Makarska is where our real love story with Croatia began. And honestly, it was such a good start that the Makarska Riviera still remains one of my favorite seaside regions in Croatia – especially if we are talking about a beach holiday on the mainland.
This is my short but practical guide to the Makarska Riviera and Makarska town: what to see, where to go, where to stay, the best beaches, what to do beyond “beach-chair-sea-repeat,” and a few accommodation tips based on places I actually liked.
Makarska is the town that gave the whole region its name. But it is not just another resort spot on the map. For me, it is also a very convenient base (hub) for exploring the area and taking trips to some of Croatia’s most beautiful islands – Hvar, Korčula, Brač, and others.
The Makarska Riviera is a winding coastline full of coves, pine trees, and small pebble beaches. Behind the sea rise the dramatic Biokovo Mountains, which create a special microclimate and make the whole coastal landscape feel even more scenic and cozy.
The main seaside resorts of this part of Croatia are all here: Makarska, Brela, Baška Voda, Tučepi, and Podgora.
And yes, the main star of the region is the beaches. There are plenty of them along the coast, each with its own vibe, and that is exactly why most travelers come here.
Best Time to Visit the Makarska Riviera
The best time for a holiday in Makarska is from late May to early October. During this period, you usually get plenty of sunshine, fewer rainy days, and sea temperatures that make swimming comfortable.
For me, the most comfortable swimming season is from late June to late September. That said, we have also stayed here in October, and it was still warm and pleasant – plus there were fewer people, which can be a big bonus.
General Info About Makarska
Makarska is a resort town and a small port, which makes it a great starting point for island trips.
It is located in central Dalmatia, south of Split.
The entire Makarska Riviera stretches for about 45 km – from Brela in the north to Gradac in the south. Along the coast runs the famous Adriatic Highway (Jadranska Magistrala), one of the most scenic roads not only in Croatia, but arguably in Europe.
You can drive from Makarska to around 15 towns and villages along the Riviera using this road. And I am not exaggerating when I say the views of the sea, mountains, and coastal settlements make you want to stop every 5–10 minutes.
This area is home to some of Croatia’s most beautiful beaches. One of the best-known is Punta Rata Beach in Brela. The famous Brela Stone (the small rock with a pine tree) has become one of Croatia’s visual symbols – you have probably seen it in travel brochures, postcards, Instagram posts, and hotel reviews.
Why Makarska Is Such a Good Base
If infrastructure matters to you, then Makarska is, in my opinion, the best option in the region.
It has everything you need for a comfortable stay without unnecessary “holiday quests”:
- hotels and apartments for different budgets
- a small port
- a bus station
- car rental options
- shops and supermarkets
- cafes and restaurants
- a great waterfront promenade for evening walks
So if convenience is high on your list, Makarska (or one of the nearby Riviera villages) is a very safe choice.
What to Do and What to See in Makarska and Nearby
Makarska and the surrounding area offer a lot more than just beach time: seaside walking routes, scenic beaches, a lighthouse, natural attractions, short day trips, and plenty of very photogenic places.
Below is what I would personally recommend seeing during a stay in Makarska.
Makarska Old Town
Makarska has a very charming Old Town, and I recommend visiting it even if you stay in one of the nearby villages.
Just walking around the historic center is a pleasure on its own: narrow romantic streets, typical Dalmatian stone houses, quiet corners, and that unmistakable Adriatic atmosphere.
The heart of the old center is Kačić Square (Kačićev trg) with the Church of St. Mark. Another nice spot is Kalelarga Street. I also recommend walking to the Pijaca market, which is close to the square – a good place to buy fresh fruit and local snacks.
The true social heart of Makarska is the waterfront promenade. For me, it is the best place for an evening walk by the sea. Right behind it, you will find plenty of cafes and restaurants with views of the harbor.
Classic evening plan, and it never fails: walk, coffee (or wine), sea, mountain backdrop, and suddenly you are already thinking about extending your trip by a few more days.
