Croatia is a firm favourite for a summer getaway, and Makarska in Croatia is one of its most beloved destinations. This roughly sixty-kilometre stretch of coastline in central Dalmatia runs from Brela all the way down to picturesque Gradac. Here you’ll find gorgeous pebble beaches lined with pines that offer welcome shade on hot summer days, along with incredibly clear water.
Towering dramatically above the entire coast is the Biokovo mountain range, creating some absolutely breathtaking contrasts. The turquoise Adriatic Sea meets steep limestone cliffs right here. If you’re looking for a place where you can combine lazy beach days with active mountain adventures, you’ve just found it on the map.
In this guide I’ll show you 12 tips for the best spots that are well worth a visit. I’ll help you decide which resort to base yourself in, how to dodge the biggest crowds, and how much it costs to visit the popular glass-floored viewpoint perched high above the sea.
TL;DR
- Most beautiful beaches: Punta Rata beach in Brela ranks among the finest in Europe; for total peace and quiet head to the hidden natural beach of Nugal.
- Adrenaline and views: The glass-floored Biokovo Skywalk sits at 1,228 metres and offers spectacular views of the sea and islands.
- Nature: Biokovo Nature Park is ideal for escaping the summer heat, but you must buy tickets online in advance to avoid the queues.
- Where to stay: Makarska is great for nightlife lovers, Tučepi and Baška Voda draw families with children, while the south of the coast is all about relaxation.
- Day trips nearby: Regular ferries run from local ports to the islands of Brač and Hvar, and the impressive Cetina River canyon is just a short drive away.
When to visit the Makarska Riviera
The whole area sees the biggest influx of tourists during July and August, when the sea is beautifully warm and the weather is completely stable. Just bear in mind that the beaches will be packed and accommodation prices climb to their peak. During this period you’ll also pay more for entry to certain attractions and national parks.
If you have the choice, I’d recommend going in September, when the Adriatic is still pleasantly warm from summer but the crowds are slowly thinning out. May and June, on the other hand, are great months for an active holiday full of hiking, though the water can still be fairly refreshing for a swim.
During the spring and autumn months you’ll save on entry fees and enjoy far more peace and quiet. The famous glass Skywalk viewpoint is usually open from May to October, but always double-check the current opening hours on the official website before you set off. If you’re travelling from the UK, checking the Makarska Croatia weather forecast ahead of your trip is well worth it.
Where to stay on the Makarska Riviera
💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We prefer to search for places to stay on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation terms. It’s then worth comparing and booking tickets, tours and activities through GetYourGuide.
Choosing a resort mainly comes down to the type of holiday you’re after. The town of Makarska itself is a buzzing hub with lively nightlife, beach bars and an endless promenade. Brela, by contrast, appeals more to couples seeking romance and the most photogenic coves with fine white pebbles.
Families with children often head to the resorts of Baška Voda or Tučepi, where there’s a gentle slope into the sea and a huge array of water attractions. If you’re craving absolute peace and don’t mind a smaller range of services, focus on the southern resorts like Podgora, Drvenik or laid-back Gradac.
Looking for specific recommendations for lovely hotels you can book through Booking? In Brela the stylish Bluesun Hotel Berulia is hugely popular and offers gorgeous sea views. Right in the centre of Makarska you can opt for the luxurious Aminess Khalani Beach Hotel, just a few steps from the beach and the buzz of the town.
12 best things to see and do in Makarska, Croatia
Let’s take a closer look at the specific places and activities you really shouldn’t miss during a stay in central Dalmatia — the ones that draw visitors from all over Europe.
1. Explore Makarska town centre
The town of Makarska is the beating heart of the whole riviera and offers a great mix of rich history and modern summer fun. The centre spreads out around a deep bay, sheltered on both sides by the wooded Saint Peter’s peninsula and the opposite Osejava headland.
The biggest draw for an evening stroll is the long seafront promenade, which locals simply call the riva. It stretches for several kilometres, lined with towering palm trees and dotted with dozens of cafés, restaurants and little shops. It comes alive after dark, and you’ll rub shoulders with tourists from all over the world.
On your walk, don’t skip the Saint Peter’s peninsula, which serves as a lovely wooded park. You’ll find an old stone lighthouse and romantic trails tucked in the shade of the pines, opening up gorgeous views over the open sea and the anchored yachts.
