exhibits a collection of seashells. The museum is located inside a Franciscan monastery that dates to the 1600s. The domed church itself – the Franciscan Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary – is also worth visiting.

Deep Makarska Night Club

Deep is the Makarska club situated in a cave on the Osejava Peninsula. The unique nightclub features DJs and pricey drinks and a Makarska party that goes well into the night!

Makarksa Map

Use this link to Google Maps for an online, interactive version of our Map of Makarska, Croatia Things To Do to help plan your trip! 

Top Travel Tips for your Trip to Makarska, Croatia

Now that you know what to do in Makarska, we have a few more travel tips for planning your trip to Croatia.

Planning a Trip to Makarska, Croatia

We know that there is so much more to planning a Makarska trip than figuring out what to see and do. If you are looking for more tips on planning your Croatia trip, use our Croatia Itinerary for more Croatia travel planning tips.

Also, use our Guide to Planning the Perfect Croatia Vacation for our top tips on visiting the country. 

As you make your plans, staying organized is key! Our Travel Planner printables will help keep you on top of all the details!

When To Go to Makarska

Summer is the most popular time to visit – as the Makarksa weather in the summertime is ideal for spending long, warm days on the beach and in the sea. However, it is also when Makarska gets crowded and prices are the highest. 

The shoulder season – in spring and autumn – can be a wonderful time to visit the Makarska Riviera. Most days are warm and sunny (but maybe too cold for a swim). Plus, there are far fewer crowds and prices are lower. 

Winter can be a great time to visit Makarska – especially for hiking and biking – but many restaurants and bars are closed and it’s likely too cold for swimming. The upside is that prices are most affordable and travelers get a peek at local life in Makarska.

How To Get to Makarska

Getting to Makarska takes a little effort. There is no Makarska airport or train station – so visitors arrive by bus, car or ferry. 

The closest airport is on Brac Island, but it only has very few seasonal flights. Split Airport is likely the best option – and you can search multiple airports on Skyscanner . Before you book your flight, be sure to read our Top Tips for the Best Airfare . 

From Split, travelers can get to Makarska by bus year-round or take the catamaran (only in summertime). In fact, visitors staying in Split can use the bus or ferry to plan a Makarska Day Trip from Split . 

The Makarska bus station is located right on the main road, above the Old Town. Travelers arriving by ferry boat will dock at the Makarska Ferry Port in the main harbor. 

  Where To Stay in Makarska

We opted to stay in an Airbnb apartment during our vacation to Makarska – and there are heaps of options for vacation rentals in the city. As we had an extended stay, we wanted a kitchen where we could make simple meals and a space to work.

Makarska Hotels

Visitors with shorter stays – and those who don’t anticipate using a kitchen – may find that a hotel in Makarska is more suitable to their needs. We are featuring a few top hotels in Makarska, but be sure to follow our Tips for Getting the Best Hotel Rates before making a reservation!

A premier beachfront property, Makarska Hotel Park is an exceptional hotel featuring sea view rooms, a pool, restaurant and spa. Check rates and availability for your stay!  

Hotel Osejava

Located on the Makarska promenade, it’s just a quick walk to the best beaches from Hotel Osejava. Guests love the spacious rooms and helpful staff. Check rates for your stay!

Makarska Hostels

Budget travelers might want to check out the SUBTUB Hostel Makarska, which gets rave reviews. Check availability!

What To Pack for Your Makarska Trip

Before you go to Croatia, you need to pack your bags ! We are sharing a few must-have items for your trip, but you can find all of our advice on our Packing Tips page. You can also grab your Free Packing Checklist to make sure you pack what you need! 

Comfortable Shoes

Flip flops are great for the beach, but comfortable and versatile shoes are a must if you plan on walking the coast, hiking or biking. I like wearing lightweight sneakers and Kris wears trail shoes – but find out more about What Shoes are Best for Travel . 

Travel Camera

We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your trip – the Makarska Riviera is stunningly beautiful! Rather than relying on your mobile phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for higher quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos and is a great  budget camera for travelers ).

WiFi Device for Staying Connected in Croatia

When you are traveling internationally and want (or need) to stay connected, a wifi hotspot is the way to go. We use a GlocalMe device – which allows up to 10 connections at a time (which is great for families or friends traveling together) and doubles as a power bank . What we really love about GlocalMe, however, is that we can purchase data online – so there is no need to buy sim cards. 

If you are traveling to Makarska, you will no doubt be spending time on the beach. Make sure you pack all the required beach gear – like sunscreen , a fun beach hat and polarized sunglasses . 

