Makarska is a beautiful city and famous destination located on Makarska Riviera, not so far away from Split – the second largest city in Croatia. It’s not only a destination for sunbathing and relaxation but also a paradise for adventurers. With the Biokovo mountain rising above it, crystal-clear Adriatic sea, and nearby attractions, Makarska offers an incredible range of outdoor activities and we are sure you’ll find one for yourself.
Vacation is the best outdoors. You didn’t come to Croatia to stay inside or lay on the beach every single day. There is a time for everything, but you want to return home full of memories that will keep you happy until your next vacation. If you are staying in the south of Croatia, at the Makarska area to be more precise, and want to know the best Makarska adventure tours & activities, that’s what this article is all about. So stick around and enjoy the ride.
Why Makarska is Perfect for Adventure Makarska is famous for its beaches and it’s very visited place of Croatia. It’s also a central part of Makarska Riviera, a part of Croatia known as one with the most beautiful beaches in all country. Makarska Riviera is a blend of Biokovo Mountain and Adriatic Sea and it’s really a sight that makes a brand out of the Riviera. Once you see the photos attached to this article, you’ll see what we are talking about.
Having this unique position and proximity to many outdoor opportunities makes Makarska a perfect playground for all kinds of adventurers and thrill seekers.
Introduction to Makarska Adventure Tours and Activities This article aims to bring you our list of the best activities and Makarska adventure tours we suggest you try while staying in the Makarska area or just passing by. Being the adventure guides ourselves for a long time, we pretty much tried most of the activities mentioned here and we know what we are talking about.
Not all the adventure tours & activities we are suggesting here can be done in Makarska, some of them are being organized nearby but shouldn’t be a problem. Everything for the great memories, remember. We tried to think about all activities that are approximately 30 minutes away from Makarska or closer.
Our top pick of must-do adventure tours and day trips in Makarska
1. Kayaking Adventures Wherever there is the sea, kayaking is always a good option and one of the best Makarska adventure tours you can do around. Especially if the coastline is as beautiful as it is in Makarska. You have a lot to discover here and kayaking is one of the best activities for exploring secluded beaches and other beauties of the coastline. We have recently written a post about kayaking in Croatia where you’ll find a lot of useful information if it’s your first time kayaking.
Why Try It: Kayaking offers a unique perspective of Makarska’s coastline, allowing you to access secluded beaches and crystal-clear sea.Highlights:
Paddle along the scenic Makarska Riviera.
Stop at hidden beaches some of which are only accessible by water.
Sunset kayaking tours for a magical end to your day.
Pro Tip: Wear sunscreen and bring a waterproof camera to capture the stunning seascapes. The mobile phone will do just fine since you usually get a waterproof bag.
2. Hiking in Biokovo Nature Park If you are staying in or googling about Makarska, you can’t miss that mighty mountain above it. It’s called Biokovo and it gives a lot of charm to Makarska city. A lot of people decide to stay in Makarska only because of the unique view of this mountain. Apart from just being simply beautiful, a large part of Biokovo mountain is the nature park and it has a lot of hiking trails you can walk on and reach some of the most beautiful viewpoints in Dalmatia.
Hiking is another one of the top Makarska adventure tours but you need to be extra careful when embarking on a hiking adventure. We have written an article about hiking in Croatia in general, so check it out for some useful tips that will help you to stay safe. Make sure never to go alone in the mountains and always take a lot of water with you. And remember, Biokovo is a lot higher than it seems from Makarska.
Why Try It: The trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints, including the famous Biokovo Skywalk.Highlights:
Hike to Sveti Jure, the highest peak in the park, or Vošac Peak for panoramic views.
Enjoy diverse flora and fauna along the trails.
Enjoy a mix of coastal and mountain scenery.
Pro Tip: Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the heat and bring plenty of water.
3. Zipline Adventures Closest you can get to flying when it comes to Makarska adventure tours. Something new and wild. You have a few options when it comes to ziplines in Makarska. The closest one is in Tučepi, some 15 minutes away, and it’s located by the road that leads you to the Biokovo nature park.
Larger and one of the most famous ziplines in Croatia is located 30 minutes of driving away from Makarska, in the canyon of the Cetina River near the city of Omiš. It’s one of the first ziplines in Croatia and it consists of a total of 9 separate steel lines that go along and across the Cetina river canyon. Definitely one of the most unique ziplines in Croatia.
Why Try It: Experience the thrill of flying while taking in breathtaking views of the Makarska Riviera.Highlights:
Multiple zipline routes with varying lengths and heights.
Professional guides are always there to ensure a safe and fun experience.
Spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and Biokovo Mountain or Cetina Canyon if you visit that zipline
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable clothing and proper shoes for the best experience.
4. ATV Tours ATV (Quad) tours are usually organized as a part of a guided visit to Biokovo Nature Park which is located on Biokovo Mountain above Makarska. We suggest you visit the park anyways, whether you choose to do it by yourself or by joining one of the guided tours that take you through the most beautiful parts of this stunning landscape.
There are also some ATV adventures in Makarska that follow the old roads of Makarska Riviera and let you explore old and now abandoned villages in which people used to live many years ago before moving closer to the sea.
Why Try It: ATV tours provide a fun and adventurous way to explore Biokovo Nature Park or ride off-road trails through remote villages.Highlights:
Drive through Biokovo Nature Park.
Visit traditional Dalmatian villages and learn about local culture.
Enjoy panoramic views of the coastline and mountains.
