10 Things You Should Know About Makarska Before Visiting

Makarska is a beautiful coastal town in Croatia. Situated between the Biokovo mountain and the Adriatic Sea, it’s the center of a 45-km-long Makarska Riviera and a popular tourist destination, especially for families and those who enjoy nature and outdoor activities.

In this blog, we’ll answer all your top questions about Makarska town to help you plan your holiday itinerary.

1. What Is Makarska Known For

Makarska is a relatively small town with a rich tourist offer tailored to every guest. This port town perfectly balances protected natural beauty, cultural heritage, and vivid nightlife. 

Makarska Town

It is the center of the Makarska Riviera, a picturesque coastline stretching from Split to Dubrovnik with many beautiful pebbly beaches and a crystal clear sea. 

If you like hiking, climbing, or simply exploring nature, you’ll enjoy the Biokovo mountain range, which rises above Makarska town.

This coastal town also has a long promenade overlooking the harbour. Enjoy your stroll or sit down for a sip of coffee at cafes and bars, or explore Makarska’s nightlife at the beach clubs. 

Finally, Makarska is known for its cultural heritage and historic old town with Baroque architecture.

2. How to Get to Makarska

Makarska is in South Croatia, in Split-Dalmatia county. You can get there by air, land, or sea.

It’s very popular for tourists from Germany, Austria, Poland, Slovakia, and many other European countries to travel to Makarska by car. The roads are new, modern, and safe, especially the Croatian highway A1, which connects Makarska to its capital, Zagreb, and the rest of Europe. Makarska is 13 hours away from Germany by car, 11 hours from Slovakia, and 8 hours from Hungary. 

Local road above Makarska

If you’re coming with a car, make sure you get plenty of sleep and take breaks, avoid distractions, and plan your route in advance.

Also, the parking in Makarska city center is hard to find during the season, so we suggest booking a villa with parking. Most of our villas in Makarska have parking spots and a garage. If you’re unsure, our booking agents can check out the number of free spots for you.

On the other hand, the most common way of travel from the UK and the US is by air. The closest airport is Split Airport in Kastela, an hour and a half away from Makarska. It has international flights from all major European cities during the summer months. For example, you can fly directly from the UK, Germany, Poland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Iceland, Greece, and more.  

The second closest airport is in Dubrovnik, about two hours and 45 minutes from Makarska. Dubrovnik Airport has direct flights to most European metropolitan cities, but what’s more, Dubrovnik has direct flights to New York (USA), Dubai (UAE), and Tel Aviv (Israel). 

If you need to get from the Split or Dubrovnik airport to your villa, you can hire a taxi for about €100, or let our VIP Concierge Team arrange a private transfer or help you rent a car with one of our trusted partners.

3. When is the Best Time to Visit Makarska

When planning your holidays, it’s important to choose the best dates. This largely depends on your preferences. 

In fact, the most popular season is summer. Most people find it ideal to vacation in Makarska from June to September to enjoy the warmest weather and swim in the sea. This is also the peak season, so you’ll need to prepare for crowds and higher accommodation prices. The hottest months are definitely July and August, with temperatures surpassing 30°C.

If this isn’t for you, you may enjoy the shoulder season more. You can still swim in May and October. Even though the sea is a bit cooler, streets and beaches are less crowded, and the overall atmosphere is calmer, quieter, and more laid-back.

The off-season from November to April is the least popular. During this time, you’ll see very few tourists. However, you can still enjoy Christmas celebrations and festivals, and wellness experiences.

We encourage you to check out our blog “What's the Best Season to Travel in Croatia” to get more information on this topic.

4. Where to Stay in Makarska

If you’re looking for a place to stay on the Makarska Riviera, we’re happy to show you our selection of the best villas with pools. They’re perfect for families and friend groups who want to experience the beautiful Makarska town and Riviera, enjoy the beaches, and connect with nature. 

