Today we’re heading south! Makarska is situated in a naturally sheltered bay at the foot of Mount Biokovo, about sixty kilometres south of Split. With its location and cultural and historical significance, the town has always been the centre of a micro-region, bringing together the towns around Makarska.
You’ll hear people call the area the Makarska Riviera or the Makarsko Primorje (we prefer “riviera”), but everyone agrees that this part of the Croatian coast is one of the most beautiful parts of the Adriatic.
In this guide, we’ve provided an overview of the most important topics: what to see, where the best beaches are, and where to stay while you’re on the Makarska Riviera. We also have first-hand information! We spoke with our colleague from Makarska, and found out where the best beaches are and which restaurants to try.
What to see
The Franciscan Monastery
Makarska’s Franciscan Monastery is one of the most important cultural and spiritual centres of the Makarska Riviera. The monastery library holds around one hundred thousand books, including twenty four incunabula (books printed in the early days of printing, up to the year 1500).
Mollusc Museum
The monastery is also home to the Mollusc Museum, which has more than three thousand specimens of Adriatic snails and shellfish, corals and other marine species, as well as numerous shells from distant seas. Alongside the malacological collection, the museum also has a special herbarium of Biokovo flora. It is definitely the kind of museum you rarely see and is well worth a visit.
Old Town Centre
Mediterranean towns usually have a town centre that is a museum in itself. Here’s what you’ll come across as you stroll through the centre of Makarska:
- Kalalarga: A walk along Kalalarga is a journey through Makarska’s history. The street runs west from the town square and is the longest street in the old town. Along Kalalarga are the baroque stone palaces of the renowned Makarska families.
- Cathedral of St. Mark: The church’s interior is decorated in the Venetian baroque style. Next to the cathedral is the Town Square, with a fountain from 1755 which has the oldest known coat of arms of Makarska engraved on it.
- Kačić Square: Located in the very heart of Makarska, it is one of the most recognisable places in the town. It is the main place for concerts and festivals in Makarska during summer.
Sveti Petar Forest Park
Archaeological research shows that the peninsula was inhabited as early as the neolithic. A fortress was built later to protect the town from attacks coming from the sea. Today the peninsula is covered in pine forest with well-maintained walking trails.
The Osejava Peninsula
The peninsula is popular among cyclists and hikers. Nearby is the famous nudist beach called Nugal beach, and you can enjoy one of the most beautiful of the Makarska Riviera from different viewpoints scattered around.
Interpretative Centre Veliki Kaštel
The Fortress was built on the cliffs of Biokovo in the 17th century. Since 2019, its interior has housed the Interpretive Centre exhibition, featuring archaeological and ethnological exhibits as well as displays of natural heritage.
Biokovo
Mount Biokovo gets full credit for the impressive appearance of the Makarska panorama. You can see the Makarska Riviera and the surrounding islands on one side, and the hinterland and Herzegovina on the other from the mountain. The road is narrow, so research the route and drive carefully if you choose to go. The most famous attraction on Biokovo is the Skywalk, a viewpoint that extends out over the cliff. There is also a Botanical Garden in the village of Kotišina. It preserves the rich endemic flora of Biokovo.
The Biokovo Nature Park is open to visitors from April to November.
Where to eat
Makarska cuisine is a reflection of the climate and the nature that surrounds it. The dishes are simple, but rich in flavour, and old recipes are passed down from generation to generation.
Every dish reflects the connection to the sea and Biokovo, as well as broader Mediterranean influences. If you get the chance, try the Makarska pašticada, a special version of the Dalmatian classic. After lunch, treat yourself to the Makarana almond cake with citrus notes. The cake has become the city’s unofficial symbol over the years.
For lunch or dinner in the city, try the restaurants Riva, Gastro Diva or Jež, and for traditional Dalmatian cuisine in the heart of the old town, stop by the konoba Kalalarga.
If you decide to explore the food in the broader Makarska Riviera, we recommend the Ranč konoba in Tučepi, the Panorama konoba in Topići and the Galinac konoba in Brela.
Where to swim on the Makarska Riviera
The entire Makarska Riviera is full of wonderful beaches. Here’s our list of the beaches you might like:
Makarska
- Town beach: The central town beach is a shingle beach that stretches along the western side of the town. It is a good choice for families with children as there are numerous facilities and catering establishments nearby.
- Nugal Beach: The famous Nugal nudist beach is located south of the town. It is surrounded by high cliffs and dense pine forest, and can only be reached on foot or by boat.
- Biloševac and Cvitačka: The beaches are located in the western part of the town, around 2km from the town centre. There is natural shade from the pine forest and the sea is crystal-clear.
Brela
- The Punta Rata and Podrače beaches have been featured on many world and European lists of the most beautiful beaches. Brela is surrounded by a dense pine forest, a protected cultural heritage site, and there are also many walking trails near the beaches.
Tučepi and Podgora
- The main beach in Tučepi is 4 km long, so there’s room for everyone even in the high season.
- Podgora also has beaches and coves, many of which are family-friendly. The main beach in Podgora is surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
- If you continue south from Podgora, you’ll pass through small villages with beautiful coves.
Where to stay
Villa Elizabeta
This authentic stone villa is located on a hill above Makarska. It is ideal for family holidays, couples, or smaller groups of friends. The villa has 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and can accommodate up to 10 guests. Additional amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a barbecue area, and a wellness area.
Villa Sirius
Located in Baška Voda on the Makarska Riviera, this villa features 4 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 8 guests. Additional amenities include a swimming pool, hot tub, Finnish sauna, and barbecue area.
So, what do you think? Makarska doesn’t ask you to choose between history, famous beaches, mountains, and Mediterranean cuisine. All you need to do is choose your accommodation and dates, and everything else is within easy reach.
For more holiday ideas in Croatia, follow the VillasGuide blog, where we regularly publish new recommendations and travel tips. You can also browse the full selection of villas in Croatia on VillasGuide.
