We live just 1 kilometer of distance away from Morenia Beach Resort in Podaca. As locals, we still remember the old resort, better said the remnants of the old resort which was located in the same place as today’s modern and rebuilt one. The place was decaying for years and we didn’t think it would ever become what it is today – a modern family-friendly resort on Makarska Riviera. Unfortunately, we don’t have any images of the old state of the complex and maybe it’s better to leave it in the past and focus on what Morenia is today.
Morenia Beach Resort is located on the stunning Makarska Riviera, a part of Croatia that is considered to have the best beaches. This resort is a perfect destination for travelers seeking a tranquil seaside escape, still on the Riviera, but far from the usual crowds that the northern part of Makarska Riviera usually has. With its modern amenities, family-friendly atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, Morenia Beach Resort attracts a wide range of visitors.
Here’s everything you need to know about this tourist complex, who it’s ideal for, what to do in the vicinity, and why it should be on your travel itinerary.
Where is Morenia Beach Resort Located?
As we already said, Morenia Beach Resort is located on Makarska Riviera, or to be more exact in Podaca, a small coastal village on the southern part of the Riviera. Makarska Riviera is located in southern Croatia and offers a unique landscape characterized by the blend of Biokovo Mountain and the Adriatic Sea.
We would say that this part of Makarska Riviera, where Morenia Beach Resort is located, is its most peaceful part, at least much more peaceful and less crowded than the one around the city of Makarska and nearby places such as Tučepi, Brela, and Baška Voda. Like the rest of Makarska Riviera, this serene area is known for its crystal-clear waters, some of the most beautiful pebble beaches in Croatia, and lush Mediterranean vegetation. The resort’s position offers guests spectacular sea views and proximity to both natural wonders and cultural landmarks about which we’ll discuss later in the article.
- Distance from major cities:
- Split: Approximately 2 hours by car (115 km).
- Dubrovnik: About 2.5 hours by car (150 km).
- Makarska: Just a 30-minute drive (35 km).
- Distance from the other popular nearby locations:
- Mostar: Around 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving (85 km).
- Međugorje: 1 hour of driving away (60 km).
- Baćina Lakes: 22 minutes by car (22 km).
- Neretva River Valley: 35 minutes by car (32 km).
- Pelješac Peninsula: 1 hour and 30 minutes away via Pelješac Bridge (90 km to Orebić).
- Mljet National Park: Around 2 hours and 30 minutes by car (via Ston town and ferry from Prapratno).
- Biokovo Nature Park: 40 minutes away (30 km).
- Kravice Waterfalls: 1 hour of driving away (52 km).
Who is Morenia Beach Resort Good For?
As you can see from the previous section, Morenia is a great place to stay if you want to enjoy the more peaceful part of Makarska Riviera and still be close to all of the famous attractions that can be found nearby. No matter if you just want to enjoy the Adriatic Sea and Mediterranean sun or you want to do a lot of exploring nearby places, we believe that Morenia Beach Resort is a great place for you.
Morenia is perfect for:
1. Families
- The Morenia Beach Resort is family-friendly, offering amenities such as a children’s pool, playground, and organized activities your children will love. If you are planning a family holiday in Croatia, and want a nice family-friendly place to stay, this just might be a good choice for you.
- Spacious accommodations and a safe, relaxed environment make it the perfect choice for families with kids of all ages.
2. Couples
- With its peaceful atmosphere, romantic sunsets, and seaside setting, Morenia Beach Resort is a fantastic choice for couples as well. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in a calmer location near other popular attractions in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, this resort is a good choice.
3. Beach Lovers
- Direct access to a beach located in front of the resort and equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas ensures that beach lovers can spend their days enjoying the sun and swimming in the turquoise waters.
4. Travelers Seeking Relaxation
- The resort’s tranquil surroundings and nearby facilities make it a perfect destination for those wanting to unwind and escape the usual crowds Makarska Riviera is famous for. Expect crowds during summer, but know that there are way fewer people than in other parts of Makarska Riviera.
Amenities at Morenia Beach Resort
Now that we’ve concluded what groups Morenia is good for, let’s see what to expect out of the accommodation and amenities at this resort on Makarska Riviera.
1. Modern Accommodation
- The resort features stylish, well-equipped rooms and apartments, many of them with sea-facing balconies from which you’ll have a stunning view of the sea and one of the best sunsets you’ll ever see.