We have villas near the center of Makarska, beachfront villas in Brela, Baska Voda, and Tucepi, and villas on the Biokovo mountain slopes, from where you can admire the panoramic sea views.

Villa Mosaicus in Makarska

Villa Mosaicus with Pool

Villa Mosaicus with Pool is one of our newest villas, located in Makarska town. It’s only 5 minutes by car to the Makarska City Beach. This modern villa is perfect for large groups since it can host up to 14 guests in 6 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. 

Bedroom with sea views at Villa Mosaicus

The villa has a modern black-and-white interior with natural accents, an open-concept living area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large dining area, ideal for family meals. You can stay fit in the private gym with exercise equipment and relax in the spa room with sauna, hydromassage bathtub, lounge chairs, and a fireplace. There’s also a cinema room for cozy movie nights, as well as billiards and darts for your group to play together.

Childrens playground at Villa Mosaicus

Outside, there’s a heated infinity pool with spectacular sea views, surrounded by beach chairs and a sunbathing area. You can prepare meals at the wood BBQ on the terrace, and relax in multiple outdoor lounge areas. Your children can play football, volleyball, and badminton.

Villa Seraphine in Brela

Living area at Villa Seraphine

Villa Seraphine with Heated Pool in Brela on Makarska Riviera accommodates up to 6 guests in 3 bedrooms with sea views and plenty of natural light. It’s pet-friendly upon request. 

Villa Seraphine with heated pool

The villa is only 200 meters from the beach, restaurants, and cafés, so you can explore the town on foot.  

Swimming pool with panoramic views

There’s a large terrace with panoramic sea views, a heated swimming pool, lounge chairs for sunbathing, and a BBQ area where you can grill meals with your group. It’s ideal for relaxing in peaceful surroundings with your favorite people.

Luxury Villa Misterio in Baska Voda

Villa Misterio with pool and panoramic views

Luxury Villa Misterio with Pool near Makarska is set right under the Biokovo Mountain, away from the city crowds. It hosts up to 6 guests in 3 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, sea views directly from your bed, and a private balcony where you can enjoy your morning coffees.

Bedroom with sea view and bathtub, Villa Misterio

The ultra-modern open-space interior is elegantly furnished, with gray tones, warm wooden touches, and colorful accents. The fully-equipped kitchen, dining, and living areas are all connected. The space is filled with natural light due to high floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and islands.

Villa Misterio pool terrace with outdoor jacuzzi

Outside, you can swim in the large infinity pool or relax in the jacuzzi, chill at the comfortable beach chairs, or enjoy outdoor meals in the summer kitchen and dining area. The sunsets are marvelous.

Villa Azul Grande in Brela

Villa Azul Grande with heated pool

Villa Azul Grande with Heated Pool Villa in Brela is set steps from the beach. It’s perfect for large groups or families traveling together, teambuilding, or even weddings upon request. Up to 18 guests can sleep in 9 bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms, spaced across 4 floors with elevator access. 

Living area at Villa Azul Grande

The modern, glass-filled interior provides natural light and sea views throughout the large living area with cozy sofas, fireplace, fully-equipped kitchen with high-end appliances, wine wall, and direct access to pool terrace. There’s also a wellness area with sauna, a well-equipped gym with sea view, and a shared bathroom. Children have an indoor playroom with many toys and a football table.

Outdoor jacuzzi at Villa Azul Grande

Terrace with sea views features a large heated infinity pool with internal stairs, a stone-tiled sundeck, sun loungers, and umbrellas. You can relax in the outdoor jacuzzi, prepare meals at the BBQ grill, and enjoy them at the dining area. If you’re looking for a luxury group holiday with uninterrupted sea views, Villa Azul Grande is perfect.

5. What to Do in Makarska

Our guests often want to know more about fun activities with their family and friends while staying in Makarska. They also ask for the most beautiful places in Makarska and what to do when the weather is bad. 

Thus, we will give you a few suggestions on the best places to visit and things to do in Makarska. Most of these places you can visit all year round. 

