Makarska

Makarska is the heart of the famous Makarska Riviera, a picturesque stretch of Croatian coastline stretching 60 kilometres between Brela and Gradac. This lively resort town is nestled in a horseshoe-shaped bay at the foot of the majestic Biokovo mountain range, providing an impressive backdrop to the azure waters of the Adriatic. Makarska attracts tourists with its magnificent promenade, long pebble beaches, vibrant nightlife and opportunities for outdoor activities. I first became acquainted with these picturesque places more than 20 years ago, and have returned several times.

Makarska

The town of Makarska is stretched along the coast between the sea and the mountains. There is no heavy industry here, like in Rijeka and Split. The port is a passenger port, without cranes, railway and dust from dry cargo ships. Everything is cosy, compact and adapted for recreation.

It is very popular with Ukrainians, Poles, Serbs, Bosnians and Germans sea resort. Let us consider its beaches at once.

Beaches of Makarska

Makarska is famous for its long pebble beaches with clear water, many of which are perfect for holidays with children.

Gradska plaža Makarska (Makarska City Beach)

City beach in Makarska, view from the lighthouse towards the town. Behind the town is the Biokovo mountain range.

City beach in Makarska. View from the centre, St. Peter's peninsula and the lighthouse can be seen in the distance.

The main beach of the town starts from the peninsula of St. Peter and stretches for almost 2 km along the bay towards Brela. It is covered with fine pebbles and has a gentle entrance to the water, making it suitable for children. There are pine trees along the beach, creating natural shade. There is all the necessary infrastructure: showers, changing cabins, rent of sunbeds and umbrellas, water entertainment. The beach is located near the city centre, and the road to it passes through a small market. Here you can buy everything you need for your holiday: sun umbrellas, slippers for swimming, swimming costumes, masks, flippers, T-shirts, shorts and so on. Near the beach there are a lot of cafes, bistros. I liked the beach itself, the presence of shade from coniferous trees, convenience of location, proximity to the city infrastructure. Disadvantages of the town beach – in the peak season there are a lot of holidaymakers. In Makarska there are hotels in addition to private apartments, and this affects the number of tourists.

Behind the lighthouse on the rocks lurks the tiny beach of St Peter's. But there's nowhere to hide from the sun.

When we were holidaying in the neighbouring village of Krvavica, we came along the coast to Makarska several times, our way passing by the dog beach (if you are travelling with dogs – this is the place to go) and Ramova beach. Between Makarska town beach and Ramova there is a tourist paravozik.

Dog Beach is practically outside the city limits. Search on Google as Dog Beach Makarska.

Nugal Beach (Plaža Nugal)

Located south of Makarska, between Makarska and Tučepi. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Riviera, surrounded by rocks and pine trees. It can be reached on foot along a path through the forest (about 30 minutes) or by boat. Part of the beach is reserved for nudists. Although the way to it may not be the easiest with small children, its natural beauty is impressive. It is followed by the beaches of Solarić, and Kralev Gaj – before the outskirts of Tučepi.

How to get to Makarski

By plane: The nearest international airport is Split (SPU), located about 75-85 km northwest of Makarska. The journey time from the airport to Makarski by car or shuttle bus is about 1.5 hours. Another option is Dubrovnik Airport (DBV), but it is much further away (about 165 km) and the journey will take about 3 hours.

By bus: Makarska has regular bus services to Split, Dubrovnik, Zagreb and other major Croatian cities, as well as some international destinations. The bus station (Autobusni kolodvor Makarska) is located near the city centre.

By car: The Adriatic Highway (Jadranska magistrala, D8) runs through Makarska, making it easily accessible for those travelling by car. You can also take the modern motorway A1 (exit to Zagvozd, then through the Sveti Ilija tunnel).

Communication with other cities/islands:

Brac Island: There is a ferry from Makarska to Sumartin on the island of Brac. It is a convenient way to get to the eastern part of Brac. The journey time is about 1 hour. The operator is Jadrolinija.

Split and Dubrovnik: Regular bus service.

Local buses: Connects Makarska with neighbouring Riviera resort villages (Brela, Krvavica, Baška Voda, Tučepi, Podgora).

What to see

Quay (Riva)

Marineta promenade (Marineta): The most popular place in Makarski, a lively and picturesque promenade framed by palm trees, numerous cafes, restaurants and shops. Ideal place for strolling, especially in the evening.

The colour of the Old Town

Kačić Mišić Square (Kačićev trg): The central town square, named after the Croatian poet Andrija Kačić Mišić, whose monument is erected here. The square is dominated by the 18th centurySt Mark's Church (Crkva sv. Marka).

Crkva sv. Marka, Kačićev trg

Franciscan Monastery (Franjevački samostan): You won't be surprised by this one, given the number of churches and monasteries in Croatia. But in its premises is the unique Malakološki muzej (Malacological Museum ) with one of the largest collections of shells and molluscs in the world. The secret of the museum is that, apart from exhibits from the depths of the Adriatic , there are shells from other seas: the Red Sea, the Caribbean, Antarctica, Hawaii, Oceania, China, California, Japan, Australia, Madagascar, Tanzania, the Philippines and Indonesia. In addition to marine gifts, the museum has a herbarium from Mount Biokovo and small palaeontological collections.

