9 BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAKARSKA, CROATIA!

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Makarska, these absolutely deserve a spot on your itinerary!

The Makarska Riviera is one of the most popular stretches of Croatia’s Adriatic coast, and the town of Makarska sits right in the heart of it. The Riviera is really loved for its breathtaking beaches, so chances are you’ll find yourself here at some point during your trip.

As a local Croatian, I’ve visited Makarska many times, so in this blog post I’m sharing an overview of the town and all the best things to do in Makarska. Keep reading for everything you need to know about this beautiful part of Croatia’s coast!

WHERE IS MAKARSKA

Makarska is a picturesque coastal town located in Croatia, situated on the Adriatic Sea. It’s known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the gorgeous Biokovo mountain range as its backdrop. Makarska is a popular tourist destination in the Dalmatia region that offers you the perfect blend of natural beauty, historical sites, and lively nightlife.

WHY VISIT MAKARSKA

There are many reasons why you should visit Makarska, from stunning nature to incredible atmosphere. Here’s a few of my favourite reasons why I keep coming back, and why you should definitely visit Makarska:

Firstly, Makarska Riviera has stunning Beaches! Makarska and the small towns nearby have some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. The beaches have crystal-clear waters and tons of natural shade, which makes them perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. This part of Makarska will sweep you off your feet definitely!

Secondly, along with gorgeous beaches, Makarska also has a towering Biokovo Mountain giving Makarska a very unique backdrop. If you’re an active person, you can explore the mountain’s hiking trails, and enjoy some of the most breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands.

While on the topic of outdoor activities, Makarska has many more to offer in addition to beach activities and hiking. You can go sailing, kayaking, and paragliding. If you don’t like water ativities, you can go cycling, rock climbing, and exploring caves. Overall, you won’t be bored as there’s plenty of things to do!

Finally, Makarska has a very lively nightlife, so if you like going out you’ll love your time in Makarska. No matter if you want a good restaurant, bar, or a nightclub, Makarska has it all. This aspect of Makarska attracts lots of young people. That means that even if you don’t have a friend group you can find one here!

HOW TO REACH MAKARSKA

Makarska is easy to reach because it’s well-connected to various cities with many different transportation options. Here’s a few ways how you can reach Makarska:

If you’re flying in, the nearest international airport to Makarska is Split Airport (SPU), approximately 90 kilometers away. From Split Airport, you can reach Makarska by rental car, bus, or taxi. You can find various flights from all over Europe to Split!

If you have a car, you won’t have any problems reaching Makarska. Makarska has good road connections to major cities in Croatia and neighbouring countries, so you can take the Jadranska magistrala, which offers scenic views along the coast, or well-made and quick Croatian highways. If you’re already in Split and continuing south, you’ll easily reach Makarska in 60-90 minutes.

If you don’t drive, you can use the bus. Makarska has excellent long-distance bus services, with regular connections to cities like Split, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, and others. The main bus station in Makarska is located near the town center, so you won’t have any problems reaching your accommodation. You can check schedules and book tickets through various bus companies operating in Croatia – Promet Makarska or Arriva.

BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAKARSKA

If you choose Makarska for your holiday, here are some of my favourite things in Makarska you cannot miss!

Relax on Makarska Riviera beaches

Makarska Riviera has several beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Whether you choose to stay in Makarska, or venture out to some neighbouring town or village, the beaches are so stunning that you’ll never want to leave. The main beach in town, Makarska Beach, is a popular spot full of cafes, bars, and restaurants, so even if you don’t want to go anywhere, you have everything right there in Makarska.

Explore Biokovo Mountain

If you’re an active, outdoorsy person, you should definitely explore Biokovo Nature Park. The park offers a variety of hiking trails with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and the surrounding islands. You can even reach the highest peak, Sveti Jure (Saint George), either by car or on foot if you’re up for a real challenge. The hike is only suitable for those who are very physically active and confident in their fitness level. It takes several hours, so I’d recommend attempting it only if you regularly hike or climb mountains. Driving is a bit easier, but keep in mind you’ll still need to cover about 23 kilometers on a narrow, winding mountain road. Make sure to do proper research before you go, but trust me, the views from the top are absolutely incredible!

