This article is all about Drvenik on Makarska Riviera, not Drvenik Island. Even if you came because of the island, stick around, and you might learn something about the unique landscape which Makarska Riviera.
Makarska Riviera is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Croatia. Still, there are many smaller places scattered across the whole Riviera and Drvenik is just one of them. Since you probably don’t want to come to Drvenik and spend your whole holiday just laying on the beach and enjoying the sun, we bring you our list of top things to do in Drvenik. These activities and experiences will make your vacation in Drvenik much more memorable and unique.
Because Drvenik deserves to be explored just like any other place on Makarska Riviera.
About Drvenik on Makarska Riviera Drvenik is a small place in the south of the Riviera. Two villages were made in 2 separate bays so there is Drvenik Gornja Vala (Upper Bay) and Drvenik Donja Vala (Lower Bay). Both of Drvenik’s villages are picturesque Dalmatian settlements that started as a fishing settlement for the people living in the old villages of Makarska Riviera.
Drvenik is officially part of the Gradac municipality which consists of a few other villages: Gradac, Brist, Podaca, and Zaostrog. Each of these places is easily accessible from Drvenik and each of them has additional things worth experiencing. But more about that will be written in articles about each of these places.
Let’s get back to Drvenik and its past. You see, the people of Makarska Riviera were living in villages that were located higher than the places in which they live today. There was no tourism at that point and they started to move closer to the sea once more and more tourists were coming to Croatia. All of these old villages are still up there, closer to the mountain peaks than to the sea. They are mostly abandoned now but more and more people are renewing the old houses which are now used as vacation homes and luxury stone villas with additional amenities.
Both of Drvenik’s bays have beautiful beaches that are pretty crowded during the summer months. The beaches stretch along through the whole village and it’s the most vibrant and loudest place during each summer. If you are not a fan of crowded beaches, there are a few secluded beaches near Drvenik and you need only a few minutes of a car drive to reach them. These are called Duba and Vira and we’ll talk a bit more about them later in the text.
Our pick of the best activities to try in Drvenik area
Reaching Drvenik It’s rather easy to come to Drvenik. A main coastal road is going right through both Drvenik villages. If you are coming by airplane, the closest airport to Drvenik is Split Airport and you would need a 2-hour drive to reach it. Frequent bus lines connect all the places of Makarska Riviera with Split so you should have no problem with transportation although public transport is not so reliable during the summer months and congested roads.
However, we always suggest anyone coming by airplane to rent a car in Croatia. It’s simply the best and most economical way to explore this beautiful country. Another fact that goes in favor of this claim is the beauty of the Makarska Riviera scenic road which has been proclaimed as one of the most beautiful scenic routes in Europe. The main advantage of renting a car is the ease of reaching any place on Makarska Riviera by it.
By Car:
Drvenik is about 30 km from Makarska and approximately 120 km from Split. The scenic Adriatic Highway (D8) offers breathtaking views along the way.
Parking is available near the beaches and ferry terminal and if you are staying in Drvenik you’ll probably have a parking spot in your accommodation
By Bus:
Regular bus services connect Drvenik to Makarska, Split, and Dubrovnik .
The local bus stop is situated close to the village center.
By Air:
Split Airport is the nearest airport, located about 125 km away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus to Drvenik.
Best Time to Visit Drvenik Similar to any other tourist place in Croatia, Drvenik is most visited during the hottest summer months of July and August. But we started to see a different trend in which more and more people choose to visit Croatia outside of the hottest months and that’s a great thing, especially if you are looking to get more than just the beach experience out of your vacation on Makarska riviera.
Here’s what to expect out of each season:
Spring (April to June): Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, with mild temperatures and blooming nature.Summer (July to August): Perfect for enjoying beaches and water sports, though it’s also the busiest period.Autumn (September to October): A quieter time with warm weather, making it great for exploration and relaxation.Winter (November to March): A peaceful season for those seeking tranquility, although many facilities are closed and there is not much to do.
Introduction to Things to Do in Drvenik When you finally come to this beautiful village, it might seem to you that you don’t have a lot to do around except swimming and lying on the beach. Well, that’s not true because there are many other things to do in Drvenik or near it.
