Makarska is located between the Adriatic Sea and the cliffs of magnificent Biokovo Mountain and that is what makes it one of the most picturesque coastal towns in Croatia. Makarska is also a central part of Makarska Riviera, a part of Croatia considered to have the most beautiful beaches in the country.
This article is all about the things to do in Makarska and its wider area. We explored pretty much every corner of Makarska Riviera and hosted our Makarska Riviera kayaking tour there too. Now, after we’re done with guided adventure tours in Croatia, we’re here with this Croatia travel and adventure portal to bring you firsthand the best Croatia has to offer.
Makarska as a Town
Makarska is the heart of the Makarska Riviera, a part of Dalmatia famous for its stunning beaches and scenic landscapes. Makarska is traditionally the most visited place in Makarska Riviera and everyone visiting the area visits the city of Makarska too. So let’s start with the city itself, why is it famous, what to see there and what to expect out of it.
- Historical Center: The old town of Makarska is a labyrinth of narrow streets filled with cafes, boutique shops, restaurants… Kačić Square is the center of Makarska, dominated by the baroque St. Mark’s Church and surrounded by restaurants and cafes for you to chill and enjoy the atmosphere of the city.
- Makarska Riva: The main promenade is the town’s vibrant core and most walked part of the city. Lined with palm trees, it offers stunning views of the harbor, boats, and Biokovo mountain rising above Makarska
- Beaches: The town’s main beach known as Makarska Beach, is located almost in the middle of the city and it’s perfect for everyone, especially families. It offers a mix of water activities and some of the best hotels in Makarska can be found right here
- Local Market: A must-visit spot for fresh products such as olive oil and any other traditional Dalmatian goods. Markets such as this are the essence of life in Dalmatia and you can buy the best food here
- Cultural Sites: The Franciscan Monastery, which is located near the Riva (promenade), is home to a unique malacological museum with some of the most unique seashells you’ll ever see, a great place for families.
- Nightlife: Finally, Makarska is renowned for its vibrant nightlife too, ranging from casual beach bars to unique clubs such as Deep Makarska nightclub which is set inside a cave. If you are into the nightlife, then Makarska is a place for you
As you can see, Makarska is not just a place to relax; it’s a unique town full of life and culture with something to offer for everyone. Let’s delve deeper into our list of the best things to do in Makarska.
Introduction to Things to Do in Makarska
As we already mentioned, Makarska offers a great variety of places to see and activities to try and now we will describe each of them. Makarska is a perfect hub for exploration of many other nearby locations so it’s a good stay if you want to visit places such as Omiš, Split, Imotski, Dubrovnik, or some places in neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina such as Kravice waterfalls, Međugorje or Mostar.
Our top pick of activities to do in Makarska and nearby
1. Relax on Makarska’s Beaches
Let’s start with one of the most easygoing things to do in Makarska. As already mentioned, Makarska is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, so why not take advantage of it and spend a day in relaxed swimming, and sunbathing? We suggest you spend your first day on any of Makarska beaches, just relax from the trip, especially if you are coming from afar. Your body will be grateful. Mind as well. Here are some of the best beaches in Makarska.
- Makarska Beach: This is the main beach in Makarska and it’s full of cafes, restaurants, and activities. Its pebbly shores and easy accessibility make it one of the favorites of anyone visiting Makarska
- Nugal Beach: A more secluded and not so easily accessible beach. It’s also a clothing-optional beach surrounded by pine trees To reach Nugal Beach you’ll need to walk for approximately 30 to 40 minutes from the center of Makarska, but once you get there, you’ll see that it was worth it.
- Cvitačka Beach: Family-friendly beach with shallow waters, a bit away from the town center, but worth it
2. Walk Along the Makarska Riva
Another of the relaxing things to do in Makarska. Great for evenings since most of the tourists visiting Makarska can be found walking here at the end of the sunny part of the day. The vibrant waterfront promenade is the beating heart of Makarska. Full of palm trees, cafes, bars, and shops, it’s the perfect place to enjoy every evening of your stay in Makarska.
- Harbor Views: Watching yachts and fishing boats come and go can be meditative, especially if you are sitting and drinking something
- Local Flavors: Stop in any of the traditional restaurants on the promenade and try fresh seafood and Dalmatian specialties like grilled fish and octopus salad.
3. Visit the Biokovo Nature Park and Skywalk
And we slowly go into our territory and dive into the more adventurous things to do in Makarska. Biokovo Mountain rises above Makarska and this simply looks amazing. But what’s even more amazing is the range of outdoor activities and breathtaking views you can experience on Biokovo mountain.
- Biokovo Skywalk: One of the recent attractions of Biokovo Nature Park. A glass-bottomed walkway that stands on a cliff edge and stretches in front of it, offering panoramic views of the Makarska Riviera and beyond. It’s also great to test your height tolerance
- Hiking Trails: Biokovo is one of the most famous mountains in Croatia and offers a huge variety of hiking trails. Sveti Jure is the highest peak of Biokovo mountain and other famous peaks are Vošac, Sv. Ilija above Baška Voda, Šćirovac and so on.