Visit Biokovo Skywalk

If you’re not into hiking but still love a good panoramic view, then Biokovo Skywalk is the perfect activity for you. It’s also located within Biokovo Nature Park, and it’s a semicircular glass viewpoint that extends right over the edge of a cliff. Trust me, the views are absolutely incredible!

However, it might not be ideal if you’re afraid of heights, since the entire skywalk is made of glass. But if you enjoy a bit of adrenaline, you’ll love it.

Tickets cost around €8 per person and can be purchased on the official website (usually available only up to 5 days in advance). You’ll still need to drive along some very narrow mountain roads to reach it, but if you’d rather not deal with that, you can book an organised tour from Makarska and let someone else handle the drive.

Explore the small Old Town of Makarska

Like almost every town in Croatia, Makarska has its own charming Old Town that’s definitely worth exploring. You’ll enjoy simply wandering through the narrow streets and enjoying the atmosphere. While you’re there, make sure to visit St. Mark’s Cathedral (Crkva sv. Marka), along with a few other lovely architectural landmarks. The area is full of quaint streets, small squares, and little shops selling local crafts and souvenirs!

Enjoy Water Sports

Makarska Riviera, with all of its beaches, offers a variety of water sports activities, including snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and jet skiing. If you love water sports, Makarska Riviera will truly be heaven for you and you’ll want to return every summer. You can rent equipment local operators along the beachfront or on the beaches, as well as book tours for snorkeling or sailing.

Visit the Franciscan Monastery

If you like history, take a stroll to the Franciscan Monastery, which houses a small museum featuring artifacts, paintings, and exhibits related to the region’s history and culture. Additionally, the monastery also has a picturesque courtyard and a peaceful atmosphere, so you can escape the crowds.

Experience Makarska Nightlife

If you’re a party person, you’ll have so much fun in Makarska! Makarska is famous for its nightlife and in the evenings, Makarska comes alive with a range of bars, clubs, and beachfront venues where you can enjoy live music, cocktails, and dancing. You’ll have a blast wherever you decide to go for the night.

Walk the waterfront promenade

There’s a gorgeous waterfront promenade from Makarska Beach to the Church of St. Peter. Along the way, there are several rocky beaches where you can go for a swim if you don’t like crowds at Makarska beach, as well as a gorgeous beach bar where you can catch one of the best sunsets in Makarska. Additionally, you can stop for great pictures at St. Peter’s lighthouse. If you like a romantic walk, this one is a must!

Day Trip to Nearby Islands

If you have extra time, definitely take a ferry or boat trip to explore nearby islands like Brac, Hvar, or Korcula.  These islands are known for their stunning beaches, historic towns, and scenic landscapes, and are definitely worth a vist. Brac is the closest and the easiest island to get to, and it’s also home to one of Croatia’s prettiest beaches – Zlatni Rat. On the other hand, Hvar might be the most popular island nearby, so you surely wouldn’t want to skip it!

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAKARSKA

I think Makarska is absolutely lovely, and the beaches there (and all around town) will definitely leave you speechless. However, for my personal taste, it’s way too crowded during peak summer season. That’s why I prefer visiting Makarska in the shoulder seasons, and during summer I usually stay in smaller towns and villages along the Makarska Riviera instead. Out of all the things you must do in Makarska, I’d say focus on the beaches, water sports, and fun day trips because that’s where this area truly shines!

CONCLUSION: BEST THINGS TO DO IN MAKARSKA

Makarska is a very popular town on the Croatian coast, so don’t expect to have it all to yourself during peak season. In fact, it will most likely feel quite crowded. I’d recommend visiting Makarska in the shoulder seasons instead, and choosing one of the smaller, beautiful villages along the Makarska Riviera if you’re coming in the height of summer. Either way, enjoy the stunning beaches and make sure you don’t skip some of the incredible day trips the area has to offer!