- Options range from double rooms to family apartments, accommodating various group sizes.
2. Dining Options
- A buffet-style restaurant serves a variety of Mediterranean and international dishes.
- Guests can also enjoy snacks and drinks at the poolside bar or beach bar.
3. Swimming Pools
- The resort offers both adult and children’s pools, with plenty of sun loungers and shaded areas.
4. Entertainment and Activities
- Organized activities include water sports, evening entertainment, and kids’ programs.
- Guests can also rent bicycles or explore walking trails nearby.
What to Do in the Vicinity
Morenia Beach Resort’s location on the southern part of Makarska Riviera makes it an excellent base for exploring the nearby attractions we already mentioned in previous sections. Here are some nearby activities and sights:
1. Explore Makarska
- Visit the vibrant town of Makarska, known for its promenade, beautiful beaches, and historic St. Mark’s Church.
- Enjoy local cuisine at seaside restaurants or shop for souvenirs in the local markets.
- Visit some of the secluded beaches such as Nugal Beach.
2. Biokovo Nature Park
- Just a short drive away from Morenia Beach Resort, Biokovo Nature Park offers hiking trails, breathtaking views, and the famous Biokovo Skywalk, a glass walkway that extends over the cliff.
3. Visit Nearby Villages
- Gradac: A charming village with a picturesque waterfront, located just a few kilometers away from Podaca. You can practically walk from Morenia to Gradac using the waterfront promenade. If you take this walk that will last around 1.5 hours (1 direction) you will pass through Brist, another small place on the Makarska Riviera.
- Zaostrog: Home to the 15th-century Franciscan Monastery of St. Mary, which houses a museum and art gallery. Morenia Beach Resort is on the edge of Zaostrog and you’ll need just 10 minutes of walking to reach the center of it.
- Drvenik: 2 Drvenik bays are located in Makarska direction and there is a waterfront promenade through which you can reach Drvenik as well.
4. Take a Boat Trip
- Explore nearby islands such as Hvar, Korčula, or the Pelješac Peninsula by joining a boat tour from the nearby places. Most of the tours toward these islands leave from Makarska Port, but you can board local boats too and visit some of the mentioned islands.
5. Visit the old villages of this part of Makarska Riviera
- Makarska Riviera is known for its old villages in which people used to live in during the previous centuries. These villages are mostly abandoned nowadays and people start to rebuild old stone houses into vacation homes. If you want a glimpse into the traditional way of living in these areas, visiting these villages is a great way to do so. Podaca and Zaostrog both have some of the most beautiful villages in this part of Makarska Riviera.
6. Baćina Lakes
- Baćina Lakes are located about 20 km from the Morenia Beach Resort and consist of 7 stunning freshwater lakes that are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and birdwatching. We used to organize our Baćina Lakes kayaking tour there for 8 consecutive seasons.
Aerial view of Baćina lakes, famous tourist attraction near the city of Ploče in Dalmatia, Croatia.
8. Discover Zjatva – one of the most unique places of Biokovo Mountain
Tips for Visiting Morenia Beach Resort
If you like what you read and see in this article, and think that Morenia could just be a great place for you, here are a few more tips in regard to your stay on this part of Makarska Riviera.
- Book Early:
- The resort is popular during the summer season, so advance booking is recommended. Similar goes for any other similar accommodation. Makarska Riviera is one of the most chosen places for vacation in Croatia.
- Pack Essentials:
- Bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, and sun protection to make the most of your stay.
- Explore the Region:
- While the resort and nearby places offer a lot to do, take time to explore the surrounding areas for an even better experience. If staying in Morenia Beach Resort, you’re so close to many of the most famous tourist locations in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It would be a shame not to visit a few of them.
- Use of Local Transport:
- If you don’t have a car, local buses and taxis provide easy access to nearby towns and attractions. Just beware that public transport might have delays during summer so we always recommend renting a car when coming and enjoy driving in Croatia and exploring at your own pace.
Before You Venture to Morenia Beach Resort in Podaca
We hope this article helped you in answering whether the Morenia is a place for your stay on Makarska Riviera or not. Either way, Makarska Riviera is one of the best places for vacation in Croatia. It’s close to some of the most famous places such as Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar, Brač, and many others.
We wish you a pleasant holidays in Croatia.