Don’t expect cinemas and concert halls since it’s a rather small place made for a quiet and peaceful vacation. Still, there are many bars along the main beaches of both Drvenik villages and you can try some of the local fish specialties in them. Whenever in Croatia, try to eat local food.
If you wish to have more content than Drvenik has to offer, especially when it comes to urban areas contents as large shops, Makarska is the place to go. It would take you 30 minutes of drive to reach Makarska, maybe a bit more if you go during peak summer hours.
Let’s start with our list of things to do in Drvenik.
Take the Ferry and Explore Hvar Island Famous Hvar island is one of the most beautiful of all Croatian islands and it’s just 30 minutes of a ferry ride away from Drvenik. That’s right, the ferry port is situated in Drvenik, and exploring the Hvar island is a must when visiting this village of Makarska Riviera.
It’s not so expensive and nothing is stopping you from exploring this beautiful island. Just keep in mind that a lot of people are traveling to Hvar in the summer months so you might wait in a ferry queue for a while.
Once you’re on the Hvar island, we suggest you travel to the other side of it and visit some of the most popular places like the city of Hvar, Paklinski Islands, and Red Rocks. There are also numerous beautiful beaches scattered all across the island.
Why Visit: Drvenik is a gateway to Hvar Island, one of Croatia’s most famous destinations.What to Do:
Visit charming towns like Sućuraj, explore historic sites, and enjoy the island’s pristine beaches.
Rent a bike or scooter to explore the island at your own pace.
Tips: The ferry ride is short and scenic, so don’t forget your camera.
Hike to the Gradina Monument Gradina today is a viewpoint with a huge historic value. There is no entrance fee of any kind and it would take you some 40 minutes of an easy hike to reach it. Presuming that you’re starting from a sea level. There is a hiking path that leads to Gradina and it’s called Alberto Fortis trail.
If you are not willing to walk, you have the option of reaching Gradina by car because the paved road leads almost all the way to Gradina. Once you are up there, we suggest you explore the Kostanića greb, a stone monument to the eternal love of two young locals.
Drvenik old village is also worth exploring and if you are an adrenaline lover, the Drvenik rock climbing site is situated just above Gradina fortress.
About the Monument: Gradina is a historic site located above Drvenik, offering panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding islands.Why Visit:
Learn about the region’s history while enjoying a rewarding hike.
The views from the top are perfect for photography.
Tips: Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water, especially during warmer months. There is even a water spring near the old Drvenik village.
Hike to Drvenicke Stine The highest peak in the Drvenik area is Sokolić but that’s a rather long and dangerous hike because a lot of trails follow the edge of the cliff and it’s very easy to get into injure yourself if you are not careful enough. So we won’t recommend you try to reach Sokolić but hike to the Drveničke stine instead.
They are located on the top ridge and somewhere half in between Drvenik old village and Sokolić. This hike is not as demanding as one to the Sokolić and once you reach the top of Drveničke stine, you’ll be rewarded with a great view of this part of Makarska Riviera and nearby islands.
Trail Highlights: This hike takes you partly through Mediterranean vegetation to a rocky viewpoint overlooking the Adriatic Sea.What to Expect:
A moderately challenging trail is suitable for most fitness levels.
Stunning views of the Biokovo Mountain and nearby islands.
Tips: Start as early as possible to avoid the midday heat.
Enjoy on the Duba or Vira Beach We already mentioned Duba and Vira beaches as a great alternative to the crowded beaches that are located in each of Drvenik’s bays. We’ll just put a few images here and you’ll instantly fall in love with them. They are accessible by a short car drive but please check the current parking status to avoid getting fined.
Why Visit: These secluded beaches offer crystal-clear waters and a much more peaceful atmosphere than beaches in Drvenik Bay.What to Do:
Relax on the pebbled shores, swim in the turquoise sea, or enjoy snorkeling.
Bring a picnic and spend a serene day surrounded by nature.
