Makarska sits on a dramatic stretch of coast where the Biokovo Mountains tumble straight into the Adriatic. You'll find the town clustered around Makarska Riviera, a 30km arc of shingle and pebble beaches backed by pine trees. It's less hectic than nearby Split, but sophisticated enough for grown-up holidays — the seafront promenade buzzes with local restaurants and cocktail bars in the evening, while the daytime is genuinely peaceful unless you visit mid-August when holiday crowds spike.
Why Stay in Makarska
- Water sports hub. The pebble beaches and calm bays work well for paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling. Rent gear on the main beach or book day trips to nearby islands without the chaos of larger resorts.
- Mountain walks with rewards. The Biokovo Mountains rise directly behind town. Hike the switchbacks for sea views, or drive the scenic coastal road (Magistrala) that winds along cliffs. Cafes at higher elevation offer cold drinks with panoramas.
- Fresh fish and local wine. The waterfront restaurants source daily catches and local Dalmatian wines. Meals are authentic and affordable compared to tourist-trap spots, though dinner reservations matter in peak season (July–August). Tourist restaurants do exist and can feel overpriced if you're not careful.
- Quieter than Split. You'll get Adriatic charm without the ferry queues and cruise-ship crowds. The downside: fewer cultural attractions and nightlife for those seeking constant entertainment.
Things to Do in Makarska
The town itself is small enough to explore on foot in an afternoon. The seafront promenade runs the length of the beach with bars, gelato shops, and a Saturday market that fills with locals selling fruit and souvenirs. For water days, rent a kayak or paddleboard from beach huts (€15–25 per hour) and paddle to rocky coves just north of town where the water is cooler and clearer.
Day trip to Brela, about 20km north, for a change of scenery. Its pebbly beach sits below a small pine forest, and the Adriatic views from higher ground are genuinely good. The drive takes 30 minutes; parking fills up by 10am in summer.
The Biokovo Botanic Garden sits on the mountainside south of Makarska and showcases Mediterranean plants suited to rocky terrain. Entry is roughly €5. It's a quiet morning visit with good views back towards the coast — useful if you want to escape beach crowds without traveling far.
Island-hopping to Hvar or Vis by ferry or private boat is straightforward from Makarska's port. Ferries run daily to both (1–2 hours depending on destination). If you hire a boat for the day, you can snorkel at smaller islands and hidden bays. Budget €400–600 for a small private boat, or take a group tour for €30–50.
Zip down the Magistrala coastal road (the D road hugging the cliffs) for dramatic coastal scenery without stopping if you're short on time. Better yet, stop at viewpoint pullouts and walk 10 minutes into the pine forest for photos and quiet. The drive to Trogir (about 50km south) takes just over an hour and leads to a UNESCO-listed old town worth a few hours.
For rain days or evening culture, the Makarska Town Museum displays local history and maritime artifacts. Small but well-curated, it's in the old town center and entry costs a few euros.