There is a lot of accommodation in Makarska for every budget. If you want a direct recommendation, I can suggest Hotel Central Beach 9 – a very cozy 4-star hotel in a great location, close to both the beach and the Old Town.
Biokovo Nature Park
Biokovo Nature Park is an absolute must-see near Makarska. Without exaggeration, it is one of the most impressive attractions in the region.
The park sits right above the town. You can get there by bicycle if you are feeling ambitious, but it is much more practical by car. The road into the park is about 23 km long and offers panoramic views over the sea and coastal villages the whole way.
The route leads toward Sveti Jure, the highest peak in the area, at 1,762 meters above sea level.
Before reaching the summit, you can stop at the famous glass viewpoint, Biokovo Skywalk. This is one of the best-known newer attractions near Makarska, opened to visitors in 2020.
If you love dramatic viewpoints and the kind of photos that make people ask “where is this?”, put it on your list.
St. Peter Forest Park
The scenic St. Peter Forest Park (Sveti Petar) is located on a peninsula next to the Old Town, and it is easy to reach on foot.
The park offers beautiful views of Makarska Bay with the Biokovo Mountains in the background. In my opinion, the highlight here is the St. Peter Lighthouse (Sveti Petar). You can walk along the coast and circle the park’s perimeter at a relaxed pace.
There are cafes nearby, so it is a nice place to take a break, grab a snack, and continue your walk in full “I am on the Adriatic and I am not rushing anywhere” mode.
Above the forest park, there are great apartments called BURA 1, with sea views and views over Makarska Old Town – a very good option if you want a scenic location.
Baska Voda
Baska Voda is one of the best places to stay on the Makarska Riviera.
I have a more detailed review of this resort elsewhere, and I genuinely recommend reading it if you want extra details, beach notes, and accommodation ideas. But even in short form: Baška Voda is a very strong choice.
Its main attraction is the harbor and waterfront. This is where resort life happens: restaurants, cafes, shops, evening strolls, people with ice cream, kids, boats, yachts – all the classic holiday energy, but usually without feeling too chaotic.
In the town center, you will find a bronze statue of St. Nicholas and the church of the same name. If you want a break from the beach, there are also local museums worth checking out:
- the Shell Museum
- the Local History Museum
- the Archaeological Collection
A good hotel near the sea that I can recommend is Grand Hotel Slavia.
Secret Spots Near Makarska: Osejava Park and Nugal Beach
If you want a quieter place near Makarska, Osejava Forest Park (Osejava) is one of my favorites.
It is located between Makarska and Tučepi, and it is perfect when you want a short break from beach crowds, sunbeds, and the “busy resort” vibe.
Walking here along the coast through the pine forest is a real pleasure: the air smells of sea and pine, and the views of the mountains and the Adriatic are exactly the kind that reset your brain in the best way.
And no, I am not sending you into the forest just for “fresh air and trees” (although that is already a good plan). The real highlight of Osejava is Nugal Beach (Nugal Beach) – one of the most beautiful beaches on the Makarska Riviera.
You can admire Nugal Beach from above from the cliffs accessible via park trails. The views are fantastic. Another option is to stop on the Makarska–Tučepi road and walk about 10 minutes to reach it.
You can usually leave your car by the roadside for free. There is also a large supermarket nearby, so it is easy to combine supplies shopping with a mini beach adventure.
Podgora
I have praised Podgora before, and I will do it again. It is a very well-balanced resort on the Makarska Riviera.
As far as I am concerned, Podgora works really well for:
- families
- trips with kids
- groups of friends
- and even people who like some evening action and nightlife walks
You get scenic beaches, clear turquoise sea, and that beautiful mountain-meets-coast setting that defines the Makarska Riviera.
There is a promenade along the waterfront that leads toward more secluded beaches. Along it, you will find cafes, bars, restaurants, fast food spots, and shops. In other words, all the essentials for a comfortable beach holiday without unnecessary complications.