Pro Tip: Bring sunglasses and a scarf to protect yourself from dust.
5. Cycling the Makarska Riviera If you are experienced in road cycling, you can even try to conquer Sv. Jure – the highest peak of Biokovo mountain. If not, you can roam around the Makarska and cycle to some cool spots too. A good thing is that the city of Makarska is somewhat connected with the nearby places such as Brela and Baška Voda and you can reach them by cycling near the sea.
If you are willing to drive just a bit more than half an hour, there is a vast hinterland part beyond Biokovo mountain and it’s full of wonders of its kind. We used to organize Makarska hinterland cycling tours there and this hinterland part is something we recommend you visit while staying in Makarska. Especially if you love good food and great wines. It’s called Jezero Valley (Vrgorac Valley) and it’s the largest vineyard in Croatia.
Why Try It: Cycling allows you to cover more ground while enjoying the region’s natural beauty.Highlights:
Coastal routes with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
Mountain trails for a more challenging ride.
Stops at charming villages and beaches along the way.
Exploring the Dalmatian hinterland on a bike
Pro Tip: Rent an e-bike if you prefer an easier ride on steeper routes.
6. Rock Climbing in Makarska Something for all the hardcore adventurers out there. As soon as you see Biokovo Mountain, you know it’s perfect for a lot of things. Not only hiking but rock climbing as well. When it comes to Makarska adventure tours, this one is maybe the one that will make your adrenaline rush through your blood like crazy.
If you are an experienced rock climber, you probably know everything. We can only suggest you visit one of our favorite climbing areas on Makarska Riviera which is located above Brela on Makarska Riviera. It has many climbing routes of varying difficulty and you can climb for days without getting bored.
Why Try It: Test your skills on easy or more challenging routes while enjoying stunning coastal views. Get over the fear of heights if you have it.Highlights:
Climbing routes are suitable for beginners and experienced climbers.
Unique locations like the cliffs near Brela.
Pro Tip: Book a guided climbing tour if you’re new to the sport.
7. Rafting on the Cetina River Rafting is an awesome and perfect activity for a hot summer day. The closest rafting tours near Makarska are organized on the Cetina River near the city of Omiš. It’s just 30 minutes of driving away and many agencies in Makarska are selling rafting tours with a transfer included. Cetina is also one of the most famous rivers for rafting in Croatia and this activity is one of the most chosen among Makarska adventure tours.
Rafting is an activity you can try even if you never tried it before. It’s suitable for all fitness levels and there is always a guide in a raft with you. All the equipment you need to safely enjoy this activity is provided before the tour starts.
Why Try It: Navigate exciting rapids surrounded by the stunning Cetina River Canyon.Highlights:
Raft through the stunning Cetina River canyon.
Suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
Combine adventure with the beauty of nature.
8. Canyoning on the Cetina River Another activity on the more adventurous side of the scale. Canyoning is one of the best Makarska adventure tours if you want is as adventurous as it gets. It is being organized in the same canyon as rafting tours – the Cetina River canyon, but this time you’re exploring its upper part which is more suitable for canyoning than rafting. Join this activity and we guarantee that you’ll have some serious fun. Never go alone on a canyoning tour. Book an agency tour instead and let the professionals take care of your experience.
Why Try It: Canyoning combines hiking, swimming, and rappelling for an unforgettable experience.Highlights:
Descend waterfalls and swim through crystal-clear pools.
Explore the hidden caves and rocky landscapes of Cetina River Canyon.
Professional guides are always with you to ensure safety and fun.
Pro Tip: Be prepared for a physically demanding but highly rewarding activity. There are a few types of canyoning tours available.
9. Via Ferrata in Omiš Omiš Via Ferrata is a mix of hiking and rock climbing and one of the best Via Ferrata trails in Croatia. If you haven’t heard about these types of hiking trails, the thing is pretty straightforward – it’s a more advanced hiking trail with some harder parts and these parts (or the whole trail) are usually secured by steel cable on which you attach with specialized equipment.
Omiš Via Ferrata is located in the city of Omiš, just 30 minutes of driving away from Makarska (maybe a bit more during the crowded summer season).
Why Try It: Via Ferrata routes offer a unique way to explore Omiš and have one of the best views of this remarkable cityHighlights:
Climb vertical walls with the help of steel cables and ladders.
Stunning views of the Omiš area from the top which is at Fortica.
A guided experience for beginners
Pro Tip: Wear gloves to protect your hands while gripping the cables.
Tips for an Unforgettable Adventure in Makarska
Book in Advance: Popular tours and activities can fill up quickly so it’s a good idea to book them as soon as possibleDress Appropriately: Wear comfortable, activity-specific clothing and bring sunscreen, water, and proper shoes. The special requirements will be noted for every tour specificallyStay Hydrated: The Mediterranean sun can be intense, so carry plenty of water when embarking on any of the Makarska adventure toursCapture the Moment: Bring a camera or GoPro to document your adventures. You’ll want to watch these materials sometimes and feel a piece of the thrill you had when doing the tourRespect Nature: Follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the stunning environment of Makarska and Croatia
Before you Venture We know you won’t try all the Makarska adventure tours and activities we mentioned in this article, but even if you try just one, you did a great thing and just made your vacation in Makarska much richer and we’re sure you’ll leave Croatia with a smile on your face, looking forward to returning and trying another thrilling experience from this list.
Enjoy your vacation in Croatia and may all the adventures you try fill you with joy!
