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TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Makarska: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Makarska
- Makarska, a scenic coastal town on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, is nestled between the sparkling Adriatic Sea and the majestic Biokovo Mountains.
- It’s renowned for its pebble beaches, seaside promenade, and vibrant Mediterranean charm.
- The town lies along the stunning Makarska Riviera, a popular stretch known for its crystal-clear waters, pine-fringed beaches, and charming seaside villages.
- Nature lovers can explore Biokovo Nature Park, which offers panoramic views from the Skywalk and opportunities for hiking, cycling, and paragliding.
- Cultural highlights include St Mark’s Cathedral, Makarska Franciscan Monastery, and lively summer festivals along the promenade.
- Closest International Airports:
- Split Airport (SPU) – approximately 85 km northwest of Makarska
- Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) – around 165 km southeast - Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (UTC+2 in summer during Daylight Saving Time)
- Driving Side: Right-hand side
- Main Electricity: 230V, 50Hz
- Official Language: Croatian
- Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Makarska
- Makarska, a jewel of the Croatian coast, offers a perfect blend of seaside relaxation and mountain adventure, nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the rugged Biokovo Mountains.
- Part of the stunning Makarska Riviera, the region boasts crystal-clear waters, pine-fringed pebble beaches, and charming old towns full of Mediterranean flair.
- Nature lovers can explore Biokovo Nature Park, home to the famous Skywalk, panoramic trails, and diverse flora and fauna.
- Whether sunbathing by the sea, hiking above the clouds, or strolling through vibrant promenades, Makarska delivers a captivating escape for beachgoers and adventurers alike.
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Makarska
- The best time to visit Makarska depends on the experience you’re after. Late May to September is ideal for beach holidays, offering warm sunny days, crystal-clear waters, and lively seaside vibes.
- July and August are peak summer months with bustling promenades, festivals, and vibrant nightlife—perfect for those who enjoy energy and entertainment.
- Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October) are great for outdoor activities like hiking in Biokovo Nature Park, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Winter (November–March) is quieter and less touristy—while the beach scene pauses, it’s a peaceful time to explore the town and enjoy the coastal charm without the rush.
- With its pleasant Mediterranean climate, Makarska is a year-round destination that caters to beach lovers, hikers, and cultural explorers alike.
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Makarska
Biokovo Nature Park & Skywalk
- Towering above Makarska, Biokovo Mountain offers dramatic views of the Adriatic and nearby islands.
- The Skywalk Biokovo, a glass platform at 1,228 metres, provides a thrilling panoramic experience.
- Adventurers can explore hiking trails, rare plant species, and wildlife within the park.
- Cycling and scenic drives up to Sveti Jure, the highest peak (1,762 m), are also popular.
- The park offers unforgettable sunrise and sunset vistas for nature lovers and photographers.
Makarska Old Town
- Wander the historic centre with its cobbled streets, quaint shops, and lively cafes.
- Visit St Mark’s Cathedral and the Franciscan Monastery, home to a seashell museum.
- The charming harbour promenade is lined with bars, restaurants, and local vendors.
- In summer, enjoy concerts, festivals, and bustling nightlife by the sea.
- A perfect spot to soak up Mediterranean charm and Croatian culture.
Beaches of Makarska Riviera
- Makarska boasts a string of beautiful pebble beaches, backed by pine trees and turquoise waters.
- Donja Luka Beach is the most popular, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
- Quieter coves like Nugal Beach offer a more secluded experience.
- Beachfront bars and cafes ensure a relaxed vibe throughout the day.
- The Riviera stretches south to towns like Brela and Tučepi, each with their own charm.
Vepric Shrine
- Modelled after Lourdes in France, this peaceful pilgrimage site lies nestled in a natural cave.
- It’s surrounded by forested hills and is ideal for quiet walks and spiritual reflection.
- Visitors can explore chapels, a meditation path, and religious sculptures.
- Open year-round, it's a serene cultural and spiritual stop near the town.
- A perfect blend of nature, faith, and tranquility.
DISCOVER MORE
Makarska Off the Beaten Track
Sveti Jure (Biokovo Peak)
- The highest peak of the Biokovo Mountain, at 1,762 metres, Sveti Jure offers stunning panoramic views of the Adriatic and neighbouring islands.
- Accessible via a scenic but narrow mountain road, it's a thrilling drive for nature lovers.
- On clear days, you can even glimpse Italy across the sea.
- Popular with hikers and cyclists looking for a rewarding challenge.
- The peak is part of Biokovo Nature Park, making it ideal for ecotourism and photography.
Nugal Beach
- Tucked between cliffs and pine trees, Nugal Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on the Makarska Riviera.
- Accessible only by foot or boat, it offers a tranquil escape from the crowds.
- The crystal-clear waters and dramatic surroundings create a postcard-perfect setting.
- A popular spot for nature lovers and those seeking peaceful sunbathing.
- It’s also known for being a clothing-optional beach, attracting free-spirited visitors.