Makarska Riva Promenade

Makarska Riva Promenade

One of the most beautiful places in Makarska is its long seafront promenade, Riva. It’s the perfect place for morning coffee or evening walks during your holiday.

The lively promenade is adorned with palm trees and features many cafes, bars, restaurants, and local shops. 

You can also stroll at the harbour, the biggest one on the Makarska Riviera, which blends with the promenade. If you need to catch a ferry to the neighbouring islands, you’ll find it here.

Makarska Old Town

Church of St. Mark at Kacicev Square

If you’ve ever wondered, “Does Makarska have an old town?”, the answer is yes, of course. Like most towns in Dalmatia, Makarska has a historic Old Town.

Its romantic alleys, Dalmatian stone houses, and charming squares make it one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Makarska Riviera. 

The main attraction is Kacicev Trg (Square), where you’ll find the Church of St. Mark and the Kalelarga street. Right next to it, you’ll find Pijaca, a small market where you can buy local products. You’ll find fresh meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, olive oil, homemade cheese, and many other groceries from local suppliers.

Visiting the Old Town is the perfect way to see how the locals live, discover their traditions, and meet the soul of Makarska city.

Biokovo Skywalk

View from Biokovo Skywalk

Biokovo Mountain Range rises high above Makarska, offering beautiful scenery and walking and hiking trails. Moreover, a few years ago, “Lookout Nebeska šetnica”, Skywalk Biokovo, was officially opened for visitors.

This beautiful lookout is located at the Ravna Vlaska area, 1128 meters above sea level. The viewpoint plateau offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and the islands.

You can get there by car, and there’s parking and restrooms. You can reach it from the Biokovo road. Just start at the Biokovo Nature Park entrance, only 6 kilometers from Makarska. You can also continue your journey to the top of Biokovo, the 1,762-meter-high St. George (Sv. Jure) peak.

Read our blog “Skywalk Biokovo in Makarska” to learn more.

Forest parks

Osejava Forest Park

We all know Makarska has beautiful nature, which makes it a paradise for all nature lovers. You can find two forest parks in the city, each special in its own way.

St. Peter's Forest Park is a tiny peninsula at the harbor’s entrance. You’ll find a cave that’s partially under the sea, cliffs where you can safely jump into the sea, and old 19th and 20th-century houses. The Church of St. Peter is situated on top, and there’s a lovely lighthouse of St. Peter on the western tip of this peninsula, only 20 minutes from the city. Today, St. Peter’s Forest Park is a very popular place for walking and swimming.

Osejava is the second Forest Park in Makarska. It’s very popular for walking, running, or cycling, with spectacular views of the sea or the Biokovo mountain. Stretching all the way to Tucepi, it has numerous trails and hidden bays. There, you’ll find one of the most popular beaches on the Adriatic, Nugal Beach. 

Party in Makarska

Also, Makarska is popular for its rich nightlife. If you’re looking to party during your holiday, you have a few options.

Makarska is a very lively town during the summer, and you’ll find that almost all beach bars host parties after the sun sets in late afternoons. Furthermore, we suggest you stroll through the city center and the Town Beach. You’ll find numerous beach bars and nightclubs where you can sip cocktails and dance. The most famous street for parties is Lisun Street.

What’s more, Makarska town hosts “Fishermen's Night” every other Friday during the summer. It’s a part of the “Makarska Cultural Summer”. You’ll be able to eat fresh seafood, drink local wines, and try out some traditional local activities such as donkey racing.

The most popular places for parties are Makarana, Beach Bar Buba, and cocktail bars “Smile”, “Bety”, and “Listun”.

Situated on St. Peter’s peninsula, Makarana is the most popular club. It has two levels. If you listen to EDM and house music, we suggest the terrace. However, the best parties (especially for locals) are on the first floor with famous DJs, and Croatian and Balkan hit songs. 