💡 Tip: At the main town market just off the promenade, come early in the morning to pick up fresh figs, quality olive oil or delicious homemade cheeses straight from local farmers.
2. Visit the Franciscan monastery and shell museum
If you fancy a break from the sun for a while, head to the historic 15th-century Franciscan monastery, just a short walk from Makarska’s bustling centre. The monastery is home to a valuable library and a rare picture gallery full of historic paintings.
The biggest highlight, though, is the adjacent Malacological Museum, located right inside the monastery building. Founded in 1963, it houses one of the largest shell collections in the entire world, with over three thousand exhibits on display from the Adriatic Sea and exotic tropical oceans alike.
This collection is genuinely fascinating not just for families with children but for any curious nature lover. The stunning colours and shapes of the mollusc shells are guaranteed to surprise you, and the visit takes you barely an hour in pleasantly cool surroundings.
💡 Tip: Check the entry fee on site, as opening hours can change fairly often outside the main summer season.
3. Head into Biokovo Nature Park
Rising into the sky right above the beaches is the massive Biokovo limestone range, which gives the whole coast its iconic dramatic look. The nature park is an ideal spot to escape the summer heat, as the temperature up here tends to be noticeably more comfortable than down on the sun-baked beach.
The highest point of the whole range is the Sveti Jure peak, which soars to an impressive 1,762 metres. A very narrow, winding panoramic road full of hairpin bends leads up to it. The drive itself is an incredible experience, but it demands a genuinely experienced and fearless driver, as squeezing past oncoming cars is tricky.
Entry to the park is 15 euros in high season and 10 euros in the months outside the busiest summer peak. Importantly, tickets must now be bought exclusively online via the park’s official website, and you’ll need to choose a specific entry time.
💡 Tip: The park authority lets a maximum of twenty vehicles onto the mountain road per hour, so ideally book your tickets a few days in advance to be sure of a slot.
4. Feel the adrenaline on the Biokovo Skywalk
The biggest hit of recent years in this area is without doubt the glass-floored Biokovo Skywalk, which draws visitors from far and wide. It sits at around the 13th kilometre of the mountain road, at an altitude of 1,228 metres above sea level.
The viewpoint is shaped like a semicircle, juts eleven metres out over the abyss, and its floor is made of thick, clear glass. You can safely walk quite literally among the clouds and gaze hundreds of metres down below you. The views over the riviera and the islands opposite are truly breathtaking.
On a very clear day you can even see all the way across to the Italian coast. A maximum of thirty people can step onto the platform at once, and the recommended time to spend there is ten minutes so everyone waiting gets their turn. For safety reasons, cyclists are not allowed access.
💡 Tip: Lots of tourists assume the Skywalk sits at the very summit of the mountain. That’s not the case — it’s much lower down, roughly halfway up towards the highest peak, Sveti Jure.
5. Relax in the Kotišina botanical garden
If you love plants and prefer quieter corners of nature, plan a stop at the Kotišina botanical garden. It spreads across the slopes of Biokovo at an altitude of around four hundred metres, just above the little village of the same name.
Don’t expect neat, labelled flower beds here — it’s more of a fenced-off patch of wild nature covering over sixteen hectares. You’ll find hundreds of species of native mountain plants that have masterfully adapted to the harsh conditions and very strong winds.
The garden is threaded with fairly easy walking trails, and its centrepiece is the deep Proslap canyon. After heavy spring rains a gorgeous waterfall appears here, though sadly it usually dries up completely during the dry summer months.
💡 Tip: Entry to this botanical garden is usually included in your overall Biokovo Nature Park ticket, so make sure you hang on to it.
6. Take a dip at the famous Punta Rata beach
In the resort of Brela on the northern edge of the riviera lies a spot that regularly wins travel polls for the most beautiful beach in Europe. Forbes magazine even once ranked it among the ten best beaches in the whole world.
Punta Rata beach is made up of fine white pebbles that contrast wonderfully with the incredibly clear, turquoise water. The whole bay is reliably shaded by mature pines, so you can easily hide from the fierce midday heat. The beach also proudly holds a Blue Flag award for its exceptional cleanliness.
Right beside it, the iconic Kamen Brela rock rises out of the crystal-clear water, with a few lone pines growing from it as if by magic. This fascinating natural landmark is probably the most photographed spot in all of Croatia.
