If you’re looking for the best beaches in Croatia, the Makarska Riviera beaches are all you need!
Makarska Riviera is known for being the prettiest part of the Dalmatian coast. With the incredible mountains as a backdrop, and stunning beaches and sea, it’s hard to see it as anything else but heaven! I’ve spend at least 5 summers somewhere on Makarska Riviera, so I’m sharing a collection of my absolute favorite Makarska Riviera beaches.
Since the Makarska Riviera is so beautiful, it attracts a lot of visitors each year, so it can definitely get crowded. This blog post covers some great Makarska Riviera beaches, both the really popular ones and a few that still fly under the radar. Of course, the Riviera is full of amazing beaches, so there are plenty of stunning spots that aren’t even mentioned here. If you’re staying near Makarska, I highly recommend venturing out and discovering some of your own favorites!
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WHERE IS MAKARSKA RIVIERA
The Makarska Riviera is a gorgeous stretch of coastline in Dalmatia. It’s approximately 60 kilometers long, from the town of Brela to Gradac. Makarska is the largest and most well-known town in the area, which is how the riviera got its name. The Riviera is famous for stunning pebble beaches, crystal-clear and incredibly blue waters, and amazing pine forests.
The most popular coastal towns and villages on Makarska Riviera are Baska Voda, Tucepi, Podgora, and Gradac. While these popular locations are truly exceptional, do not visit them if you don’t like crowds because these are CROWDED in the summer. Try and pick some smaller villages in between the popular ones. Over the years, I’ve either stayed at or visited all of these places, so these beaches are truly exceptional.
BEST MAKARSKA RIVIERA BEACHES
OMIS BEACHES
While Omis isn’t technically part of the Makarska Riviera, I still want to mention it because of its massive beach. Omis is a small town located between Split and Makarska, and it’s definitely worth a visit on its own. It has a charming old town and is the perfect spot for adventure lovers. You can go rafting, zip-lining, and more.
Punta Beach, also known as Velika Plaža, is the only beach in Omiš, but it’s huge and offers plenty of space for anyone looking to enjoy a beach day. This sandy beach stretches over 1 kilometer and is especially loved by families because it’s very shallow, so you can walk far out into the sea without any danger. It’s easily accessible, just a few minutes from Omis Old Town, and there’s plenty of parking nearby if you’re coming from elsewhere. The only downside is that there isn’t much natural shade, so bringing your own umbrella is definitely a good idea.
If you want something more private, check out the small villages around Omis such as Stanici, Lokva Rogoznica, Duce, or Dugi Rat. These all have incredible beaches!
MAKARSKA BEACHES
Makarska is the biggest town on Makarska Riviera, and it draws the biggest crowds. Young people especially love it because there’s plenty to do, including great nightlife. Makarska is also a great base for exploring the rest of the coast, as well as for taking a trip to Brac Island.
Makarska’s main beach is the most popular and central beach in the town. It’s a long, pebbly beach with clear waters, pine tree shade, and plenty of cafes, bars, restaurants around. There are also plenty of water sports and equipment to rent at the beach. However, this beach gets very crowded in the summer, so it’s hard to fully enjoy the sea.
Makarska has several other beaches worth visiting, some even out of town if you feel like exploring. Nugal Beach is one of the more popular Makarska Riviera beaches, just outside of Makarska. It’s a beautiful, secluded beach accessible by a 30-minute hike through the forest. If you don’t feel like hiking, you can access it by boat as well. The beach is nude-friendly, but it does get a bit crowded during the day, so if you want privacy come early in the day.
There are two great beaches located quite close to Makarska. Those are Cvitacka Beach and Bilosevac Beach. Bilosevac Beach is only 15-minutes away from Makarska Beach. It’s a mix of sandy and pebbly spots, and it has great natural shade, perfect for summer days. The sea is crystal-clear, and there are bars and restaurants near the beach. Cvitacka Beach is located just a short distance from Bilosevac Beach. It’s quieter than the main beach and often popular with families and naturists in certain sections. There’s no huge amount of natural shade, so bring umbrellas with you.
BRELA BEACHES
Brela is a small village located northwest of Makarska, and it’s the starting point of the Makarska Riviera. This village is famous for its exceptional beaches. Beaches in Brela are often considered among the best in Croatia and even Europe. The coastline here is full of stunning pebble beaches with pine forests and crystal-clear waters.
The most popular beach in Brela is Punta Rata Beach. It’s absolutely stunning, with crystal-clear waters that are almost unbelievable. This beach is often ranked among the world’s top beaches, so it’s a must-visit if you’re close to Brela. Another reason why you should come visit is the famous Brela Rock (Kamen Brela) just offshore. The rock in the sea is just barely separated from the shore, with pine trees growing on it. Swimming around it is truly a special experience!
Punta Rata Beach has several facilities, including bars and restaurants, showers, water sports, and a very family-friendly atmosphere.
