Makarska, Croatia travel guide

Makarska is a magnificent city located on the east coast of Croatia, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the most popular tourist towns in Dalmatia, thanks to its beaches, mild climate and picturesque landscapes. The city is located in an area of hills and mountains, offering a spectacular view of the Biokovo mountains, which rise north of the city. Nearby is also Biokovo Nature Park, an ideal place for hiking and exploring nature.

Makarska has a picturesque harbor where you can see many boats and yachts moored, and in the center of the town there is a lively market where local products such as fresh fruits, vegetables and traditional sweets are sold. The city also has a lively nightlife with numerous bars and clubs.

One of the attractions of Makarska is the beach, which is one of the most beautiful in Croatia. In the old town of Makarska, you can see an interesting mix of Baroque and Mediterranean architecture, with 18th-century buildings and cobbled streets. A popular attraction in the old town is Saint Mark's Church, a baroque church built in the 18th century.

Makarska is a perfect destination for summer trips, but also for those who want to discover the beauty of Croatia at any time of the year. In the following you will find a complete guide that includes accommodation recommendations, places with delicious food, tourist attractions and unique activities for an unforgettable vacation.

Useful information

Accommodation - Where to stay in Makarska

• Osejava Hotel located just a few steps from the beach in Makarska, Hotel Osejava offers spacious and modern rooms with sea views. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant with Croatian specialties and a terrace with sea views. The hotel also offers a wide range of facilities, such as a sauna, gym and spa. The price of one night's accommodation starts from 145 euros per night, and breakfast is included.

• Apartments Villa Riva these apartments are located in the center of the old town of Makarska, just a few meters from the beach. Each apartment is furnished in a modern style and has a fully equipped kitchen, a seating area and a terrace with sea or city views. You also have free Wi-Fi internet access and free parking. The price of one night's accommodation starts from 108 euros per night.

• Hotel Biokovo it is located just a few minutes from Makarska beach and offers stylish and modern rooms with sea view. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, a fitness room and a restaurant serving traditional Croatian and international cuisine. The hotel also offers a spa center that offers relaxation and beauty treatments. The price of one night's accommodation starts from 87 euros per night, and breakfast is included.

Tourist spots Makarska - What to visit in Makarska

Makarska Beach 

If you are looking for a BEACHES special in Makarska, you must visit the main beach in town. It is a beautiful beach covered with fine sand and pebbles that stretches for a long distance and is bordered by the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. You can reach the beach in just a few minutes' walk from the city center. There are many facilities on the beach, such as sunbeds and umbrellas, showers and toilets. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants on the beach, where you can enjoy a snack or a refreshing drink.

In addition to relaxing on the beach and swimming in the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, you can also try various water activities. At sunset, the beach turns into a romantic place perfect for a pleasant walk along the promenade or a romantic dinner at one of the nearby restaurants. During the evening, the beach becomes even more lively, with live music and nightclubs full of fun and dancing until dawn.

Osejava Forest Park 

If you want to break away from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the nature of Makarska, you should not miss it Osejava Forest Park. This park is located on a hill on the outskirts of the city and offers a spectacular view of the coast and the Adriatic Sea. You can get to the park by car or bike, but the best way to get there is by a pleasant 30-minute hike from the city center.

As you climb the hill, you can enjoy a variety of Mediterranean vegetation and a panoramic view of the city and the coast. Once in the park, you can walk through the dense pine and oak forests, relax and have a picnic. There are also a number of hiking trails that will take you through the forest to several vantage points with views of the sea and the city.

In addition, parking is free and there is a cafe with a terrace where you can treat yourself to a cold drink or a snack. The park is also a popular spot for bird watching and spectacular photography.

Vepric – Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes 

If you are interested in religious tourism, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a special place you must visit in Makarska. This is a Christian sanctuary located about 2 km from the center of Makarska. The sanctuary is dedicated to the Virgin Mary of Lourdes and was built in 1908 in honor of the apparition of Our Lady. This sacred place is known for the pilgrimages that take place here every year, especially in the month of May.

You can reach Vepric by car or bus, but many people choose to walk on the beautiful path through the pine forest. The sanctuary is located in the middle of nature, surrounded by forests and waterfalls, and offers an oasis of peace and prayer.

Beach Biloševac  

If you like to relax on the beach and enjoy the sun, sand and crystal clear water, then you must visit Biloševac beach from Makarska. This beach is a short 15-minute walk from the city center and is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. The beach is well maintained and clean, with fine sand and clear, warm water. In addition, the beach is surrounded by pine trees and other Mediterranean plants, which will give you a feeling of tranquility and harmony with nature. Here, you can relax on a deck chair or a blanket and enjoy the sun.