�7 Tip: In July and August huge crowds descend on the place, so get up early and head to the beach around eight in the morning to bag the best shady spot.
7. Discover the hidden naturist beach of Nugal
Between the resorts of Makarska and Tučepi, one of Dalmatia’s greatest natural treasures hides away from the casual eye. Nugal beach has long been known as a naturist oasis, but these days it’s also busy with people in swimwear seeking a break from the busy hotel resorts.
You can’t reach it comfortably by car — you’ll need to set off on foot along the marked forest trail across the Osejava peninsula. The walk from Makarska takes around forty minutes through beautiful pine woods with wonderful views over the sea. Sturdy shoes are an absolute must; don’t attempt the path in flip-flops.
The beach itself lies directly beneath enormous steep cliffs and has absolutely no tourist facilities. There are no bars, showers or sun-lounger hire here. You’ll have to carry all your refreshments and plenty of drinking water in your own backpack.
💡 Tip: In the afternoon the sun disappears fairly early behind the high cliffs, so I’d recommend coming in the morning if you want to sunbathe.
8. Enjoy the laid-back vibe in Baška Voda and Tučepi
If you’re travelling with younger children, the resorts of Baška Voda and Tučepi will probably be your clear favourites. Both these little towns offer perfect tourist facilities, an endless choice of restaurants and kilometres of carefully maintained beaches.
Tučepi even boasts the longest pebble beach on the whole riviera, measuring over four kilometres. It’s flanked by a wide promenade full of ice-cream shops and shady summer cafés. The entry into the sea here is very gradual and safe even for non-swimmers.
In both resorts you can try plenty of water sports and attractions, from a spin on an inflatable banana to parasailing. Personally we recommend dropping into one of the local taverns and ordering the traditional blitva (Swiss chard) with potato or an excellent veggie pizza, which they make with real care.
💡 Tip: Hire a pedalo for the afternoon and head a little way out from shore — you’ll get a gorgeous view of the whole beach scene with the mighty mountains as a backdrop.
9. Slow down in the south: Podgora, Drvenik and Gradac
The further south you travel along the Adriatic coastal road, the calmer and more relaxed the atmosphere becomes. Resorts like Podgora and Drvenik still hold on to the charm of old fishing villages, even though these days you’ll easily find modern hotels and apartments here too.
Right at the southern tip of the riviera sits the pleasant little town of Gradac, renowned far and wide for its sprawling Gornja Vala beach. It’s one of the most beautiful in the area, offering kilometres of fine pebbles and wonderful shade under old pines that lasts all day long.
These southern spots are an absolutely ideal choice for anyone wanting to escape the noise of the big resorts and enjoy slow evenings on the terrace. What’s more, local restaurants often serve up traditional fish, octopus or meat cooked peka-style under a bell dome — a big local speciality.
💡 Tip: Prices for both accommodation and dining tend to be a little friendlier in the south of the riviera than in busy Makarska or upmarket Brela.
10. Take a ferry trip to the island of Brač
Since you’ll be spending your holiday on the Dalmatian mainland, it would be a huge shame not to check out the nearby islands. A regular Jadrolinija ferry departs straight from the main port in Makarska to the peaceful little town of Sumartin on the island of Brač.
The crossing takes just under fifty minutes, and in high summer season the boat shuttles across up to five times a day. You can travel as a regular foot passenger, or bring your own car across and explore the island far more thoroughly. Tickets can easily be bought in advance online on the operator’s website.
On Brač you’ll find picturesque villages full of white stone, ancient olive groves and, of course, fantastic coves. The island has long been famous for its stone-masonry tradition and outstanding olive oil, which you definitely shouldn’t forget to bring home as a souvenir.
💡 Tip: If you’re travelling with a car during July or August, join the ferry lane at the port well in advance — the boat’s vehicle capacity is strictly limited.
11. Sail from Drvenik to the sunny island of Hvar
The second island that’s very easy to reach is popular Hvar, which boasts the highest number of sunny days in all of Croatia. The ferry to Hvar doesn’t leave from Makarska, though, but from the nearby port in the resort of Drvenik, which you can reach by car along the coastal road in about forty minutes.
The ferry comfortably carries you across to the town of Sućuraj on the eastern tip of the island. The crossing is very short, taking just thirty-five minutes. From there you can set off in your own car to explore the whole interior, which smells wonderfully of lavender and fresh pine resin.