There are a few other stunning beaches in or near Brela worth checking out. Podrace Beach is a small but stunning beach just around the corner from Punta Rata. The sea and nature are equally as breathtaking as at Punta Rata, but this one is a bit less crowded.
A bit further, you can find the gorgeous Stomarica Beach. It’s a more relaxed beach, but it doesn’t have as much shade as the previous two. There are a few bars nearby for some drinks during your stay. Finally, if you have a car, Jakirusa Beach is a great spot to spend the day. It’s a pebble beach with stunning views, crystal-clear waters, and excellent for snorkeling.
PROMAJNA TO BAŠKA VODA BEACHES
This is my favourite part of the Makarska Riviera! The coastal stretch between Promajna and Baška Voda offers absolutely incredible pebble beaches, each with its own charm. With a variety of beach sizes, types, and levels of popularity, you’re sure to find one that suits you perfectly.
PROMAJNA
Promajna is an easy-going village known for its family-friendly atmosphere and scenic beaches. The main beach in Promajna is a long, pebbly stretch shaded by pine trees, offering amenities such as showers, sunbeds, parasols, and nearby restaurants. It’s ideal for families and those who prefer a relaxed beach experience. While it does attract some crowds, it’s far less busy than the beaches in Brela or Baska Voda. Keep this village in mind if you’re looking to avoid the crowds of the more popular spots.
BASKA VODA
Baska Voda’s beaches are just as well-known in Croatia as those in Brela. It’s only a short distance from Promajna.
Nikolina Beach is the main beach of Baska Voda, and it’s absolutely amazing, with crystal-clear waters, pine tree shade, and a promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. It does attract a lot of visitors, so it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for privacy. However, if you’re visiting Croatia in May/June or September, you’ll have a fantastic time here.
There’s also the Podluka Beach, just a short walk from Nikolina Beach. It’s a pebble beach suitable for families, with shallow waters and nearby amenities. Ikovac Beach is another great one, just outside Baska Voda. It’s less crowded than the previous ones, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. Finally there’s also the Oseka Beach, a long bay that’s perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Promajna and Baska Voda are connected by a scenic seaside promenade, and along the walk, you’ll pass beach after beach. You can stop at any of the scenic little beaches along the way, and most of them have virtually no crowds since they’re located between the two villages. All in all, whether you’re looking for family-friendly amenities, quieter beaches, or picturesque views, the stretch from Promajna to Baska Voda offers a variety of beach experiences for all preferences.
PODGORA BEACHES
Podgora is a small, picturesque town south of Makarska. This place has a variety of stunning beaches for everyone, whether you’re coming with a family or enjoy secluded naturist spots.
The main beaches in Podgora are located along the main promenade. You can get to them easily, and there are several amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby cafes. They have gentle slopes into the clear sea, so they’re perfect for absolutely everyone.
There are a few others if you don’t want to spend your days in the central part of Podgora with everyone else.
The most popular beach, other than the central beaches, is Plisivac Beach. It’s located north of the town center, just after you pass the marina. Before reaching Plisivac Beach, you’ll come across two smaller, equally stunning beaches, followed by the breathtaking Plisivac itself. This beach is known for its fine pebbles and sandy seabed. There’s plenty of pine trees that provide natural shade, and the beach offers a relaxing setting with beautiful views of the sea and nearby islands. It does get a bit crowded in the summer, but less than the central ones.
In just 7 minutes, you can walk from the Plisivac Beach to Garma Beach, a small, private, but at the same time stunning beach. It’s a mix of gravel and rocks, surrounded by pine trees, so it’s a favorite of anyone looking for peaceful surroundings. Finally, if you’re on the complete opposite part of Podgora, close to Medora Hotel, you might want to explore Caklje Beach. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and this beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters and easy access to the sea.
DRVENIK BEACHES
Drvenik is one of the more southern picturesque villages on Makarska Riviera, and it offers a variety of beautiful beaches for both families and those who just want an enjoyable holiday.
The main beach in Drvenik is Donja Vala Beach, which is located in the heart of Drvenik, along the bay between the ferry dock and the port. It’s a pebbly beach with clear waters, and it gets quite lively during summer. Since it’s the main beach, there’s quite a few amenities such as pedal boat rentals, shops, cafes, and restaurants. There’s also natural pine tree shade which makes it a great spot for any visitors.
South of Donja Vala, around a 20-minute walk, you’ll find Gornja Vala Beach, which is the longest beach in the Drvenik area. It peaceful and also has a dense pine tree cover, which is great for hot summer days. This beach is ideal for those looking for a quieter, more relaxed environment.
Finally, near Drvenik, you’ll find one of the prettiest beaches in Croatia, which is Duba Beach. It is a gravel and pebble beach, with great shade and crystal-clear waters. Visually, it’s truly one of the most stunning Makarska Riviera beaches, and the color of the sea will blow you away. It is easily accessible by car or boat, but make sure you bring everything you need because there aren’t many amenities.