Because many of the beaches in Croatia are pebbly (and there are often spiky sea urchins), we also recommend packing a pair of water shoes . 

Hopefully, your accommodations will have beach towels – and there is no need to bring an additional beach bag if you pack the right day pack for traveling . 

Croatia Travel Insurance

Trip insurance may cover mishaps, like lost luggage , but it can be invaluable if you get sick or injured while abroad. Check the coverage and affordable rates at World Nomads . 

Visiting other Top Croatian Destinations? 

Travelers visiting other destinations in Croatia can use our guides to help plan their sightseeing adventures. 

• The Best Beaches in Dubrovnik
• How To Spend 3 Days in Split
• Things To Do in Sibenik
• What To Do in Zagreb
• Why Visit Rovinj
• What To See in Zadar
• Tips for Visiting Osijek

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• Makarska Travel Guide: Your Coastal Retreat In Croatia's Riviera Gem

Makarska Travel Guide: Your Coastal Retreat in Croatia's Riviera Gem

Alittle town situated on the Adriatic coastline in the country of Croatia, Makarska is a tourist center. It is also considered as a picturesque Croatian coast. The beautiful nature and the amazing climate are the main highlights of the city. It is backed by the beautiful Biokovo mountain range which gives a spectacular setting to the city.

Makarska is an important resort town in Croatia. The place is very famous for its pebbly beach which attracts a lot of tourists.  Nature Park Biokovo, Biokovo Mountain, Makarska Harbour, St. Mark's Church, The Peninsula of St. Peter, Svetište Vepric, Kacic Square, and Park Šuma Osejava are some of the main attractions of the city. Croatia vacation packages often include visits to these sites, providing travelers with a comprehensive exploration of the area's natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Getting in makarska

Split airport, also known as Resnik Airport, is the nearest international airport in Makarska. It is located 113 km away from the city of Makarska. This airport operates flights from major Indian cities like Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and more.

Getting out of makarska

Makarska offers bus, train and flight services to many nearby countries. The following are the cities you can visit on your trip to Makarska.

Public Transport in makarska

The best way to explore the city of Makarska is by foot. It offers bus services but they are not quite convenient to get around the city.

Taxi & Airport transfer in makarska

Taxi service is one way to get around the city but it takes 10 to 15 mins to get a taxi. There are many local operators which offer taxi service. You can hire a taxi from the Split airport and reach the city in an hour and a half.

Transport & city passes in makarska

There are no transport passes available in the city.

Driving & Car rental in makarska

Rental cars are not popular in the city and the global car rental brands do not have an office in Makarska.

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Tours, Activities and Things to do

23 Excursions start from

Our picks for Makarska

• 1 Visit the National Park Krka
• 2 Explore the ancient city of Dubrovnik
• 3 Visit the Biokovo mountain
• 4 Take a boat tour
• 5 Visit Imotski
• 6 Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park
• 7 Visit Mostar
• 8 Explore the cities Split and Trogir
• 9 Go Rafting on the river Cetina
• 10 Explore the surrounding nature by bike or on foot

Things to do in Makarska

• City Tours (1)
• Day Tours & Trips (20)
• Cruises, Sailing & Water Tours (3)
• Culture & History Tours (10)
• Nature & Panoramic Tours (11)
• UNESCO Tours (6)
• Water Sports (3)
• Outdoor Sports (1)
• Food & Drinks (1)
• Car, Van and Bus Chauffeur Drive Rentals (1)

Trip duration

Tour destination.

• National Park Krka (3)
• Nature Park Biokovo (3)
• Bol (Island Brač) (2)
• Dubrovnik (2)
• Golden Horn (Bol on Island Brac) (2)
• Hvar (Island Hvar) (2)
• Jelsa (Island Hvar) (2)
• Skywalk Biokovo (2)
• Imotski (1)
• Korčula (Island Korčula) (1)
• Međugorje (1)
• Plitvice Lakes National Park (1)
• Šibenik (1)

Most popular tours from Makarska

Makarska has a lot of opportunities to visit nearby historical sites, cities and national parks. View our top 10 recommended activities in Makarska to get inspired!