You can also try different water sports, such as jet skiing, surfing or canoeing, which are available at the rental stands on the beach. While enjoying the beach, you can enjoy a refreshing drink or eat a snack at one of the cafes and restaurants on the beach. These places will offer you a variety of delicious food and drink options, as well as a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.

Biokovo Skywalk 

If you like adventures and spectacular panoramas, you must visit Biokovo Skywalk, a popular tourist attraction in Makarska. Biokovo Skywalk is a suspended glass walkway that stands at a height of 1228 meters above sea level, offering a stunning panorama of Mount Biokovo and the surrounding area.

It is the highest observation point in Croatia and it is accessible only with the help of a special bus that will take you to the place where the route starts. As you walk along the footbridge, you will feel the sensation of floating in the air and admire an extraordinary panorama of the Adriatic Sea and the nearby islands.

In addition, the footbridge is designed to allow visitors to admire the surrounding nature, the valleys, cliffs and peaks of the Biokovo mountains. Although it may be a bit scary for some, this experience is safe and you can enjoy it without any problem. The walkway is made of tempered glass and is designed to support the weight of visitors.

Parasailing Makarska 

If you like thrills and unforgettable adventures, you should not miss this experience. Parasailing is an activity where you will walk above the sea, hanging from a parachute pulled by a motor boat. During this activity, you will have a unique perspective of the coast and the Adriatic Sea, with breathtaking views of the town of Makarska and its surroundings.

After donning your safety gear, you'll be lifted into the air by the speedboat and float around for about 10-15 minutes. You will be able to admire the view from the height and you will have the opportunity to feel like a free bird, floating in the air and feeling the wind.

Parasailingis an activity suitable for all ages and requires no previous experience. It's a perfect activity to enjoy an unforgettable experience and take memorable pictures and videos to share with friends and family.

Beach St. Peter 

St. Beach Peter in Makarska is a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy a relaxing day on the beach and a swim in the crystal clear water of the Adriatic Sea. This beach is known for its fine sand and clear water, and the view towards the island of Brač is truly impressive.

Here you will find a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for spending the day reading a book, listening to music or simply contemplating. In addition to the beach area, on the nearby promenade you will find a variety of bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a snack or a refreshing drink. Also, the beach is equipped with all the necessary facilities, including showers and toilets.

A popular attraction on this beach is the church of St. Peter, located at the southern end of the beach. This over 700-year-old church offers an impressive view of the coast and the Adriatic Sea, being a place of relaxation and meditation for tourists.

Beach Krvavica 

Krvavica beach is a popular destination for those visiting Makarska, offering a unique combination of crystal clear waters, picturesque landscapes and a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. The beach consists of a mixture of sand and gravel, with crystal clear water and a moderate depth, which makes it suitable for both swimming and other water activities such as snorkeling or diving. There are also many beautiful places from where you can admire the scenic landscapes of the area.

Besides the beach itself, Krvavica it's also a great place to explore the surrounding area, with numerous hiking and biking trails through the forest and mountains that offer stunning views of the Dalmatian coast. 

Botanical Garden 

Botanical Garden from Makarska is a wonderful tourist attraction for nature lovers and plant enthusiasts. This garden covers an area of about 3 hectares and houses an impressive collection of plants, flowers and trees from all over the world.

During your walk through the garden, you will be able to admire an amazing variety of Mediterranean plants, but also from other areas of the world, such as South America, Asia or Africa. In addition, the garden is home to an impressive collection of medicinal and aromatic plants, as well as a range of herbs and vegetables.

In addition to the beauty of plants and flowers, the botanical garden also offers a number of educational and interactive activities, such as guided tours, gardening workshops and educational programs for children. Throughout the year, the botanical garden also hosts various cultural and musical events.

Nugal Beach 

Nugal Beach from Makarska is a favorite destination for tourists who want to spend a day in a natural and wild setting. This beach is located in a natural bay, surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation, making it an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty. To get to the beach, you have to go up a steep mountain road, which may be difficult for some visitors, but the effort is definitely worth it, because the view from the beach is spectacular.

On Nugal Beach you will find fine sand, crystal clear waters and impressive cliffs, which make this beach one of the most picturesque in the region. Nugal Beach is also a great place for snorkeling or diving because of its clear water and abundant marine life. This beach is an oasis of calm, with no tourist amenities like sun umbrellas or beach bars, make sure you bring everything you need to spend a comfortable day. 

