Makarska Riviera guide Croatia

Makarska - The capital of the Makarska Riviera known for its beautiful pebble beaches and clear Adriatic Sea. It was famous not only for its rich offer of restaurants and historical monuments, but also for its colorful nightlife.

Baška Voda - A quiet seaside resort, known for its clean pebble beaches and azure sea. Here you will enjoy the traditional Dalmatian atmosphere, excellent restaurants and a view of the Biokovo mountain range.

Brela - A charming village on the Makarska Riviera, famous for its iconic Brela Stone, which rises out of the turquoise sea.

Makarska Riviera
Makarska Riviera

Makarska Riviera, one of the most popular seaside areas in Croatia, stretches approximately 60 km along the Adriatic coast, between the towns of Brela in the north and Gradac in the south. It is located in the shadow of the majestic Biokovo mountains, which gives the Riviera a dramatic panorama, and its long pebble beaches, clear sea and warm climate have made it popular with many tourists.

The main centers include Makarska (capital of the Riviera with a beautiful promenade), Brela (a quieter area with beautiful beaches such as Punta Rata), Baška Voda, Podgora and Tučepi.

Boats depart from the port in Makarska for day trips to the islands of Brač and Hvar. Both islands offer beautiful beaches, historic towns and stunning seascapes.

Throughout the Riviera, you can practice a wide range of water sports from diving, snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing to more adrenaline-pumping activities such as parasailing and jet skiing.

In addition to relaxing on the beach, the Makarska Riviera offers plenty of options for active activities, from diving and water sports to hiking and cycling in the Biokovo Nature Park.

Biokovo mountains, Makarska
Biokovo mountains

In local restaurants and taverns, you can taste Croatian specialties such as fresh fish, seafood, Dalmatian pršut (cured ham), cheese and lamb dishes. On the Makarska Riviera, they prepare a sweet specialty – Makarana, a cake full of nuts and raisins, typical of this region.

Various cultural events and festivities take place on the Makarska Riviera during the summer season. Here you can experience traditional Dalmatian klap music or fishing evenings where local specialties are served and live music is played. Makarska also hosts summer festivals and open-air concerts featuring both local and foreign musicians.

The Makarska Riviera is easily accessible by car along the Adriatic highway, which connects the main resorts. The nearest airport is in Split, from where there is a regular bus connection to Makarska.

It has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature in summer reaches 30 °C, which makes the Makarska Riviera an ideal destination for lovers of heat and sun.

Makarska guide

Makarska, the center of the Makarska Riviera, is one of the most popular resorts on the Adriatic coast. It lies beneath the massive Biokovo mountain range, which provides the city with a dramatic backdrop and great opportunities for mountain excursions. In Makarska you will find a long pebble beach, a pleasant Mediterranean climate and a charming historic center with traditional stone buildings and lively squares.

Town Makarska
Town Makarska

The history of Makarska dates back to antiquity, when a Roman settlement stood here. During the Middle Ages, the Venetians, the Ottomans and the Habsburgs ruled here alternately, which was reflected in its cultural wealth. The city center is proud of historic buildings, such as the baroque church of St. Mark's Square in Andrija Kačić-Miošić Square, the statue of the poet Kačić, the Venetian fortress and the Franciscan monastery, which also houses the Shell Museum with a unique collection of seashells from all over the world.


Sights and attractions

Promenade – The Makarska Promenade runs along the harbor and is lined with palm trees, cafes, restaurants and shops. Here you can enjoy local specialties or just stroll in a pleasant environment overlooking the harbor.

Biokovo Nature Park – The Biokovo Mountains, which protect the Makarska Riviera, are a nature reserve and a popular destination for tourists. Here you can go hiking and cycling, for example up to the highest peak of St. Jure up to 1762 meters above sea level. The park offers panoramic views of the coast and surrounding islands. The glass observation deck Skywalk Biokovo, built on a cliff at a height of over 1200 m, attracts many tourists.