At one point, we found our own “dream little place” in Podgora: 10 meters from the sea, breakfast on the balcony, and the beach basically a few jumps away from the bed. Free parking right next to it. Sounds like a brochure line, but yes, this kind of stay does exist here.
What to See in Podgora
The main landmark of Podgora is the monument to Don Mihovil Pavlinović – a sculpture with two huge “seagull wings” rising above the town.
You can spot it from balconies of coastal hotels if you look to the right. It stands above the settlement and seems to float over it, especially striking with the sea in the background.
In recent years (especially after the pandemic period), many new hotels have opened closer to the center of the promenade.
For family holidays, a very good option is Medora Auri Family Beach Resort – right by the sea, with a nice outdoor pool and a convenient location.
Igrane
Igrane is a very cozy and quiet resort village. If you want a slower, calmer holiday, this is a great choice.
It is a small place – there are only around 400 local residents, and it often feels like everyone is quietly busy with their own life while the village moves at its own peaceful rhythm.
Igrane is beautifully tucked into a hillside, which gives it a very atmospheric and relaxing feel.
Its main landmark is the Church of Gospa od Ruzarija (Our Lady of the Rosary) with a lovely bell tower, which is considered the symbol of the village.
The tourist center and the beach are also very pleasant. If you want to escape the noise for a while and reset, Igrane is a good place to do it.
Where to stay: I can recommend TUI BLUE Adriatic Beach – good food, comfortable rooms, and a nice beach.
Tucepi
Tučepi is another popular resort on the Makarska Riviera, and definitely worth considering.
What I remember most is its very long beach (about 4 km), a large bar on the waterfront right by the water, and that same turquoise sea that makes this whole region so addictive.
The beach here has fine, almost white pebbles, with the Biokovo Mountains rising behind it. The contrast is classic Makarska Riviera: bright shore, clear sea, dramatic mountains.
Tučepi also has a marina/harbor with fishing boats, yachts, and tourist boats – a nice area for a walk, especially in the late afternoon or evening.
Everything else is exactly what many travelers want:
- cafes and restaurants by the sea
- accommodation for different budgets
- lots of tourist infrastructure
- a very easy, comfortable holiday format
Where to stay: a great option right on the beach with a balcony and sea view is Emilia Lofts.
Vepric Shrine
The Vepric Catholic Shrine is a special place. It is interesting not so much as an architectural monument, but as a place of pilgrimage, quiet, and reflection.
The shrine is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and is located in the western part of Makarska (slightly uphill on the map). It is essentially an open-air sanctuary set beneath a rock, which gives it a very unique atmosphere.
There is a free parking area nearby with a sea view. If you are driving to Makarska from Split or nearby villages, it is definitely worth stopping by.
The shrine was founded in 1908 by Bishop Juraj Carić. It is one of those places that has a calming effect almost immediately. We felt a similar atmosphere in a few sacred places in Cyprus and Greece.
Where Else to Go from Makarska
If you have a car, Makarska is a fantastic base for day trips. If you do not drive, some of these can still be done as organized excursions.
These are the places I recommend:
Split
Split is a large city and port, around 60 km from Makarska.
The main reason to go is the Old Town and Diocletian’s Palace, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. This is not just a “quick photo and leave” type of place – it is genuinely enjoyable to wander around, get lost in old streets, stop for coffee, and soak up the atmosphere.
Omis
Omis is a great option if you want more than beaches and sun.
It has the dramatic Cetina River canyon, a charming old town, and lots of activities:
- rafting
- zipline
- cycling routes
- hiking trails
If you like a mix of nature, movement, and good scenery, Omiš is a very good day trip.
Mostar (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Mostar means crossing into another country, but it is very doable as a one-day trip if you plan well.
The main draw is the atmospheric old town and the famous stone Old Bridge. The city has a very different vibe from the Croatian coast – different architecture, food, and rhythm – so it feels like a mini extra journey inside your main holiday.
Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik does not need advertising.
If you leave early in the morning, you can usually manage to:
- see the main sights
- walk the Old Town
- have lunch
- and even swim at one of the local beaches
Yes, Dubrovnik is popular and often crowded. But it is still worth seeing at least once. Some places are overhyped for no reason – Dubrovnik is not one of them.
Red and Blue Lakes in Imotski
The Red and Blue Lakes (Imotski) are beautiful karst lakes inland.
This is a great day trip if you want a break from the “sea-beach-promenade” routine and feel like seeing a different side of Croatia. I always like these kinds of detours because they make the whole trip feel richer.
Brac Island and Zlatni Rat Beach
It is easy to get from Makarska to Brac Island by ferry, both with a car and without one.
The island’s most famous spot is Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach, known for its changing shape, influenced by currents and wind. It is visually impressive and definitely famous for a reason.
But I will be honest: in my opinion, it is also heavily promoted and often too crowded.
We saw it from a yacht during an island-hopping trip in Croatia and also visited by car on another trip. It was nice, but not a “best beach of my life” moment.
My advice: if you go, try to visit in the shoulder season – ideally June or September – when you have a much better chance of enjoying it with fewer crowds.
Final Thoughts
For me, Makarska, the Makarska Riviera, and the Biokovo Mountains create an almost perfect formula for a mainland Croatia holiday.
You get beautiful nature, beaches, mountains, charming resort towns, a few historical sights, and excellent options for day trips. That combination is exactly why I keep recommending this region.
Another big plus is that there is plenty of accommodation for different budgets, good infrastructure, and enough beaches to spread people out. Even in peak season, it is still possible to find your own space by the sea (tested personally, not theory).
If you want a holiday where you can both fully relax and also explore a lot without long transfers, the Makarska Riviera is a very strong choice.
Useful Resources for the Trip
- Flights – Aviasales
- Accommodation – Booking.com
- Car rental – LocalRent
Makarska Riviera Cheat Sheet for Travelers Who Do Not Want to Read a Long Article
Best base if it is your first time
Makarska – the most convenient base on the Riviera.
Why: best infrastructure, lots of accommodation, promenade, port, cafes, shops, and easy access to day trips.
Best places you should not miss (must-see)
- Makarska Old Town + promenade – for atmosphere and evening walks
- Biokovo Nature Park + Biokovo Skywalk – top panoramic views, mountains + sea in one frame
- Osejava Forest Park + Nugal Beach – a more “secret” nature spot with a beautiful cove
- Brela (Punta Rata Beach) – one of the most iconic beaches in the region
- Podgora – great for family holidays, beach time, and walks
- Tucepi – long beach, nice promenade, comfortable resort format
- Igrane – quiet option if you want less noise and more calm
Best day trips from Makarska
- Split – Old Town + Diocletian’s Palace
- Omis – Cetina canyon, rafting, zipline
- Dubrovnik – possible as a long day trip if you leave early
- Mostar – atmospheric cross-border day trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brac Island – better in June or September to avoid the biggest crowds
Where to stay (good options mentioned in this guide)
Makarska
- Hotel Central Beach 9 – great location near both the beach and the Old Town
- BURA 1Apartments – excellent views and a good location near St. Peter Forest Park
Baska Voda
- Grand Hotel Slavia – a good option near the sea
Podgora
- Medora Auri Family Beach Resort – strong family option by the sea, with a pool
Igrane
- TUI BLUE Adriatic Beach – comfortable rooms, nice beach, calmer setting
Tucepi
- Emilia Lofts – right by the beach, balcony, sea view
Best time to go
- Best overall period: late May to early October
- Best for swimming: late June to late September
- My personal tip: September and early October = warm sea + fewer people
One-line verdict
Makarska Riviera is one of the best mainland Croatia beach regions if you want sea + mountains + great beaches + a convenient base for day trips.
