If you are preparing for your vacation in Croatia, Dalmatia is probably on your list among the first options for your dream holidays in Croatia. And if you explored the vastness of the internet searching for places to stay in Dalmatia, then you probably stumbled upon a city called Makarska. Now that you are here, this article will tell you everything you need to know about Makarska and why we believe you should book your Makarska vacation, not necessarily in Makarska city, but anywhere on Makarska Riviera.
Makarska is a beautiful city situated in the middle of Dalmatia, right in the place where the Adriatic Sea and Biokovo mountain kiss and make one of the most unique landscapes in Croatia. It’s a city full of history and surrounded by beautiful nature. There is something for everyone, whether you’re an outdoor type of person just seeking new thrilling adventures or you want to party all night long.
Since we are an outdoor type of person and don’t feel like experts in nightlife topics, we are going to write this text from our point of view, bringing you the best things to do and see from our perspective.
Let’s make your Makarska vacation a dream one.
Where is Makarska Located?
As already mentioned, Makarska is situated along the stunning Dalmatian Coast of Croatia, just in between the Adriatic Sea and Biokovo mountain. It’s a part known as Makarska riviera and the city of Makarska is its largest city. It’s also approximately 60 kilometers south of Split and 140 kilometers north of Dubrovnik, making it a nice central place for exploring this part of southern Croatia as well as nearby attractions in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina – Kravice waterfalls, Blidinje nature park, Mostar, and many more.
- Proximity to nearby cities:
- Split Airport: About 85 kilometers (1.5-hour drive).
- Dubrovnik: About a 2-hour drive south.
List of the best tours you can do in the Makarska area
How to Reach Makarska
Reaching Makarska is easy and there are many different ways possible, depending on what place on Earth are you coming from. The nearest airport to Makarska is Split Airport, with connections to main European cities and many visitors that come to Makarska this way choose this airport. From there, you can rent a car, take a bus, or arrange a private transfer to Makarska.
Let’s explore how to reach Makarska via different transport types:
By Car:
The A1 highway connects Makarska to major Croatian cities like Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. It’s a faster and more convenient way to get to Makarska as quickly as possible. You need to take the Zagvozd exist to get to Makarska. On the other hand, scenic coastal roads offer stunning views, though they can be busier during the summer months. Roads in Croatia are well maintained and you shouldn’t have any problem driving through Croatia.
By Bus:
Regular bus services run between Makarska and Split, Dubrovnik, and other Dalmatian towns. Buses are comfortable and affordable, making them a great option for travelers without a car but they can be too crowded in the peak season and often late because of the congested roads.
By Ferry:
Makarska is a departure point for ferries to nearby islands like Brač. If you are visiting Brač first, for example, you get there by using the ferry from Split, then you can use another ferry to reach Makarska.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Makarska is Split Airport, with connections to major European cities. If you are coming to Croatia by air, we suggest you rent a car and enjoy in the carefree exploration of Makarska Riviera and nearby locations.
Why do we believe you should spend your vacation in Makarska?
Simply because it’s one of the most beautiful parts of Croatia. And who are we to talk about it? Well, we are locals living on the Makarska Riviera (and nearby) almost all of our lives and we know all there is to know when it comes to natural landscapes, Biokovo mountain, beaches, and more.
Makarska Riviera is renowned for its beaches (more about it later in the article) and these are known to be the best beaches in Croatia. Secondly, there are many great activities to do in Makarska that will make your Makarska vacation even better and more memorable.
Aerial view of the sunset at the famous touristic city of Makarska in Dalmatia, Croatia. Famous Biokovo mountain is also visible.
Then there is a proximity to many other beautiful places of Croatia such as the nearby islands of Brač and Hvar, or the city of Omiš, if you are into more adventurous activities such as rafting or canyoning.
So let us list some reasons why we believe that you can consider booking Makarska vacation.
Biokovo Mountain
This mighty mountain is our number one reason to visit Makarska. You can’t miss it if you visit Makarska, it will dominate your every day and call you to explore it. We believe that Biokovo is one of the top reasons why people decide on Makarska vacation. The whole mountain stretches for around 100 kilometers and it’s full of history and nice places to explore. Part of the mountain above Makarska is a protected nature park and the highest peak of the Biokovo mountain is not so far from Makarska either.