Biokovo next to Makarska town
Biokovo next to Makarska town

Franciscan Monastery – The monastery dates back to the 16th century and, in addition to its architectural significance, hosts a unique Museum of Shells.

City beach - Makarska is famous for its beaches with fine pebbles and pine groves that provide pleasant shade. The beach also offers water sports and other activities.


Accommodations

In the tourist season in Makarska, you can choose from more than 1,300 different accommodation capacities, starting with popular apartments, continuing through hotels and guesthouses, and ending with holiday homes and villas. Many accommodation facilities are located by the beach, some have a pool.

Luxury is offered, for example, by the 4* Boutique Hotel Mirjam, which you can find by the Biloševac beach, about 2 km from the city center. On the roof terrace, in addition to the breathtaking views, you can also enjoy the seasonal pool. You can relax in the wellness or fitness center or in the garden. Guests also have free private parking, a children's playroom or a concierge service.

If you want accommodation right on the beach, don't hesitate and book one of the Beach rooms Riviera - Žuta Kuća. The guesthouse is located on Makarska beach. Guests can use a shared kitchen, sun terrace with outdoor furniture and views of the sea or garden.

View of Makarska from Sv. Peter statue
View of Makarska from Sv. Peter´s statue

Those who prefer to stay in an apartment with their own kitchen should look at the popular Apartments Evelin. These two-bedroom apartments are located about a kilometer from the city center and 700 meters from the beach. Guests have a balcony with a beautiful view, they can relax on the terrace or in the garden. You can park for free in the area.

Accommodation in the city center is offered, for example, by the Villa Flamingo guesthouse. All rooms have a terrace. You can also find a terrace with a beautiful view and outdoor deckchairs on the roof of the accommodation. Guests can also use the garden, outdoor fireplace or free private parking.

For a complete offer of accommodation in Makarska, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.

Baška Voda guide


Baška Voda, a small popular resort on the Makarska Riviera, is located about 10 km northwest of the city of Makarska. Tourists come here for beautiful pebble beaches, crystal clear sea and pine forests that create a pleasant climate for rest and recreation. The Biokovo mountain range rises above Baška Voda, which gives the place an unmistakable scenery and provides a background for hiking and other outdoor activities.

Baška Voda beach
Baška Voda beach

The history of Baška Voda dates back to Roman times, when the settlement of Arsia stood here. Traces of this history can be seen, for example, in archaeological finds of Roman tombstones and mosaics. In modern history, Baška Voda began to develop as a tourist resort from the beginning of the 20th century and gradually became one of the most popular destinations in Dalmatia.

Baška Voda offers traditional Dalmatian cuisine dominated by fish and seafood dishes, olive oil, fresh vegetables and Dalmatian prosciutto. Among the specialties you can find, for example, "pasticada" (stewed beef with sauce) or various types of grilled fish. Among the drinks, the local wine and schnapps, especially brandy, are worth tasting.

Baška Voda - shrimps
Local seafood

The best way to get to Baška Voda is via the Adriatic highway by car or bus from Makarska, or from Split, where the nearest airport is located.

Baška Voda will also be enjoyed by families with children thanks to safe beaches and entertainment options, such as water sports, boat rentals or children's playgrounds.


Sights and attractions

Beaches – Long pebble beaches are surrounded by pine forests that provide shade. Among the most popular beaches is the main Nikolina beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag for cleanliness.

Church of St. Nicolas – This picturesque church from the 19th century, dedicated to the patron saint of Baška Voda, is one of the main symbols of the town. In summer, it hosts concerts and various cultural events.

Archaeological Museum – The museum offers a glimpse into the history of the area with exhibits from Roman times, including finds from mosaics and ancient tombstones.

Biokovo Mountains - Nature lovers can go to the Biokovo Nature Park, where they can explore hiking trails, or visit the glass Skywalk with a view of the coast and surrounding islands.