- Cycling: If you have high endurance e-bike, the narrow road that leads into the Biokovo nature park is great for bike tours
4. Explore the Makarska Old Town
Let’s get back to Makarska and discover the charm of Makarska’s historical center after we have enjoyed some of the best views from Biokovo Mountain.
- St. Mark’s Church: A beautiful baroque church located in the main square.
- Kaćić Square: Surrounded by cafes and historical buildings, great for sitting in the cafe and soaking up the local atmosphere
- Local Market: Fresh products from locals, what more can you ask for?
5. Take a Boat Trip to Nearby Islands
Makarska is an excellent base for exploring the nearby islands of Brač, Hvar, and even Vis which is a bit further. Taking a day boat tour is definitely among the top things to do in Makarska, you just need to find the best one for you. Speedboat or a slow cruise? It’s up to you.
- Brač Island: Famous for Zlatni Rat beach but for many other things to
- Hvar Island: Lavander fields, Paklinski islands, historical towns. One of the most famous islands in Croatia
- Blue Cave Tours: One of the most booked boat tours from Makarska. Blue Cave is located on Biševo island near Vis and it’s a place many tourists want to see and experience
6. Go Adventuring with Outdoor Activities
Back to the adventure. We already mentioned Biokovo Nature Park but there is much more to it. Makarska is perfect for a lot of adventure tours and here are just some of them. If you ask us, adventures such as these are the best things to do in Makarska so try at least one of them.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Perfect for exploring the coastline.
- Paragliding: Not a common sight anymore but there is a jumping point for paraglides on Biokovo mountain.
- Rock Climbing: The cliffs of Biokovo Mountain are perfect for rock climbing.
- Rafting: Rafting can be done on the Cetina River near Omiš which is just 30 minutes of driving away from Makarska
- ATV tours: These are usually organized as a part of a visit to Biokovo Nature Park. Great way to explore a park with a bit of adventure.
7. Discover Local Culture and History
Here are some museums you can visit in Makarska.
- Malacological Museum: A unique collection of shells from around the world.
- Franciscan Monastery: A serene monastery in which malacological collection and historical artifacts.
- Local Festivals: There are many different events going on through all summer so there is a high chance that some of them will be organized while you are visiting Makarska.
8. Indulge in Makarska’s Nightlife
Makarska is a nighlife hub of Makarska Riviera. If you are looking for this kind of evening, then Makarska is a place for you.
- Beach Bars: What’s better than the cocktail by the sea
- Clubs: Makarska is full of clubs, some of them dug into a cliff (Deep Makarska)
- Live Music: There are often live performances at various places all across the city
9. Sample Dalmatian Cuisine
And now something for all the food lovers out there. And we’re all food lovers. All of Croatia is famous for its delicacies and Dalmatia is especially famous for its seafood but some other things as well.
- Seafood Delicacies: Try black risotto, grilled squid, or seafood pasta.
- Dalmatian Peka: Meat or seafood slow-cooked under a bell-shaped lid, you will love it.
- Makarska Cake: A local almond-based dessert.
10. Take a Day Trip
There are many day trips you can take from Makarska that can take you to some other stunning locations such as Krka National Park, Split, Dubrovnik, or nearby islands. If you are staying in Makarska, we suggest taking at least one of these day trips since they are definitely among the best things to do in Makarska. Here are some famous locations these visit.
- Split: Famous for UNESCO-listed Diocletian’s Palace and bustling Riva promenade. Also the second-largest city in Croatia.
- Dubrovnik: You already know it. One of the most famous places in Croatia
- Krka National Park: Waterfalls and pure magnificence of nature
Tips for Visiting Makarska
Let’s end this thing to do in Makarska’s list with some useful general tips regarding the visit to this beautiful city.
- Best Time to Visit: May to September for warm weather and vibrant activities. July and August are the most crowded and visit them if you want to enjoy the beaches and swimming. The other months are perfect for outdoor activities in Makarska.
- Getting Around: You can walk to a lot of places, but renting a bike or scooter can help you explore further. Avoid driving through the city during the summer months.
- Stay Hydrated: The summer sun in Croatia can be intense, so carry water and sunscreen. Especially if you are hiking or visiting Biokovo Mountain
- Book Activities in Advance: Book activities as soon as you decide you want to do them because there are limited spaces and a lot of people want to do the same. Booking them online is the best and most common way.
Before you venture
As you can see by this point, Makarska is a great place offering a perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural experiences. There are many things to do in Makarska and we believe that anyone could find at least one thing that will make their experience of vacation in Croatia much better.
Whether you’re into lounging on the stunning beaches of Makarska Riviera, hiking and exploring Biokovo Mountain, or taking day trips to nearby islands, Makarska will make sure you leave with unforgettable memories.
Enjoy your stay in and all the things to do in Makarska!