Kotišina Botanical Garden
- Located above Makarska in the village of Kotišina, this unique botanical garden is part of Biokovo Nature Park.
- It showcases indigenous plant species in a wild, mountainous setting.
- The historic Kotišina fortress ruins nearby add cultural charm to your visit.
- A great spot for a peaceful walk and panoramic views of the coast.
- Ideal for families, nature photographers, and botany enthusiasts.
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Makarska Culture and Traditions
- Makarska's culture reflects a blend of Mediterranean coastal charm and Dalmatian heritage, shaped by centuries of Venetian, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian influence.
- The town is known for its stone architecture, charming alleys, and historical landmarks like St Mark’s Cathedral and the Franciscan Monastery.
- Local traditions come alive in festivals such as the Makarska Cultural Summer, featuring open-air concerts, folklore performances, and artisanal markets.
- Religious events, especially during Easter and local saint days, highlight the region’s strong Catholic roots.
- Art, music, and poetry also play key roles, often celebrated along the scenic Makarska Riviera and in nearby villages like Tučepi and Podgora.
FOOD FUN FASHION
Makarska: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
FOOD
#FOOD
Makarska’s cuisine is a delicious fusion of seafood and Mediterranean flavors, complemented by local olive oil, herbs, and wine.
Must-try dishes include grilled fish, black risotto (made with cuttlefish ink), and pasticada—a slow-cooked beef stew served with gnocchi.
Local cheeses, prosciutto (pršut), and fresh-baked pogača bread are staples in traditional Dalmatian meals.
Desserts like rožata (a creamy custard similar to flan) and fritule (mini doughnuts with raisins and brandy) are perfect sweet endings.
Pair your meal with local wines from nearby regions or enjoy a glass of rakija, a popular fruit brandy.
FUN
#FUN
- Makarska offers a variety of fun activities for every traveller, from beachgoers to mountain explorers.
- Spend days sunbathing or swimming at Donja Luka Beach, or venture to secluded coves like Nugal Beach.
- Hike or cycle through Biokovo Nature Park, or walk the Skywalk for panoramic coastal views.
- Boat trips to nearby islands like Brač and Hvar offer snorkelling, sightseeing, and traditional Dalmatian music onboard.
- By night, enjoy live music, cocktail bars, and seaside clubs, especially during the summer festival season.
- Families will love water sports, seaside playgrounds, and mini-train rides along the promenade.
- Cultural lovers can visit local museums, attend open-air theatre, or explore historic nearby towns.
- Whether active or laid-back, Makarska is full of experiences waiting to be enjoyed.
FASHION
#FASHION
- Makarska fashion blends Mediterranean ease with coastal flair—think linen shirts, breezy dresses, and sandals by day, chic resort wear by night.
- Traditional Dalmatian attire, featuring embroidered vests, sashes, and red hats, is worn during folk festivals and national celebrations.
- Visitors often adopt casual, beach-ready styles with sunhats, swimsuits, and flowing kaftans.
- For excursions into Biokovo, practical outdoor wear like hiking shoes, windbreakers, and sportswear is popular.
- The local artisan markets also feature handmade jewellery, woven bags, and natural fabric clothing, perfect for fashion lovers seeking unique keepsakes.
- In Makarska, style is about comfort, sun-soaked elegance, and a nod to tradition.
NATURE & SAFARI
Makarska: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- Makarska is blessed with a spectacular natural setting, nestled between the azure Adriatic Sea and the dramatic slopes of the Biokovo Mountains.
- The region features a variety of landscapes, including pebble beaches, pine forests, karst cliffs, and Mediterranean flora, making it ideal for nature lovers.
- Biokovo Nature Park is a haven for hikers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering scenic trails, panoramic viewpoints, and native species like mountain goats and birds of prey.
- Visitors can explore hidden coves, hike to Sveti Jure, or stroll along coastal trails that showcase the contrast between sea and mountain.
- While there are no traditional safaris, ecotourism and birdwatching are popular, especially in the quieter, forested hillsides of the Biokovo range.
- Boat trips reveal coastal caves and marine life, offering a different perspective of Makarska’s natural beauty.
- The blend of sea, stone, and forest creates a refreshing outdoor experience year-round.
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Makarska Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- Makarska is alive with festivals that highlight its vibrant coastal culture, traditional music, and Mediterranean spirit.
- The Makarska Cultural Summer is the town’s flagship festival, featuring open-air concerts, theatre, film screenings, and folklore performances throughout July and August.
- Fishermen’s Nights are popular summer events where locals and tourists enjoy live music, seafood, and dancing along the promenade.
- Nearby villages like Tučepi and Podgora also host their own local feasts and folklore evenings, showcasing regional traditions and gastronomy.
- Religious festivals, including celebrations for St Peter and St Mark, combine spiritual rituals with parades, music, and communal feasts.
- During the winter season, Makarska hosts Advent markets, offering Christmas treats, crafts, and festive music in a cosy coastal setting.
- These festivals create a strong sense of community, tradition, and joy, adding cultural depth to any visit to Makarska.