Biokovo
Biokovo


Accommodations

In the town of Baška Voda, you can choose from more than 300 different accommodation capacities during the season. Apartments are the most represented, followed by guest houses, holiday homes and villas, and you will also find several hotels here.

You can indulge in luxury, for example, at the 4* Boutique Hotel Noemia. The hotel is located in the historic center, about 500 meters from the beach. Guests can use the wellness center with sauna and beauty salon or the seasonal outdoor heated pool. You can also relax in the garden or on the sunny terrace. There is also a restaurant here.

Guesthouse on the beach is located 10 meters from Podluka beach. In addition to a great location, the guesthouse also offers its guests free private parking or airport transfer. You can relax in the garden or on the sunny terrace with outdoor furniture. You can also use the outdoor fireplace.

Guest House Antonia is located in a beautiful garden just 200 meters from the beach. You can choose either a room or an apartment here. All accommodation units have a balcony. Guests can park for free in the private parking lot.

For a complete offer of accommodation in Baška Voda, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.

Baška Voda - clean water and pine trees
Croatia - clean sea and pine trees

Brela guide

Brela, a picturesque town on the Makarska Riviera, known for its beautiful beaches and clear sea, is located about 15 kilometers northwest of Makarska, at the foot of the Biokovo mountain range. Brela is one of the most visited places on the Croatian coast and offers a peaceful environment, natural beauty and recreation opportunities.

In Brela you can enjoy typical Dalmatian cuisine, which includes fish, seafood, olive oil, fresh vegetables and Dalmatian prosciutto. There is also a selection of quality wines and local spirits in local restaurants.

Brela red wine
Local red wine

The best way to get to Brela is by car along the Adriatic highway. You can get here from the nearest airport in Split either by car or by bus.

The town of Brela is often visited by families with children due to its quiet beaches and water sports opportunities. You will also find many playgrounds here or you can rent a boat.


Sights and attractions

Punta Rata Beach – One of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia and Europe, with fine pebbles, surrounded by pine trees. It received the Blue Flag international award.

Brela Rock – This iconic boulder, standing alone in the sea near Punta Rata beach, has become a symbol of the city and often appears in photos of Brela.

Brela rock
Brela Rock

Church of St. Stephen – The historic church, located in the center of the city, was built in the Baroque style and offers a beautiful view of the city's history.

Biokovo Mountains - In the vicinity of Brela, you can find hiking trails leading up to Biokovo, where there is a nature park and a glass observation deck Skywalk with a view of the entire Makarska Riviera.

Brela, view from Biokovo Mountains
View from Biokovo Mountains


Accommodations

In the seaside town of Brela, you can stay in one of the hotels, guesthouses, holiday homes or villas or in an apartment. You can choose from almost 250 different accommodation capacities, some of which are located by the beach, in some you can enjoy the pool.

5* luxury is offered by Bluesun Hotel Berulia, which is located by Berulia Beach. The newly renovated hotel complex with 3 restaurants and 2 outdoor pools is located halfway between the towns of Brela and Baška Voda. You can work out in the fitness center right by the beach or relax in the wellness area with sauna and beauty salon. The hotel organizes trips to the Biokovo mountains and well-known seaside resorts.

Those who prefer to stay in an apartment with their own kitchen can take a look at the excellently rated Apartments Vicin. It is located outside the city center, just 100 meters from Jakiruša beach. In all apartments you can enjoy sea views from the terrace. There is also free private parking, a garden or an outdoor fireplace.

Studio and apartment accommodation is also offered by the Villa AMore Brela guesthouse, located by Stomarica beach. All accommodation units have their own kitchen, some have a balcony, some have a view of the sea, others have a view of the garden. You can barbecue or enjoy a picnic in the garden. Guests also have a terrace or private free parking at their disposal.

For a complete offer of accommodation in Brela, we recommend using A-HOTEL.com or Booking.com.