Makarska Riviera is a part of the Dalmatian coastline considered to have some of the best beaches in Croatia. Among these best beaches, there are few of them that stand out, and one of these is Nugal beach. We live on Makarska Riviera, and yes, you’ll definitely find some of the best beaches in Croatia right here, below the mighty Biokovo Mountain.
This article will be all about the famous Nugal Beach, where is it located, how to reach it, what are the best adventures you can try in the area.
Where is Nugal Beach Located? Nugal beach is located in between Makarska and Tučepi and it’s surrounded by high rising cliffs. It’s not a large beach as the one you can find in Tučepi, for example. But that’s even better because these smaller beaches of Makarska Riviera always tend to be the most beautiful ones.
If you want to reach Nugal Beach, there are 2 options for that – either by walking or by kayak or boat. We’ll talk about reaching this beautiful beach in a few moments. But first, let us show you the location of the Nugal Beach.
Location : Google Maps Link Distance from Makarska : About 2 kilometres south of the town centre, you can reach it either on foot or by boat.
Why is Nugal Beach So Famous? As we already told you, Nugal Beach is one of the most famous beaches on Makarska Riviera . So when you have the most famous beach in a part known for the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, you know that it’s something special. What we like about Nugal Beach is first of all its seclusion and the cliffs that surround it.
We have always preferred beaches that are not in the main tourist areas, but the ones you need to spill a bit of sweat to reach it. Sweat makes it sweet. Same goes with Nugal, although it might feel a bit more crowded than some other secluded beaches of Makarska Riviera.
So let’s summarize what makes Nugal Beach so famous:
Seclusion : The remote location of this beach usually means fewer people, which makes it an ideal spot for relaxation. Although it can be somewhat crowded during the peak season. It’s still one of the most famous beaches in Croatia, remember?Dramatic Scenery : Nugal is surrounded by rising cliffs and Mediterranean vegetation which adds so much to the overall vibe of the whole place.Crystal-Clear Waters : The Adriatic Sea is known for its clear waters which makes it perfect for swimming and snorkelling.Naturism-Friendly : A part of the Nugal beach is designated as a nudist area, so if you are into naturism, you can freely swim naked here. Just to make it clear, only one part of this beach is a nudist area and that part is divided from the rest by the thin rope designating the beginning of a nudist area.Award-Winning Destination : Finally, Nugal Beach has been featured in many lists of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches. What more needs to be said? You need to visit it if you’re staying on Makarska Riviera .
Best Adventure and Day Tours in Makarska Area
Before we continue with this famous beach, let us introduce you to the some of the best activities you can do while staying in Makarska. These will range from kayaking day boat tours to the TukTuk or Buggy tours to the Biokovo Nature Park , a place you must visit during your vacation on Makarska Riviera.
How to Get to Nugal Beach And now the part which makes the Nugal beach even better, it’s seclusion which makes it way less crowded than it would be if it was easier to get to. Reaching Nugal Beach is part of the adventure. Due to it being secluded, the beach is not accessible by car (which is great), and there are two main ways to get there:
1. Walking from Makarska to Nugal BeachThe most popular way to reach Nugal is by taking a scenic walk through Osejava Forest Park. This trail offers nice relaxation and perfect views of the Makarska Riviera coastline and takes you through a tranquil pine forest. Perfect for a walking meditation before you reach the beach.
Trail Details :
Starting Point: Makarska town centre, near the Franciscan Monastery, but can be anywhere from Makarska.
Duration: Approximately 30-40 minutes on foot, depending on your starting point.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate; the trail is well-marked but we suggest wearing the proper shoes and avoiding walking during the hottest parts of the day.
Tips :
Wear proper shoes suitable for longer walks.
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, especially if visiting Nugal Beach in the summer months.
Start early in the morning for cooler temperatures and a chance to grab the best spot on the beach.
2. By Boat or Kayak For a unique and different perspective, you might want to consider getting to Nugal Beach by sea. Kayak tours are a popular option, providing you with a chance to explore even more of the coastline surrounding Nugal beachs. There are some other, smaller beaches along the way too. The kayaking tour we mentioned in the section before passes by the Nugal Beach.
Tour Recommendation : Book a kayak tour that passes near Nugal Beach . These Makarska kayak tours often include stops for swimming and snorkelling.Tips :
Morning kayak tours provide calmer sea and optimal conditions for paddling.
Bring your mobile phone or camera and dress lightly. You’ll get all the necessary equipment from the guides.
Best Time to Visit Nugal Beach Croatia, and thus Makarska Riviera as well, is most visited during the summer months of July and August. It’s also the period when the both air temperature and sea temperature are at their highest. The swimming is definitely important part of the whole Nugal Beach experience, so we advise you visit it during the warmer months.
Time of Year : May to September offers nice and warm weather and clear waters. Months like June and September are perfect for avoiding crowds since these are bit off the peak season.Time of Day : Visit Nugal Beach early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy the beach in its most tranquil state. The golden hour (1 hour before the sunset) provides excellent lighting for photography if you want to end up with some great photo material from this stunning beach.Avoiding Crowds : Weekdays are usually less busy than weekends, especially during the peak summer season. Either way, expect crowds during the peak season.
What to Do at Nugal Beach So what to do once you get to the Nugal beach? The same thing you would do on any other beach of Makarska Riviera – enjoy, relax and add few more things into equation.
1. Swimming and Snorkelling The crystal-clear Adriatic sea make swimming a pleasure, and if you are into snorkelling and have your gear, you can explore the underwater world and snorkel by the rising cliffs of Nugal Beach.
Tips : Bring your own snorkelling gear as rentals are not available at the beach.
2. Kayaking Join a kayak tour to explore even more of the surrounding Dalmatian coastline . It’s a fantastic way to combine adventure with relaxation. If you don’t want to join a guided tour, you can always rent a kayak in Makarska (for a few hours) and paddle to the Nugal Beach on your own.
Tour Recommendation : Book a guided kayak tour from Makarska, get all the equipment and let the guide show you the best places of this part of the coastline.
3. Sunbathing Finally, we get to the part most people want to enjoy during their vacation in Croatia – the sun. You can simply relax on this pebble beach and soak up some Vitamin D. Just remember that part of the beach is naturist-friendly, so be mindful of the designated areas and respect others.
Tips : Bring a beach mat or towel for laying comfortably on the pebbles.
Additional Tips for Visiting Nugal Beach Almost done, here are just few more considerations before you start packing and walking toward the Nugal Beach.
Pack Light : There are no tourist facilities at Nugal Beach, so bring all you need with you – water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and anything else you might need.Respect Naturist Areas : If you’re not comfortable with nudism, stick to the non-naturist section of the beach and that’s it.Leave No Trace Be Prepared for the Hike : The hike to the beach involves a bit of uneven terrain, so take your time and enjoy the journey. It’s nothing that should stop you from visiting this fantastic beach.Safety First : If you’re visiting alone or kayaking to the Nugal Beach on your own, let someone know your plans and expected return time.
Before You Venture to Nugal Beach So what do you think, are you going to visit this famous beach? Did you like the images and ambiance of Nugal Beach? We believe that visiting it during your stay on Makarska Riviera would be great, especially if you’re staying in nearby Tučepi or Makarska – 2 closest places to Nugal. But either way, we believe that best part of Makarska Riviera are its secluded beaches and hidden bays in which you can enjoy your time in a more relaxed and peaceful manner.
Always seek these secluded beaches of Makarska Riviera and enjoy your vacation. May it be a good one.