Lighthouse on St Peter's Peninsula, Makarska

St Peter's Peninsula (Poluotok Sveti Petar): Located at the entrance to the city harbour, here you will find the ruins of an old church, a lighthouse and a park with beautiful views of the city and the sea. A great place for walks and photo shoots.

Biokovo Nature Park (Park prirode Biokovo): Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can visit the national reserve, an impressive mountain range towering above Makarska. By car or as part of an excursion, you can climb to the top of Sveti Jure (1762 metres) or visit the new popular attraction, Nebeska šetnica – Skywalk Biokovo, a glass observation deck with breathtaking views. There is a very difficult mountain road built by Napoleon's troops, and not every driver without mountain driving experience will have the courage to climb the narrow serpentine. Therefore, most often tourists use the services of local guides or tour companies. People usually go to Biokovo to see the sunrise. In summer, it allows you to have a few hours of coolness for a walk in the mountains. Because later the heat high up in the mountains heats up not only the rocks but also you. During the day, the blinding sun will not give you the pleasure of walking in the nature of Biokovo. You can read more about Biokovo in the article about Krvavica. By the way, this neighbouring village has a nice beach and it is not so crowded.

Where to eat

Makarska is a resort town. There are no problems here.

Wine bar on the street

Tables and menu of the restaurant Stari Mlin, Makarska

Restaurants and Konoba: Along the Marineta promenade and in the streets of the old town you will find many restaurants serving Mediterranean and Dalmatian cuisine, fresh fish and seafood (riba i plodovi mora), grilled meat (meso s roštilja), as well as pizzerias and cafes. Konoba such as “Kalelarga” or restaurants with a sea view are popular .

Fish market (Ribarnica)

The fish market in Makarska is small and fresh fish is sold out very quickly

.

It is located near the centre and offers fresh seafood. For directions you can go to Google maps under the link Fish market Kantar Makarska. Address: Ul. don Mihovila Pavlinovića 22, 21300, Makarska. Features: usually open until 13 hours. In practice, fresh fish is sold out from the very morning. It is better to come at least at 9 am. Wild fish caught by fishermen in the sea is usually much more expensive than farmed fish. The fish market in Makarska was 20-50% more expensive than the market in Pula.

Supermarkets also sell fish, but not wild fish. It's cheaper.

The fish market is a great option for seafood lovers if you rent an apartment with a kitchen and want to cook something yourself. If you find the prices at the market expensive, look for chilled fish in supermarkets. It's cheaper there.

On the other side of town there is the Fish Shop of the Bosnian company Žuvela (Ribarnica Žuvela Makarska). They sell fresh fish and products made from it.

Vegetable (farmer's) market

The farmers' market in Makarska is located to the left of the central square. Address: Zagorska ul. 1, 21300, Makarska. You can find the route here.

In autumn, when we were there, the stalls were bursting with various varieties of delicious grapes, figs, dates, vegetables and fruits. Here you can buy homemade olive oil (maslinovo ulje), honey and other local products.

Shopping

Makarska is a resort town and souvenir shops, beach shops and small boutiques predominate here.

Shopping centres: Makarska itself does not have large classic shopping centres like in big cities. However, there are a few shopping arcades or small centres. One of the relatively newer and larger ones is Spot Mall Makarska, offering a selection of clothing, footwear, cosmetics and other shops.

Nearby are New Yorker clothing shops, Pepco and a Lidlsupermarket .

A little further on, at the Makarska exit there is a Kaufland Makarskasupermarket and not far away Konzum and Plodine.

Excursion programmes

Many interesting excursions are offered from Makarska to the immediate surroundings:

Biokovo Nature Park: Organised tours by minibus or jeep to the top of Sveti Jure, visit to Skywalk Biokovo.

Islands of Hvar and Brač: Boat trips and excursion boat trips to neighbouringislands. Usually include swimming in beautiful bays and visiting island towns (e.g. Bol and Zlatni Rat on Brač, Hvar or Jelsa on Hvar).

Split and Trogir: One-day bus tours to historic UNESCO World Heritage cities.

Dubrovnik: A longer (one way journey takes about 3 hours) day trip to the “pearl of the Adriatic”.

Cetina River and Omis: Rafting, canyoning or boat trips on the picturesque Cetina River, visit to the pirate town of Omis.

Imotski: A trip to the unique Red and Blue Lakes (Crveno i Modro jezero).

Medjugorje (Bosnia and Herzegovina): Pilgrimage tours to the famous place of the apparition of the Virgin Mary.

Makarska is a resort that offers the perfect combination of beach holidays, natural beauty, historical sights and a variety of activities for the whole family.

Entertainment for children and adults

Makarska has a well-developed entertainment industry. Bicycles, kayaks, pedal boats, jet skis, jet skis, parachute rides and water slides are available for hire.

Weather in Makarska

Tomorrow's forecast: air and water temperature

Weather forecast for 7 days
MAKARSKA WEATHER