Baska Voda is one of our favorite places on the Makarska Riviera in Croatia and one of the best destinations for a seaside vacation in the country. Beaches, accommodation, weather, attractions, entertainment, excursions, and photos – you’ll find everything in this review.
General Information About Baska Voda
Baska Voda is a small village on the Makarska Riviera. Once a fishing village, it is now a resort town with a population of around 2,700 people.
Its popularity is well-deserved: a long promenade with bars and restaurants, several excellent beaches, and a central location that provides great opportunities for excursions to the surrounding areas and access to many Croatian landmarks.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Baska Voda, as well as other resorts on the Makarska Riviera, is from early June to late October. During this period, the temperature is comfortable, there’s little rain, no strong winds, and the sea is warm and pleasant.
The least crowded time is from mid-September to the end of October. June is also a quieter time, as most Europeans take their vacations in July and August. Naturally, the highest prices are in July and August, so plan accordingly.
Where Baska Voda is Located
If you look at a map of Croatia, find Split and then move a bit south, you’ll easily spot Baska Voda, located near the village of Brela.
This is the start of the Makarska Riviera. The location is perfect: it’s 50 km from Split and only 11 km from Makarska, the heart of the Riviera. The Biokovo Mountains rise almost right next to the sea, and the village is set on terraced slopes that descend directly to the promenade and beaches.
The main attraction here is the long promenade and the beaches, where tourists spend most of their vacation time. At the end of the promenade is a traditional marina, with a bronze statue of Saint Nicholas and the Church of Saint Nicholas nearby.
Other local attractions include the Shell Museum and the Archaeological Museum. The Shell Museum is quite interesting. Above the town, there’s a monument dedicated to the victims of World War II.
Nearby resorts include Brela, Makarska, Podgora, Drasnice, and Tucepi.
How to Get to Baska Voda
The most convenient way is to fly into Split Airport, rent a car, and continue your journey. You can also drive your own car – Croatia has excellent highways, and the drive is not tiring.
Beaches of Baska Voda
Of course, people come to Croatia not for the museums but for the sea and beach relaxation.
What about the beaches in Baska Voda? They are wonderful, just like in the other towns of the Makarska Riviera.
The sea here looks like a postcard – you can see the bottom even 50 meters from the shore, and the coastline is covered in fine white pebbles, softened by the sun and sea water. It’s pleasant to walk barefoot, but for ultimate comfort, buy water shoes, which you can find in any kiosk along the promenade for about 10 euros. These prices have remained unchanged for years.
Nikolina Beach
This is the main beach of the resort.
It starts at the marina near the statue of Saint Nicholas. It’s a long pebble beach with turquoise water and the Biokovo Mountains as a backdrop.
In one part of the beach, there are pine trees providing natural shade. You can also rent sunbeds and beach umbrellas. If you’re a fan of beach days, it’s better to buy your own umbrella so you’re not dependent on local vendors.
Right behind the pine trees, the promenade starts, lined with cafes and bars.
Ikovac Beach
Located to the north of Baska Voda, higher up on the map. The beach is about 250 meters long.
Within walking distance from the beach, there are many apartments and an excellent Hotel Croatia 4* – I recommend it if you prefer staying in stylish hotels.
For apartments, I suggest the affordable Villa Saric K&M, which has a large balcony with a stunning sea view.
As always, the sea is azure, with mountains in the background. If you enjoy sitting at a bar, “Southern Comfort” is a great spot right on the beach – highly recommended.
We like this beach more than the main beach by the marina. It’s less crowded, but you’ll need to walk about 5-7 minutes from the center of the promenade.
Oseka Beach
This beach is a bit further from the center of Baska Voda, located in a long bay to the east of the village.
Besides the azure sea, its advantages include a beach bar and a small playground.
A special feature of this beach is that you can swim with dogs, as it’s marked as DogFriendly.
Right behind Oseka Beach is a nudist beach.
Podluka Beach
Another beach that’s great for families with children due to its shallow entry into the water.
A notable feature is that there are few natural shade spots, so you’ll either need to rent a sunbed and umbrella or bring your own.
There are excellent apartments near the beach, such as Villa Gradina, both of which are highly rated on Booking.
Location-wise, this beach is ideal for choosing accommodation. It’s close to the center with the promenade and three nearby beaches – the main city beach, Podluka Beach, and Ikovac Beach.
What to Do in Baska Voda – Activities and Nightlife
Baska Voda is a lively place, unlike the package-tour feel of Brela or the quiet, family-friendly Podgora. There are several disco bars right by the water, a long promenade with bars, and a walking path along the sea that can take you all the way to Brela or Makarska if you’re up for it.