The beach bar “Buba” hosts beach parties in the afternoons and concerts at night. The cocktail bars in the city are open all year long.

6. What’s the Weather Like in Makarska

The weather in Makarska is mostly warm and sunny. 

Summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild. The average temperatures in summer are between 26 and 30 °C. For your summer holiday in Mkaarska, pack light clothes, one light jacket, sun cream, sunglasses, and hats. In winter, the temperatures never go below zero, and it rarely snows, except on the nearby Biokovo mountain, which has high elevations.

The sea in Makarska is also very warm and nice for swimming, with temperatures up to 25°C in August. Most people swim from May to September, but if you don’t mind the fresh sea, you can swim in April and October, too.

If you want to learn more about the weather in Croatia, check out our blog “When is the Best Weather in Croatia for a Holiday Visit?”.

7. Beaches on Makarska Riviera

Makarska Riviera has some of the best, most beautiful beaches on the Adriatic. Some are very popular and crowded in the summer, while others are hidden, far away from the public.

People often wonder if Makarska has sandy beaches. However, there are no naturally sandy beaches in Makarska, but some have very fine pebbles which sometimes feel like sand.

Here are our insider tips on the best Makarska beaches.

Makarska Town Beach

Makarska Central Beach or Town Beach is the most popular one. This long, pebbly beach is perfect for families with children by day, and it’s a party hotspot in the late afternoons. It’s covered with pine trees that offer deep shade even in summer, you can try various water sports, or relax in the sun loungers.

Nugal Beach, Makarska

Nugal Beach in Makarska

Nugal Beach is just as popular. It’s situated at the Osejava Forrest Park to the south of Makarska. You can only reach this beach by the forest paths or by boat. Deep pine forest and cliffs hide it from the public. During the rainy season, you can see wonderful waterfalls. However, because it’s so secluded, Nugal attracts many naturists so it’s not for everyone.

Dog's Beach Cvitacka, Makarska

Dog’s Beach Cvitacka is only 3 kilometres from the city center, and it’s perfect if you’re traveling with your pets and want them to experience the beauty of the Adriatic Sea.

Punta Rata Beach, Brela

Punta Rata Beach is a pebbly beach in Brela, surrounded by pine forest. It’s family-friendly and offers many possibilities for water sports.

Nikolina Beach, Baska Voda

Nikolina Beach, with soft white pebbles, is the main beach of Baska Voda. You’ll find many restaurants, beach rental shops, recreational water activities, beach bars, and sunbeds with sunbrellas for rent. It’s an excellent option if you want to spend your entire day at the beach.

Velika Duba Beach, Zivogosce Blato

Last, but not least, Velika Duba Beach is about 30 minutes from Makarska by car. It’s located in a sheltered, quiet bay with crystal clear sea. You can reach the beach from the road or forest paths, and it definitely pays off once you arrive. You can even swim to the tiny sea cave.

Moreover, our blog “Does Makarska have Good Beaches?” will provide you with more information about beaches on the Makarska Riviera and suggest some other beaches as well.

8. Day Trips From Makarska

Makarska is perfectly positioned as a base for your various day trips. Everything is at the tip of your fingertips, from coastal towns like Split and Dubrovnik to the gorgeous islands and National Parks.

Here are a few of our top recommendations for your day trips from Makarska town.

How to Get to Split from Makarska

Aerial view of Split City

Split is the largest city of coastal Croatia, and it’s definitely a must-visit stop if you’re in Dalmatia. The Old Town is over 2,000 years old, and its Roman architecture is well-preserved to this day. We always recommend visiting the Old Town with Diocletian’s Palace, the summer residence of Roman Emperor Diocletian, the Forest Park Marjan with numerous beaches and walking paths, and trying out local restaurants with top-quality fresh food.

The best way to get to Split from Makarska is by car. It takes a little over 1 hour if you’re driving on the A1 motorway. However, if you want to enjoy a more scenic road trip, take the “Adriatic highway” at least once. You’ll drive for about 2 hours and see the beautiful scenery of Makarska Riviera, Omis, and Split, while staying close to the sea.