If you decide to visit Biokovo Mountain, you have 2 options. You can either hike or drive up. If you decide to hike Biokovo, you have many routes at your disposal, some starting from Makarska and some from places near it like Baška Voda or Brela. One route that starts from Makarska leads to Vošac Peak, one of the most prominent peaks in the vicinity. You can even see it from Makarska since it’s shaped like a horn. If you look closely you’ll even notice the mountain hut on top of it. That’s where you can sit and enjoy your cold drink or warm coffee after the ascent since the mountain hut is open during the summer.
To be honest, the view from Vošac Peak is much better than the view from Sv. Jure, the highest peak of Biokovo mountain. One of the reasons for that is the position of Sv. Jure which is more inland than Vošac peak and as such has more view of the surrounding Biokovo mountain and Dalmatian hinterland.
If you decide to visit Biokovo Mountain and nature park by car you need to know that the road through the park is pretty narrow and you’ll need to have some driving skills and steel nerves. Especially now that the famous Biokovo Skywalk has opened and the queues are pretty long and you need to have steel nerves to drive through the park. We tried going up the mountain a few times but we decided that we preferred hiking to losing our time inside of car.
You can also book one of the guided tours that visit the Biokovo nature park and enjoy in the explorations stress-free.
- Highlights of the Biokovo mountain:
- Biokovo Skywalk: A thrilling glass platform extending over a cliff edge, offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and nearby islands.
- Hiking Trails: Explore trails leading to various peaks, including Sveti Jure, the highest point in the mountain range, or Vošac, the peak with the best view of Makarska.
- Flora and Fauna: Discover unique Mediterranean vegetation and wildlife, including rare species like the golden eagle.
- Tips for Hiking the Biokovo Mountain:
- Start your hikes as early as possible to avoid the midday heat.
- Wear proper footwear and bring plenty of water. You would be surprised how many people decide to hike on the Biokovo without the proper equipment.
Makarska Riviera and the Adriatic Sea
One of the main reasons people are choosing to book Makarska vacation. Because of the Makarska Riviera coastline and the beautiful images they saw of it. Makarska Riviera is a stretch of coast starting at Vruja and ending in Gradac, some 70 kilometers to the south. Makarska Riviera is full of gorgeous beaches of different kinds and your Makarska vacation won’t be the same if you don’t explore at least part of this magnificent stretch of coastline.
We suggest you take a drive one day. Driving on a Makarska Riviera coastal road is an experience in itself and this way you’ll explore the rest of the Riviera too, not just Makarska and its vicinity if you choose to stay there. Google is your friend so you can check what are the best beaches around and many of them can be found in our article about the best beaches of Makarska Riviera. If you prefer being alone on the beach, it’s possible, just expect to walk a bit more to these secluded and more hidden ones.
- Beaches:
- Punta Rata: Often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
- Nugal Beach: A secluded spot ideal for those seeking tranquility.
- Water Activities:
- Swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking are must-try experiences.
- Relax with a sunset cruise along the coastline.
Outdoor Activities
Your Makarska vacation wouldn’t be the same without these activities you can try all across the Riviera and nearby islands. You have to try them, you have to add some adventure spice to your holidays in Croatia. There are numerous options, if you like water sports, we suggest kayaking or rafting on the Cetina River. If you are more of a land person, hiking is a good way to go for you. If you are an adrenaline seeker then we suggest zipline or rock climbing. See, there is something for everybody.
We used to have an adventure agency and run our Makarska Riviera sunset kayaking tour and Makarska Riviera night kayaking tour there. What adventures these were, paddling in the Adriatic Sea, exploring the coastline, and enjoying the views of the rising Biokovo Mountain.
- Hiking and Trekking: Explore the trails in Biokovo Nature Park or coastal routes with stunning views.
- Cycling: Discover routes along the Riviera or through the charming inland villages.
- Parasailing: Fly above the Makarska Riviera for breathtaking aerial views.
- Water Sports: From jet skiing to kayaking, there’s no shortage of water activities in Makarska.
Nearby Islands
Croatian coastline is full of islands and some of the most beautiful ones are just across Makarska. So when you are enjoying your Makarska vacation, you can also plan to visit them too. The 2 closest ones are Hvar and Brac and both of them are beautiful.
There are even some boat tours going from Makarska and visiting both of these islands for a short time. It’s a cool day trip but since you stay on these islands for a limited amount of time, we would suggest you rather take the ferry and choose one island to explore. Spend a whole day on it and if you really like it, then explore the other one some other day of your Makarska vacation.
- Hvar: Known for its lavender fields and many historic sites.
