A charming coastal town between the clear blue waters of the Adriatic Sea and the towering Biokovo Mountain in the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, Makarska hosts a palm-fringed beach promenade, a beautiful old town, and a lovely harbour. On the pebble beaches of the Makarska Riviera holiday region you can sunbathe, swim, or try water sports. If you are looking for some outdoor adventures, head for the impressive Mount Biokovo. With the combination of sun, beaches and beautiful mountain landscapes, it is no wonder this picturesque Mediterranean town attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year.
Town attractions. In the pretty harbor of Makarska you can admire many white yachts, and in the old town you can stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful St. Mark’s Cathedral, the heart of the town. In Makarska's Franciscan monastery from the 16th century there is a huge collection of sea shells from all over the world, and there is also a library in the monastery. You can also go shopping in Makarska’s trendy boutiques or outdoor market area where you can find typical souvenirs, beach gear, shoes, and local food.
Outdoor sports. If you are looking for some adventure, the mountainous area behind the town forming the Biokovo Nature Park is great for biking and hiking near Makarska. Outdoor activities such as kayaking and rafting in the nearby Cetina River are also available, and the nearby small towns and villages along the Makarska Riviera offer more possibilities for exploring. For example the village of Brela north of Makarska is home to one of the best beaches in Croatia.
Sunbathing and water sports on pebble beaches and hiking on mountains of Makarska
The picturesque town on the beautiful Adriatic coastline, Makarska is located on a beautiful horseshoe-shaped bay at the foot of the impressive Biokovo Mountain, the largest mountain in the Dalmatian region of Croatia. The beach promenade of this town along the coastal region known as Makarska Riviera is fringed by palm trees, and it is here you can find many cafes with terraces, trendy boutiques and restaurants in Makarska. The pebble beaches of Makarska are great for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports such as paragliding, sailing and diving in Makarska.Town attractions. In the pretty harbor of Makarska you can admire many white yachts, and in the old town you can stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the beautiful St. Mark’s Cathedral, the heart of the town. In Makarska's Franciscan monastery from the 16th century there is a huge collection of sea shells from all over the world, and there is also a library in the monastery. You can also go shopping in Makarska’s trendy boutiques or outdoor market area where you can find typical souvenirs, beach gear, shoes, and local food.
Outdoor sports. If you are looking for some adventure, the mountainous area behind the town forming the Biokovo Nature Park is great for biking and hiking near Makarska. Outdoor activities such as kayaking and rafting in the nearby Cetina River are also available, and the nearby small towns and villages along the Makarska Riviera offer more possibilities for exploring. For example the village of Brela north of Makarska is home to one of the best beaches in Croatia.
Practical information for your stay in Makarska
Like the rest of the Adriatic coast of Croatia, Makarska enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Photo: pululante, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
The Makarska Riviera is best visited from May to September, when the weather is at its best with plenty of sunshine and average temperatures usually above 20°C.
Hotels & entertainment. There are several good beach hotels in Makarska as well as large apartments for families and groups. What comes to the nightlife in Makarska, the small town has several lively bars and dance clubs to choose from, or you can also party on a boat cruising along the coast during the summer.
How to get there. Makarska is located around 140 km northwest of Dubrovnik and 60 km southeast of Split. You can easily travel to Makarska by regular buses from Dubrovnik, Split and other major towns in Croatia and Europe. There are also ferries to Makarska from the island of Brac. All the major attractions in the small town of Makarska can be easily toured on foot. Car rental in Makarska is a good option if you want to explore other fascinating destinations on the Makarska Riviera or Croatia on your own.
Safety. Makarska can be regarded a safe destination suitable for families with children, where English is understood by many locals working in tourism professions in the area.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Hvar, Korcula, Brac, Split, Mostar, Dubrovnik, Sarajevo