Full Day Boat Tour to Hvar and Brač from Makarska by Boat Voga

Join us on this full day tour from Makarska to two most famous Croatian island - Hvar (Je.... Read more

Full Day Tour to Hvar and Brač from Makarska by Boat Calypso

Visit two beautiful Croatian islands during one full day tour. Board our comfortable Caly.... Read more

Split Day Tour from Makarska Riviera

Get ready to be amazed by beauty of Split, the main cultural and economic center of Dalma.... Read more

Biokovo Day Trip from Makarska Riviera

Start you day by discovering the most beautiful mountain of Dalmatia – mountain Biokovo w.... Read more

Dubrovnik Day Tour from Makarska Riviera

Join us and discover why Dubrovnik is considered to be a true Adriatic pearl, the main to.... Read more

Skywalk Biokovo Tour from Makarska Riviera

Join us on this tour and explore Skywalk - the new attraction in Nature Park Biokovo on 1.... Read more

Krka Waterfalls and Šibenik Day Trip from Makarska Riviera

Join us and explore amazing Krka National park, 7th national park in Croatia. It is famou.... Read more

Mostar Day Trip from Makarska Riviera

Discover top attractions around Mostar on this adventurous day trip from Makarska. Hop in.... Read more

Rafting Tour on Cetina River from Split or Makarska Rivijera

Join this amazing and exciting tour and have the time of your life. Free yourself form al.... Read more

Medjugorje Day Trip from Makarska Riviera

This is a tour of the beautiful and sacred city of Medjugorje. Medjugorje is a special pl.... Read more

National park Krka and Waterfalls: Full Day Guided Tour from Makarska

Join us on this amazing tour and enjoy the truest view of heaven on earth – the pristine !... Read more

Full Day Guided Tour to Mostar from Makarska

Come with us and discover amazing city of Mostar witch has for centuries been the meeting.... Read more

Top 10 things to do in Makarska

1. Visit the National Park Krka

The National Park Krka is situated approximately 2 hours’ drive north from Makarska and it offers a magnificent spectacle of nature. Krka is a river which in the lower part cascades into beautiful waterfalls and leaves any visitor breathless. The whole park can be experienced by foot, walking on wooden pathways that give you very close views of the waterfalls and this makes our most recommended tour to take from Makarska. View all tours to Krka waterfalls from Makarska .

2. Explore the ancient city of Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is the ancient city situated about 2 and a half hours drive south of Makarska and its one of the greatest historical heritage sites in Croatia. The whole city center is under the UNESCO protection and apart from the rich historical significance, the architecture is just amazing especially the ancient city walls that surround the whole city and you can take a walk on them. Highly recommended! View all tours to Dubrovnik from Makarska .

3. Visit the Biokovo Mountain

As the city is located at the foothill of the Biokovo Mountain, it would be a shame not to take a walk on the mountain and see a great panoramic view of the area. The mountain in itself is a beautiful park of nature and it is suitable for everyone regardless of the stamina. View all tours to Biokovo from Makarska .

4. Take a boat tour

One of the best ways to experience the sea is to take a boat tour. Whether it's just a short ride or a full day tour visiting several islands, we highly recommend enjoying this experience. Apart from being able to stop and swim on some amazing places, the boat ride give you an opportunity to view the beautiful Croatian coastline. Here is the list of all available boat trips from Makarska

5. Visit Imotski

Imotski is city in Croatia popular for the Red and Blue Lakes. The Blue lake is famous for having very high water level oscillations and in some dry years completely drys out and then a traditional football game is played. The red lake is one of the deepest lakes in Europe with a depth about 260 meters, and surrounded by cliffs high about 240 m. Both lakes are a marvel of nature. Imotski is also famous for it fantastic wines. View all tours to Imotski from Makarska

6. Visit the National Park Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice is a must see when you visit Croatia. The 16 lakes connected by cascades are truly a miracle of nature and the most visited national park in Croatia. If you have the will take the drive of about 3 hours from Makarska, we highly suggest going to visit this amazing place on a day tour. View all tours to Plitvice lakes from Makarska

7. Explore the cities Split and Trogir

After Dubrovnik, we highly recommend visiting Split (and Trogir while you are there). Split was founded by the roman emperor Diocletian more than 1700 years ago, when he decided to build his palace on the sight. The palace is now called Diocletian’s Palace and it’s actually very big, but it’s not its size that is fascinating, it’s actually the fact that people are still living in the palace, you can walk through its narrow streets and have a coffee where once roman soldiers walked. View all tours to Split from Makarska .

8. Visit Mostar

Mostar is an old city in Bosnia and Hercegovina and is a very important historical point on the map. It is cultural pot, mainly Catholics and Muslims, and the city is divided in two parts, connected by the old bridge (the city got its name by this bridge: “Most” means “bridge” and “star” means “old”). It’s a good opportunity to visit this city when you are in Makarska as it is only a 2-hour drive. View all tours from Mostar to Makarska .

