Tucepi is yet another famous place on the Makarska Riviera. This stunning place is located just by the city of Makarska, the largest and most vibrant city of Makarska Riviera. But to enjoy your holiday in Tučepi, you want to stay active and try a lot of different experiences, and that’s why we decided to bring you our list of the best things to do in Tucepi. Because holidays in Tučepi will be boring if you spend them just on the beach. Yes, vacation on Makarska Riviera is meant for relaxation but also for explorations and enjoyment.
There are many things to do near Tucepi, and we’re writing this article to bring you some of our favorites. Some of the best things out there are sometimes just around the corner, and by this, we mean that you should drive for 30 minutes or so to discover some of the most famous places in southern Croatia that are not located in Tučepi but are still relatively close to it.
We are Makarska Riviera locals, and as former adventure guides in Croatia, we spent a lot of time on Makarska Riviera and near Tučepi, and that’s why we feel competent to write about this topic. We even used to organize our kayaking tours near Tučepi. What a great adventures we had there.
Stick around and find out what to do when staying in Tučepi.
About Tučepi
Tucepi is a small tourist place on the Makarska Riviera, and it is closest to the city of Makarska, the largest city on this part of the Croatian coastline. Just like any other place on the Riviera, Tucepi is the perfect blend of the Adriatic Sea and Biokovo mountain rising above it. It’s the mountain that gives that special charm to the whole of Makarska Riviera.
The first inhabitants of the Tucepi area were Illyrian tribes who came here some 4 thousand years ago. Like in most of the nearby places, people were living in upper old villages for a long time. These villages were not located near the sea but closer to the peaks of Biokovo mountain. If you are staying in Tucepi for your holidays, you can easily see its old village, which is high in the hills. We suggest you visit it too.
When tourism became a real thing in Croatia, people slowly started to move near the sea and build their houses there. But old villages are not totally forgotten; there is always something going on up there, and many nice restaurants exist there, and many great events are being organized during the summer months.
Today, Tucepi is one of the most visited places on the Makarska Riviera. Tucepi Beach is among the longest ones in the vicinity, and it is full of tourists every summer. When it comes to things to do in Tucepi, we believe that outdoor activities are the best way to experience the true Dalmatia.
Highlights of Tučepi:
Longest beach on the Makarska Riviera (around 4 kilometers).
Traditional Dalmatian cuisine and waterfront dining.
Family-friendly atmosphere and activities.
Many adventure and day tours in the area
Our top pick of the tours you can try in the Tučepi area
How to Get to Tučepi
Reaching Tucepi is easy, and you have many transport options at your disposal. Many people choose to visit Tucepi by their car. Especially those coming from countries that border with Croatia. The fastest and most convenient way to reach Tucepi by car is to use the main Croatian motorway (A1). It’s a modern motorway, and you should take the Zagvozd exit to reach Makarska Riviera. After the exit, you need about 15 more minutes of driving to arrive in Tucepi.
On the other hand, if you are not in a hurry, you can use the regional roads. These are usually much more scenic routes and make a much more pleasant driving experience. They often pass near popular national parks and other marvels of nature you might want to visit on your way to Tucepi. Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka National Park are just a few of them.
If you are coming from countries that are far away from Croatia, then flying to Croatia is your best option. Split airport is the closest one to Tucepi, and there are many lines connecting this airport with many other airports all across Europe. Once you land in Split, we suggest you rent a car to have the best exploration experience and possibilities. You’ll need around an hour and a half to reach Tucepi from Split Airport.
Public transport is another option. And by public transportation, we mean buses. They are rather cheap, and there are frequent lines that connect the city of Split with Tucepi and the rest of Makarska Riviera. Still, there might be a lot of delays in public transport during the busiest months in Croatia.
By Car:
From Split (65 km): Drive along the scenic Adriatic Highway (D8) or use the A1 motorway.
From Dubrovnik (140 km): Follow the coastal road or A1 motorway (from the city of Ploče).
By Bus:
Regular buses connect Tučepi with Makarska, Split, and Dubrovnik. Expect delays during the busiest months.
By Plane:
The nearest airport is Split Airport (65 km away). From there, you can rent a car or take a bus.
Introduction to Things to Do in Tučepi
We finally reach the topic of this article – the best things to do in Tucepi. Since we are outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy adventure tours on Makarska Riviera, we’re going to focus on the outdoor experiences you can try in Tucepi and near it.