Can you get a ferry from Makarska to Split? Yes, Kapetan Luka (Krilo) ferry operates daily from June 1st until September 25th between Makarska and Split, with one stop on Bol, Brac Island. It takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs 20 euros per adult.

How to Get to Dubrovnik from Makarska

Aerial view of Dubrovnik Old Town

Dubrovnik is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. You’ve probably seen its unique Old Town with the magnificent City Walls and famous Stradun Street, where many celebrities and royals went for walks and cocktails. If you’ve watched Game of Thrones, you’ll recognize that many scenes were filmed in Dubrovnik.

So, if you’re staying in Makarska, a day trip to Dubrovnik is a must. You can travel by car. There are two options. You can either drive via the A1 highway to Ploce and then continue via the Adriatic Highway. This takes about 2 and a half hours. However, it takes about the same amount of time to travel only via the seafront Adriatic Highway, and you’ll enjoy breathtaking seaviews.

What’s more, you can travel from Makarska to Dubrovnik via ferry, using the same Kapetan Luka (Krilo) ferry line. It takes 3 and a half hours and stops on the Korcula and Mljet islands. The voyage costs 45 euros per adult.

How to Get to Brac from Makarska

Brac Island, Golden Cape Beach

Brac is the closest island to Makarska, only 1 hour away by ferry. It’s famous for the stunning Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) Beach in Bol town, but the island has much more to offer, including natural beauties, great food, and interesting architecture.

You can travel by Jadrolinija ferry multiple times a day between Sumartin on Brac Island and Makarska town. The ferries from Makarska operate every few hours from 6:45 am until 9 pm, and ferries from Brac Island operate from 6 am until 9:15 pm. 

What’s more, Kapetan Luka (Krilo) operates daily between Bol on Brac Island and Makarska town. It’s the same line that connects Makarska to Split in the North and Dubrovnik in the South. 

Other than that, you can always reach out to our Concierge team to arrange private speedboat transfers between Makarska and Brac Island or any other destination.

Other Popular Tours From Makarska

As Makarska is perfectly placed between other recognized tourist destinations, the options for day trips are endless. 

For example, the Tour of 5 Islands is one of the most popular private boat tours from Makarska, with stops at Blue Cave on Bisevo Island, Vis, Hvar, Pakleni Islands, and more. 

Moreover, our guests like visiting the National Park Krka Waterfalls, about an hour and a half from Makarska. They also travel to Korcula, the home of Marco Polo, and Mljet, the greenest island in Croatia, with a National Park.

9. General questions about Makarska

St. Peter's Forest Park in Makarska

You may have a few more questions, so we will briefly go through those, too.

Is Makarska Expensive for Tourists

Well, it depends on your budget: Generally, Makarska is cheaper than bigger towns in Dalmatia like Dubrovnik, Split, or the islands like Hvar. The prices are similar to those in other smaller coastal towns in Croatia, so check out our blog, Is Croatia Expensive to Visit.

Can You See Dolphins in Makarska

Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you can catch dolphins swimming in the sea. You have a better chance of seeing dolphins if you’re on the boat, as they love following the boats. However, they’re a protected species, so if you’re close to them, don’t disturb them.

Is Makarska Crowded

Sometimes, depending on your expectations. Makarska is very calm and quiet in the low season, but it becomes busy in July and August. However, you can avoid big crowds if you don’t go to popular beaches or avoid the city center during peak hours.

Can You Drink Tap Water in Makarska

Yes, as in other parts of Croatia, tap water in Makarska is completely safe to drink. 

10. Is Makarska worth visiting

Do we even have to answer this question? Yes, Makarska is worth visiting, whether it’s for a short one-day trip or a longer holiday. 

It’s a beautiful summer destination that’s perfect for all: nature lovers, families with children, younger adults looking for parties, or those who just want to relax and recharge.