Kaštel Kotišina 

Kaštel Kotišina is a historic village located at the foot of the Biokovo mountains, near the town of Makarska. The village is known for its medieval castle, which dates back to the 15th century and was built on the ruins of an ancient Roman fortress. To get to Kaštel Kotišina, you have to take a winding road that goes through the middle of the mountains and through dense oak and olive forests. This road is sometimes quite steep and can be difficult for some drivers, but the view from the castle is truly impressive.

Kotišina Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the Makarska region, and tourists can enjoy a guided tour that includes a walk through the inner courtyard of the castle, as well as a visit to the ethnographic museum located there. Kotišina Castle is also a popular place for cultural and musical events, thanks to the excellent acoustics of the inner courtyard and the historical atmosphere.

outside the castle Kaštel Kotišina village it's a great place to spend a quiet day away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you can see traditional stone houses, narrow streets and courtyards full of flowers and aromatic herbs. This is a perfect place to relax and experience traditional Croatian rural life.

Beach FKK 

FKK beach is a nudist beach, a popular spot for those looking to enjoy sun, sea and freedom. The beach is located a short walk from the center of Makarska and is easily accessible by public transport or by car. Once here, you will enjoy a small and picturesque beach with fine sand and crystal clear water. No clothes are allowed on the beach, so it's important to be prepared for this.

The FKK beach is especially popular among those looking for a different and free experience, but it is important to respect the rules and take care not to disturb other visitors. It is also recommended that you bring your own towels and umbrellas as facilities are limited.

Makarska Old Town

Historical centre of the city Makarska, located on the central Dalmatian coast of Croatia. The old town is known for its charming cobblestone streets and traditional architecture, which includes Venetian-style buildings, red-tiled roofs and shuttered windows. One of the most important monuments in the old town of Makarska is St. Mark's Cathedral, which dates back to the 18th century and has a baroque facade and a bell tower that offers an impressive view of the surrounding area.

Another important building is Franciscan Monastery, which houses a museum presenting local history and culture, as well as a library with rare books and manuscripts. The Old Town is also home to several charming squares and public spaces, including the Main Square, which is surrounded by historic buildings and features a statue of the city's famous poet, Andrija Kačić Miošić. Visitors can also explore the narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards that wind through the old town.

The port of Makarska

The port of Makarska is located in the southern part of Makarska on the central Dalmatian coast of Croatia. The port is one of the most important ports in the region and is open for commercial shipping and tourism.

The port of Makarska is also popular with tourists as they can easily reach the old town of Makarska and the nearby beaches. There are a number of tourist services available at the port, including boat and ferry trips to other areas of the region.

Gastronomy & Restaurants 

Croatian gastronomy in Makarska is influenced by Mediterranean traditions, but also by Slavic and Austro-Hungarian culture, so there is a wide variety of delicious dishes and culinary preparations in this region.

One of the most popular dishes culinary in Makarska is pasticada, a traditional Croatian dish made from beef, served with noodles or fried potatoes. Fish and seafood are also an important element of Makarska gastronomy. Many restaurants offer a variety of fresh fish dishes, including seafood, salmon, tuna and sardines, prepared in various ways, whether grilled, fried or baked. These are usually served with fresh vegetables and salads.

Another culinary specialty of Makarska is paški sir a kind of traditional cheese from the island of Pag, made from sheep's milk. This cheese has a unique taste and is usually served with prosciutto and olive oil. As for drinks, Croatian wine is highly regarded, and Makarska is one of Croatia's wine-producing regions.

Plavac Mali red wine it is one of the most popular and can be found in most restaurants in Makarska.

• Konoba Kalalarga located in the historic center of the city, this restaurant offers traditional Dalmatian dishes, including fresh grilled seafood. Here you will also find a good selection of local wines. The interior is decorated in a traditional style with unique elements, and there is also an outdoor terrace with a sensational view.

• Restaurant Riva located on the promenade of Makarska, this restaurant offers a variety of Croatian and international dishes. Thanks to its location, you can enjoy your meal with a sea view. The menu focuses on seafood, but also offers vegan and vegetarian options.

• Don Antonio located near the beach in Makarska, this family restaurant offers a relaxing atmosphere and delicious dishes. House specialties include fresh salads, seafood and grilled meats. There is an outdoor terrace for dining in the sun.

From beautiful beaches to unique sights and delicious gastronomy, Makarska has a lot to offer. Due to its location, there are many outdoor activities you can do, from parasailing to hiking. Be sure to consider these attractions when planning your trip and don't forget to enjoy all that Makarska has to offer.