Go Cycling Through the Old Villages of Southern Makarska Riviera Cycling is one of the best things to do in the Drvenik area and the best way to discover the surrounding area. We would advise you to rent a bike for at least one day while you are in Drvenik. There are a few reasons for that. First, all the places along the sea are connected by a walking/cycling trail. You could easily reach any place in Gradac municipality on your bike.
Secondly, there is a road connecting all the old villages of the Drvenik area. This road is not paved and it’s perfect for a cycling adventure through the past of these areas. Trust us, you’ll discover much more than you expected.
Apart from the historic value, this cycling trail is one of the most scenic routes of Makarska Riviera. During the whole ride, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views of the Riviera and mountains above it. One last thing, a few steep places are harder to pass if you are not an experienced cyclist so we suggest you walk these parts.
Why Try It: Cycling is a fantastic way to explore the traditional Dalmatian villages and scenic landscapes around Drvenik.What to See:
Discover old stone houses, olive groves, and vineyards.
Stop at some of the many viewpoints and just admire the views
Tips: Rent a bike in Drvenik or nearby towns and choose routes suitable for your fitness level.
Visit Biokovo Nature Park Biokovo Nature Park is a protected part of the Biokovo mountain and it’s a great place to visit. You can visit the park by car but we would suggest booking one of the guided tours that explore the park. The reason for this is the narrow road that goes through the park which can prove very complicated for many drivers to drive on so you can end with a visit to Biokovo Nature Park as not so pleasant experience.
Otherwise, It’s a place you definitely must experience if you are into mountain landscapes, hiking, and beautiful views.
Why Visit: Biokovo Nature Park is a must-see destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.Highlights:
The Biokovo Skywalk is a glass platform stretching over cliffs and offering incredible views.
Hiking trails leading to Sveti Jure, the second-highest peak in Croatia. Vošac is another peak worth visiting and has a great view of Makarska City below it
Tips: Plan your visit early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Visit Baćina Lakes The next 2 locations are located south of Podgora and offer something different than the rest of Makarska Riviera. We start with the closer Baćina Lakes, a tunning group of 7 interconnected lakes that provide a great escape from crowds right into nature’s embrace.
Why Visit: Located about an 30 minutes drive from Drvenik, these serene freshwater lakes are perfect for a day trip of chilling and relaxation.Activities:
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and traditional boat safaris.
Cycling and walking trails around the lakes.
Visit Neretva Valley Neretva Valley and Neretva River Delta are further 15 minutes of driving away from Baćina lakes and a great place to combine with the visit to the lakes. Both of these attractions are located near the city of Ploče. Neretva river delta is regarded as one of the most popular spots for kitesurfing in Croatia and if you visit it in the afternoon hours, you’ll see a lot of kitesurfers in their element.
The rest of the Neretva Valley is equally beautiful with many other places to see and things to try, for example booking a boat ride through a vast network of canals or indulging in local eel or frog specialties.
Aerial view of people walking on sandbars at Neretva river mouth near the city of Ploče, Croatia.
Why Visit: Known as the “Croatian California,” the Neretva Valley is rich in wildlife and adventure opportunities.Activities:
Kiteboarding, birdwatching, and exploring the delta’s unique landscapes.
Join a boat tour or visit local farms for a taste of fresh produce.
Most Common Activities to Do in Drvenik Here’s a short list of some of the best outdoor things to do in Drvenik.
Swimming and Snorkeling: Enjoy the clear waters of Drvenik’s beaches.Hiking: Explore trails like Gradina and Drvenicke Stine for breathtaking views.Cycling: Discover traditional villages and scenic routes in the southern Makarska Riviera.Kayaking: Paddle along the Adriatic coastline or visit nearby islands.Relaxing: Unwind on tranquil beaches like Duba and Vira, surrounded by stunning nature.
Before you Venture Drvenik is a small village but packed with natural beauty and possible outdoor things to do. No matter if you are looking for water activities or land-based ones, you’ll find some in Drvenik. We trully hope this list of things to do in Drvenik helped you find the best activity or place for you. We also suggest you travel a bit further and explore the beauty of nearby places such as Baćina lakes and the Neretva River delta.
Enjoy your roamings in the Drvenik area!
