Makarska Travel Guide

Engage in a variety of fun outdoor and beach-based activities at this attractive and popular coastal resort town.

Makarska is a good-looking port town with a well-established tourist infrastructure and easy-going atmosphere. It attracts visitors with a penchant for the outdoors, who are looking to enjoy its appealing beach and mountain scenery, as well as its many cafés and restaurants. Swim, hike and mountain bike at nearby beaches and parks and discover the town’s interesting museums, restaurants and bars.

While areas near present-day Makarska have been settled since pre-history, the town itself was established in the Middle Ages. It has seen many different rulers, having been under the control of the Kingdom of Croatia, the Venetians, the Ottomans and the Austrians. Following World War II, Makarska was successfully developed as a tourist area. Visit during the summer months to enjoy the excellent weather and exciting activities.

Sheltered by the Biokovo Mountains, the town and coast around Makarska generally experience mild weather, making it a favorable beach destination. Rent a paddle boat or take an exhilarating ride on an inflatable banana boat at Makarska Beach or retreat to the quiet nudist Nugal Makarska Beach east of town.

Besides beaches, Makarska has other natural assets, including Nature Park Biokovo. Follow the park’s scenic trails, many of which curve up and around the limestone and pine-covered slopes of Mount Biokovo. While here, investigate the Biokovo Botanical Garden, which not only has numerous indigenous plant specimens, but also offers great views over the nearby islands of Brač and Hvar.

Back in town, walk along the palm-dotted promenade and through the town, where white-washed, red-roofed houses dominate. Stop at the Makarska Municipal Museum for insight into Makarska’s history and the Franciscan Monastery to inspect one of the world’s largest collections of snails and shells.

Makarska is located in Dalmatia about 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of SplitOpens in a new window, between the towns of Brela and Gradac. One of the biggest resorts on the Makarska Riviera, it is well served by regular and reliable transportation connections. Use bus and coach services to travel from Split or DubrovnikOpens in a new window.