There are many things to do near Tucepi, too. You don’t need to go far away to find yourself in a completely different landscape – for example, beautiful Bacina lakes are just 40 minutes of driving away from Tucepi, but they are something completely different than anything you’ll see on Makarska Riviera. We would say it’s worth a drive.
Explore the Biokovo Nature Park
We already mentioned the mighty Biokovo mountain that rises above Tucepi and the whole Makarska Riviera. Part of this mountain is a nature park, which means that it’s a protected area full of different plant and animal species. The entrance to Biokovo Nature Park is located just above Tucepi. The entrance fee is approx. 10 euros for an adult person.
There is a narrow road going through the park area, and you can visit Biokovo Nature Park by car. You don’t need to pay extra if you choose to do it this way, you pay only for the ticket for yourself and the people with you. Be advised that the road through Biokovo Nature Park is pretty narrow, and you need some driving skills to drive safely through the park. If you are ok with this, then exploring Biokovo Nature Park will be among the best things to do in Tucepi. We wrote an article about a visit to Biokovo Nature Park, so make sure you read it and find out the best information about the visit.
Once you are in the park, we suggest you visit a famous new attraction called Biokovo Skywalk. It’s visible from Tucepi, too. It’s possible to reach the highest peak Sv. Jure by a car. Vosac Peak is another Biokovo peak with the best view of Makarska Riviera and nearby islands. To reach Vosac Peak, you’ll need to hike for about 30 minutes from a parking lot.
Booking a guided tour through Biokovo Nature Park is a great way to explore it carefree.
Activities:
Hike to Sveti Jure, the highest peak in the park.
Visit the Biokovo Skywalk, a glass-bottomed platform with stunning views.
Discover the diverse flora and fauna of the Biokovo Nature Park.
Tips:
Wear proper footwear and bring water for hikes.
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and heat.
Book a Makarska Kayaking Tour
Kayaking is among the most serene and relaxing things to do in Tucepi. It’s also the best way to explore the beautiful coastline that can be found near Tucepi. You can either rent a kayak or go on a guided kayaking tour. It’s up to you. One of the best places to reach by kayak from Tucepi is the famous Nugal beach. This beach has been proclaimed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.
We used to organize two kayaking tours near Tucepi. The first one was the sunset sea kayaking. This kayaking tour explored some of the most stunning parts of Makarska Riviera between Vira Beach near Drvenik and Zivogosce Mala Duba. This part is characterized by secluded beaches and other interesting features such as sea caves and so on.
The second kayaking tour we organized near Tucepi was one of the most unique outdoor tours you could experience in Dalmatia – a night kayaking tour. This tour was perfect if you wanted to experience something completely different – kayaking under the starry skies.
Highlights:
Paddle along hidden bays and explore secluded beaches.
Snorkel in crystal-clear waters and enjoy marine life.
Best For: Families, couples, and adventure enthusiasts.
Fly the Tučepi Zipline
If you are an adrenaline seeker, this is the best thing to do in Tucepi for you. Tučepi Zipline is located just above Tucepi, and it’s great if you want to try something different during your stay.
This zipline consists of 6 steel cables with a total length of 1000 meters.
Experience:
Fly above the forest with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Tips:
Book in advance, especially during peak season, since this is a very popular tour.
Wear comfortable clothing and proper shoes.
Go Cycling or Walk Along the Sea Promenade
Cycling is another of the great things to do in Tucepi. It’s the best way of exploration, and you can easily cover great distances by bike. There is a long waterfront promenade going through the whole of Tucepi that connects it with the nearby villages of Makarska Riviera.
If you are fond of more adventurous types of cycling, you can explore the old villages of the Tucepi area. Many trails leading to these old Dalmatian villages are not paved, and riding on them makes a real adventure cycling experience.
Highlights:
The promenade is lined with cafes and souvenir shops.
Stunning views of the sea and nearby islands.
Family-Friendly: Ideal for families and young children.
Book a Boat Tour from Makarska
Tučepi is located just by the city of Makarska, the most famous and bustling town of Makarska Riviera. That means that Makarska is a hub for all kinds of activities, and with Tučepi being so close, we suggest you visit Makarska and book one of the day tours that leave from Makarska port and visit some of the most famous places of nearby Croatian islands of Brač, Hvar, and Vis.