What to See Around Baska Voda
If you’re looking for more than just beach activities, there’s plenty to explore near Baska Voda. You can do this on your own or with a tour. Tours tend to be more expensive and convenient for those who prefer less planning, but I’ll share insights based on my own experience of exploring the area.
Biokovo Mountains
Nearby is the peak of St. Jure (1,762 m), which offers an incredible panoramic view of the mountains, the sea, and the islands. I recommend going before sunset for the best experience. A bit lower down, you’ll find a glass observation deck, a typical tourist spot.
You can get there by car or with a tour. Just set “Biokovo Nature Park” in your GPS, and off you go—about 50 km and an hour’s drive. The winding mountain roads are scenic and worth the trip if you enjoy mountain landscapes.
Makarska – Old Town and Lighthouse
Makarska is the heart of the Makarska Riviera, and it’s worth spending half a day there. It’s just 10 km from Baska Voda along the coast, so the drive is quick.
Near Makarska, there’s the beautiful Nugal Beach, and not far from the promenade, you’ll find a lighthouse hotel. Spend some time exploring the old part of the town, including the historic Kalelarga Street, Kacic Square, and the Church of St. Mark.
Brela Stone
This iconic rock formation is located in the neighboring village of Brela, at Punta Rata Beach, not far from the shore. It’s considered one of the symbols of the Makarska Riviera.
While it’s not a major attraction, it’s definitely worth a visit, especially since it’s easily accessible. You can walk to Brela along the scenic coastal path, and the walk itself is enjoyable and worth the effort.
Other Attractions Around Baska Voda
From Baska Voda, you can easily reach the islands of Brac and Hvar, either by booking a tour or buying a ferry ticket from Makarska, Split, or Drvenik, where ferry ports are located.
If you’re traveling by car, you can visit the coastal town of Omis, which is not far from Split. Near Omis, there’s the picturesque Cetina Gorge, where you can either walk or book a local canoeing tour. You can also find tours to this location on the Baska Voda promenade.
From Baska Voda, you can drive to Split and the ancient town of Trogir. In Split, visit the Diocletian’s Palace in the old town and enjoy a walk along the scenic promenade.
Trogir is worth a longer visit; I recommend spending at least half a day there, but it’s even better to stay overnight. A nighttime stroll through the ancient streets with lighting is magical. Trogir is an island connected to the mainland by bridges, and cars are not allowed in the old town. There are plenty of parking spots on the outskirts.
If you have a full day, you can even drive to Dubrovnik. You’ll need to leave early in the morning, spend half a day exploring Dubrovnik’s ancient city walls and old town, and return to the cozy and homey Baska Voda by evening. Keep in mind that parking in Dubrovnik is expensive and hard to find, even in September, so the earlier you arrive, the better your chances of finding a spot.
Where to Stay in Baska Voda
Baska Voda has a well-developed culture of apartment rentals for vacationers. There are plenty of options to suit any taste and budget. Most apartments come with a small kitchen, fridge, air conditioning, a balcony with a view, and parking, which is usually included in the price.
Most accommodations are located along the promenade or in the town center.
Here are a few recommendations:
- Apartmani Nikola – located in the heart of town, this is a clean and modern apartment hotel.
- Baltimore House – a quiet place with a beautiful view.
- Apartman Saric K&M – a budget option with a balcony and stunning sea views, just a 6-minute walk to the beach.
- Villa Baska – comfortable, with a balcony, a view, and a great breakfast.
- Grand Hotel Slavia – if you prefer hotel comfort, this is the place for you. It’s more expensive than the other options, but worth it.
Conclusion
Baska Voda is one of the best places for a seaside holiday on the Croatian coast. It’s not overrun with package tourists like Brela or Makarska. If you enjoy a combination of beautiful sea, clean beaches, moderate nightlife, and comfortable accommodation with views, this is the place for you.
Baska Voda is also a great base for day trips by car. Split, Trogir, Dubrovnik, Krk National Park, and the Biokovo Mountains are all within reach.
From Baska Voda or nearby ports like Split, Makarska, or Drvenik, you can easily take a ferry to the islands of Hvar, Brac, or Korcula, combining a coastal vacation with island hopping.
Prices in Baska Voda are reasonable. In-season, apartment rentals range from €60 to €100 per night, which is standard for Croatia. In September, you can find apartments starting from €40 to €60 and up.
For your trip to Croatia:
- Find and book a hotel or apartment.
- For car rentals, try LocalRent, my favorite service for renting cars.