- Brač: Home to the famous Zlatni Rat beach and charming villages.
- Korčula: Believed to be the birthplace of Marco Polo, offering a mix of history and stunning nature.
- Vis: One of the more remote islands, famous for abandoned underground tunnels and Blue Cave on Biševo island
- How to Visit:
- Book a day trip or ferry ride to these islands for a memorable adventure.
- Many boat tours depart directly from Makarska.
Proximity to Other Natural Beauties
Now there are some places near the city of Makarska and some that require a bit of driving around. You can go in both directions, toward Split or Dubrovnik, and find many unique natural attractions. If you choose to go toward Split, we suggest you visit the city of Omiš and the beautiful canyon of the Cetina River.
On the other hand, if you decide to go toward Dubrovnik we suggest visiting Bacina lakes and the Neretva river delta. Then there is the Dalmatian hinterland full of good wines and local food.
Baćina Lakes
Just an hour of driving away from Makarska, Baćina lakes are a place of beautiful and serene landscape and one of the most unique lakes in the whole of Croatia.
- Highlights:
- Kayaking and paddleboarding on connected freshwater lakes.
- Birdwatching opportunities with a variety of species. There is even a birdwatching observation deck built on the lakes.
Neretva River Valley
Known as the “Croatian California,” the Neretva Valley is a lush valley full of great activities to do and places to visit. It’s also one of the best spots for kiteboarding in Croatia.
- Highlights:
- Kiteboarding: Take advantage of the steady winds and shallow waters. Excellent for beginners. You can even book a beginner’s kitboarding course.
- Traditional Boat Safaris: Explore the canals of the Neretva Valley and learn about the local ecosystem.
- Tangerine Picking: Join a unique autumn experience during the harvest season.
Omiš
Also known as the adventure capital of Croatia, Omiš is a great place for you if you are into these kinds of activities. It’s a city of great cultural significance too and there are many historical sites to visit too such as Fortica or Mirabella fortress.
- Activities:
- Ziplining: Fly over the Cetina Canyon for an adrenaline-pumping experience.
- Rafting and Canyoning: Explore the rapids and natural pools of the Cetina River.
- Historical Sites: Visit the Fortress Mirabella and the Old Town.
Best Activities in the Area
Here are just some things we suggest you visit during your Makarska vacation, just to make it more unique and memorable. You don’t have to visit all of these places or try all the experiences we mention here, but make sure you try at least some.
- Biokovo Skywalk: Feel the thrill of standing above the cliffs.
- Island Hopping: Visit Hvar, Brač, and Korčula for an unforgettable experience.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Discover underwater treasures in the Adriatic.
- Cultural Tours: Explore Makarska’s Old Town and its historic churches and squares.
- Wine Tasting: Visit nearby vineyards to sample local Croatian wines.
- Fishing Trips: Enjoy a relaxing day on the sea, catching fresh fish with local guides.
Where to Stay
Makarska offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy apartments. Since it’s the most populated place on the Makarska Riviera, it’s full of different types of accommodation and you can choose the one that suits you the most.
- Luxury Stays: Makarska has a few beachfront resorts with spa facilities.
- Family-Friendly Options: These include all-inclusive hotels with activities for kids.
- Romantic Getaways: Stay in boutique hotels or villas with private pools.
- Old stone villas: These can usually be found in old villages of Makarska Riviera and they are great if you want to have some privacy during your Makarska vacation.
Tips for Visiting Makarska and the Best time to visit
Here are a few more tips regarding Makarska vacation before we conclude this article.
- Best Time to Visit:
- Visit in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) for mild weather and fewer crowds.
- Visit in summer (July to August) for vibrant festivals and beach activities.
- Transportation: We suggest renting a car for easy access to nearby places and attractions.
- Local Cuisine: When in Croatia, eat like a locals. Don’t miss Dalmatian specialties like peka (meat or seafood cooked under a bell) and fresh Adriatic seafood.
Before you Venture on Your Makarska Vacation
Makarska can be a great vacation place and it’s one of the most chosen places for Croatia holidays. We know that it can sometimes feel overcrowded as it is a central part of the Makarska Riviera and its largest town. But if you are seeking peace and want to enjoy your Makarska vacation far from the crowds, there are many options to do so, just choose an accommodation that is secluded or visit Makarska in the preseason and postseason periods.
We hope this article helped in deciding where to stay for your vacation in Croatia and that you’ll consider Makarska for your stay, and finally, enjoy some of the many things we have mentioned in this article.