Destinations:
Brač Island: Famous for Zlatni Rat Beach near Bol.
Hvar Island: Known for its historic towns and beautiful beaches.
Biševo: Located near Vis island, famous for its Blue Cave attraction.
Activities:
Swim in secluded bays and enjoy fresh seafood often served onboard.
What to Visit Near Tučepi
Makarska Riviera is a great place for vacation in Croatia, and you can easily spend your whole holiday just on the beaches of the Riviera or try the activities we mentioned above. But if you want to explore more and if you are willing to drive just a little bit further, you’ll be able to discover even more stunning places in southern Croatia.
Let us make a list of just a few of them.
Omiš
Omiš is a city known as the adventure capital of Croatia because of all the adventure tours you can try in Omiš. It’s located just 30 minutes of driving away from Tučepi, and it’s a great place for some of the best adventure tours in Croatia.
A historic town is known for its pirate history and the stunning Cetina River canyon.
Activities: Ziplining, rafting, Omiš Via Ferrata, and exploring the old fortress.
Makarska
A lot can be said about Makarska. It’s the city right next to Tučepi, and it’s the most vibrant city of Makarska Riviera. It’s also a place from which many day tours leave toward the nearby Croatian islands. Makarska has a rich history, too, and we suggest you explore its old part during the visit to this heart of Makarska Riviera.
A vibrant town offering nightlife, shopping, and the famous Makarska promenade.
Don’t miss The Malacological Museum, which has an impressive seashell collection.
Baćina Lakes
Baćina Lakes is one of our favorite places in southern Croatia. It’s a group consisting of 7 connected lakes, and it’s located near the city of Ploče – the city we like to call the capital of adventure of Croatia (similar to Omiš) since it’s surrounded by so many beautiful natural wonders of Croatia.
A serene group of seven interconnected lakes near Ploče.
Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching.
Neretva River Valley
Another stunning landscape near the city of Ploče in southern Croatia, the Neretva River valley, is also known as Croatian California because of the many plantations of different Mediterranean plants. The Neretva river delta is regarded as one of the best places for kiteboarding in Croatia. And there are so many things to do in the Neretva River valley. We definitely suggest you pay it a visit and combine it with a visit to beautiful Baćina lakes.
Known as the “Croatian California,” it’s famous for its fertile land and traditional boat safaris.
Island of Hvar and Brač
These are the nearest islands to Tučepi and 2 of the most famous islands of Croatia. Both of them are equally beautiful and with their own peculiarities. We love the Croatian islands because the old ways of living and some old Dalmatian traditions are still preserved there. Some of the furthest islands, like Vis and Lastovo, are also less crowded than the Croatian coastline, and that’s why we love to visit them.
Explore historic towns, pristine beaches, and local wineries.
Accessible by ferry from Makarska.
The Best Time to Visit Tučepi
The sun is shining; the weather is nice here. Summers in Tučepi are hot and dry. Spring and autumn are just perfect. Most people visit Tucepi in the summer, and that’s when this place is full of people. Tucepi Beach is full of swimmers, and many people roam around. The sea is warmest in this period. The months of July and August are the hottest, and that’s the highest season in Croatia.
More and more people choose to visit Croatia in preseason and postseason periods. The weather in these periods is still very nice. We are talking about April, May, June, September, and October here. Months closer to the summer months are the warmest ones. The sea is still fine for swimming, especially in June and September. If you ask us what the best month to visit Croatia is, we would say it’s September. Most of the people went to their homes, and the sea and air temperatures were just perfect.
Summer (June to August):
Ideal for enjoying a time on a beach and water sports enthusiasts.
Peak tourist season with lively events and warm sea temperatures.
Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October):
Perfect for hiking, cycling, and exploring the region without the crowds.
Winter (November to March):
Quiet and peaceful, but some facilities may be closed.
Before you Venture to Tučepi
We hope this article provided you with useful insight into the best things to do in Tučepi and places to visit when staying in this beautiful town of Makarska Riviera. We suggest booking at least one of the mentioned tours and activities or visiting at least one of the places we mentioned in this article to make your Tučepi holidays fun and even more memorable.
Enjoy your stay in Tučepi and the rest of Makarska Riviera.