You can also do the Hvar trip in an organised way through various agencies as a boat excursion, which you can book in advance through portals like GetYourGuide. This option is great if you want to enjoy a carefree day at sea without worrying about the logistics of a car.
💡 Tip: The drive from Sućuraj to the main historic town of Hvar at the other end of the island takes almost two hours along very narrow lanes, so plan the timing of your whole trip carefully.
12. Try rafting and ziplining in the Cetina River canyon
If you’re tired of simply lounging on the beach, head about thirty-five kilometres north to the town of Omiš. This is where the emerald Cetina River dramatically flows into the sea, creating a monumental rocky canyon that’s an absolute paradise for adrenaline lovers.
Here you can try very safe family rafting, which lasts around two and a half hours and costs from forty euros per person. In the summer months the river is fairly calm, and even older children can handle the fun ride through the rapids without any trouble.
For the braver among you, there’s a breathtaking zipline course set high in the cliffs, where you glide along steel cables directly above the abyss of the canyon itself. It’s an absolutely fantastic experience, and from a dizzying height you’ll see the turquoise river surrounded by untouched wilderness.
💡 Tip: Around Omiš you’ll also find renowned riverside restaurants serving local produce. For us vegetarians there’s usually a great choice of excellent local cheeses, grilled seasonal vegetables and crusty fresh bread with olive oil.
Where to go next from the Makarska Riviera
Central Dalmatia is an absolutely ideal base for further travel adventures. If you came by car, be sure to make time to visit historic towns or set off to explore more of the breathtaking Adriatic islands.
- Read our tips on where to go on holiday in Croatia and find the best spot for your next summer trip.
- Take a full-day trip to nearby historic Split, where the famous Diocletian’s Palace and narrow stone alleyways await you.
- Consider a longer stay on the islands and explore the island of Brač or endlessly fragrant Hvar in more detail.
- If you haven’t booked a hotel yet, take a look at our big overview of accommodation in Croatia, packed with practical, tried-and-tested tips.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the entrance fee to Biokovo Nature Park cost?
Admission fees vary depending on the season. During peak season from June to September, adult visitors pay 15 euros. Outside peak season, the price drops to 10 euros. Cyclists receive discounted admission for 7 euros, and children under seven get in completely free. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Is the Skywalk viewpoint right at the highest peak of Biokovo?
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No, that’s a very common mistake made by many tourists. The glass viewing platform Skywalk is located at an altitude of 1,228 meters above sea level at the thirteenth kilometer of the mountain road. The highest peak Sveti Jure lies much higher, measuring 1,762 meters, and is reached by another long stretch of winding switchbacks.
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How to get to the Makarska Riviera by plane?
The nearest international airport is the one in Split, which is located approximately sixty kilometers northwest of the riviera. From the airport, there’s a regular shuttle bus to the main station in Split for around 4 euros, and from there you can comfortably continue by local long-distance bus directly to the sea.
Are the beaches in this area sandy or pebbly?
The vast majority of beaches along this stretch of coast are made up of light-colored pebbles, you’d be hard-pressed to find classic sandy beaches here. However, the pebbles are often very fine and pleasant to lie on, and thanks to them the sea is absolutely crystal clear. I definitely recommend packing water shoes.
Where can I find the most peace and quiet without hundreds of other tourists?
If you’re looking for a quieter and more relaxed holiday, avoid the big busy centers like Makarska or the resort of Baška Voda. Head to the very south of the coastal road to smaller towns like Drvenik, Zaostrog, or Gradac, where a much sleepier atmosphere prevails.
Is it necessary to have your own car for trips to the islands?
Definitely not necessary. Ferries regularly transport foot passengers as well, and local buses run from the island ports. If you want to save money on a car ticket and avoid dealing with complicated parking in narrow streets, head to Brač or Hvar with just a small backpack.
How warm is the sea during the main summer months?
In July and August, the temperature of the Adriatic Sea typically ranges between 24 to 26 degrees Celsius, which is absolutely ideal for long and relaxing swimming. In September, the sea still retains its summer warmth, but in May or early June, you need to expect that the water will still be quite refreshing.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
🚗 Car rental on the roadVerified rental cars in CroatiaSearch with the DiscoverCars comparison engine — it compares prices from dozens of local and international rental companies, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare car prices in Croatia →Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