9. Go Rafting on the river Cetina

An adventure not to be missed! Cetina River and the Cetina canyon offers a great time for adventurers that are willing to sail on a small boat on its fast currents. The organization of this rafting adventure is great and it takes only a little bit of courage, no stamina required! View all rafting tours from Makarska .

10. Explore the surrounding nature

As Makarska is a relatively small city on the Mediterranean coast, it has a lot of unattached nature in the surrounding, so if you are in good fitness, we highly recommend taking an outdoor adventure, like driving a mountain bike, trekking or horse riding. View all outdoor activities from Makarska .

FAQs about - Most popular tours from Makarska

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• 1 The Pearl of the Adriatic – Tours to Dubrovnik from Makarska
• 2 Nature Park Biokovo – Day Tours from Makarska
• 3 Mostar – The Melting Pot of Cultures – Tours form Makarska
• 4 Day Tours to National Park Krka from Makarska
• 5 Boat Tours to Hvar form Makarska
• 6 Bol and the Golden Horn – Day Tours to Brač from Makarska
• 7 Rafting on Cetina River – Tours from Makarska
• 8 The Amzing Boat Trips from Makarska

Our guests personal experiences on Makarska tours

Great trip from start to finish, staff were friendly and the atmosphere was great. Timings were spot on and both stops were worth visiting. Would recommend and definitely go back! Thank you Calypso 👌🏼

I am fully satisfied with the tour. Having chosen this order, I made my wish to visit Zlatni Rat come true. I recommend everyone HappyToVisit services.

Very well organized tour

Booking was easy and communication good and fast with Toni. Mario met us at our agreed point and was very friendly and warm. He shared his knowledge of Croatia and the local area. We felt safe and comfortable in the van. He is an excellent driver. Timings were good and Mario communicated with us what was happening. We loved learning about the animals on the mountain that enjoyed blocking the road. It was the best tour we did during our two week stay - excellent value but really perfect service from Mario which made the trip special. Hvala. Highly recommend, without any hesitation

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Makarska Travel Guide – Sail Croatia

Makarska, a Croatian town located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, is a popular destination for young professionals looking to sail and experience the beauty of the Croatian coast.

One of the best ways to experience Makarska is by joining a sail Croatia trip, which allows you to visit a variety of picturesque towns and islands while enjoying the freedom and excitement of sailing. Many sail Croatia companies offer trips specifically tailored towards young professionals, with a mix of adventure and relaxation.

While visiting Makarska, be sure to explore the town’s main promenade, known for its restaurants, cafes, and lively nightlife. The town also has several beautiful beaches, such as Makarska Beach and Brela Beach, which offer a chance to relax and soak up the sun.

Other highlights of the Makarska area include the Biokovo Nature Park, located just outside of town, known for its stunning views and hiking trails. The town is also close to several charming villages, such as Brela and Baška Voda, which offer a more laid-back atmosphere.

In addition to sailing and relaxing on the beaches, there are also several outdoor activities to enjoy in the Makarska area, such as hiking, diving, and cycling.

Overall, Makarska is a fantastic destination for young professionals looking to sail and experience the beauty of the Croatian coast.

Here are some recommended places to visit in Makarska:

• Main promenade: The town’s main street, known for its restaurants, cafes, and lively nightlife.
• Makarska Beach: A popular pebble beach located in the town center.
• Brela Beach: A beautiful pebble beach located a short distance from the town center.
• Biokovo Nature Park: Located just outside of Makarska, this nature park is known for its stunning views and hiking trails.
• Brela: A small village located a short distance from Makarska, known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful pebble beaches.
• Baška Voda: Another charming village located a short distance from Makarska, known for its laid-back atmosphere and small pebble beaches.
• Hiking trails: The surrounding area has several trails that offer stunning views of the coast and the opportunity to explore the region’s natural beauty.
• Diving spots: The clear waters around Makarska offer excellent diving opportunities, with a variety of marine life and underwater caves to explore.
• Cycling routes: The area has several cycling routes that take you through picturesque villages and offer stunning views of the coast.

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Korčula Travel Guide – Sail Croatia

Korčula, a Croatian island located in the Adriatic Sea, is a popular destination for travelers looking to experience the beauty of the Croatian coast.

Brač Travel Guide – Sail Croatia

Brač, a Croatian island located in the Adriatic Sea, is a popular destination for young professionals looking to sail and explore the stunning Croatian coast.

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