Makarska is a coastal town in Croatia's Split-Dalmatia County, about 60-70 km southeast of Split, and the lively hub of the roughly 60 km Makarska Riviera between Brela and Gradac. The horseshoe bay is dramatically framed by the Biokovo massif - Croatia's second-highest mountain, topped by Sveti Jure at 1,762 m - so the peaks plunge almost straight into the Adriatic, earning the coast its 'Dalmatian Cote d'Azur' nickname. Highlights include a palm-lined seafront promenade (the riva), the baroque St. Mark's Church and old town, and the glass Biokovo Skywalk high above the sea. As of 2026 Croatia is in the Eurozone and Schengen area, making access easy; July-August is crowded, so May-June and September are the most comfortable months.
The old town around Kacicev trg square with the baroque St. Mark's Church, narrow stone lanes and cafes
The Franciscan Monastery and its Malacological (shell) Museum, holding 3,000+ species of shells and sea snails
The palm-fringed riva promenade and the pine-shaded pebble town beach on clear Adriatic water
Biokovo Nature Park and the glass-floored Skywalk at 1,228 m, overlooking the whole Riviera and offshore islands
Kalalarga (the historic main lane) and the small church and viewpoint park on the St. Peter peninsula
Good to know
SafetySea urchins are common on the rocky and pebble seabed. Wear water shoes when entering the sea to avoid spines, which break off easily and are hard to remove.
SafetyThe Biokovo mountain road is a ~23 km single-lane route with passing places roughly every 300 m. If you are not a confident driver, take an agency minibus tour; the Skywalk and road can close in strong bura winds.
SeasonJuly-August is very busy, hot, and parking is scarce and pricey. May-June and September offer warm sea with fewer crowds; by October the water turns cool for swimming.
CautionFish and seafood are often priced per kilogram. Confirm the weight and the total before ordering, and ask whether bread or a cover charge (couvert) will be added to the bill.
RulesBiokovo entry needs a timed online reservation and ticket (in 2026 about EUR 15 in peak June-September, EUR 10 in April-May and October, free under age 7). Always verify current prices and hours on the official site before visiting.
MannersNugal cove to the south is a naturist (nude) beach, so be aware before going. At St. Mark's Church and the monastery, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.
Practical info
Makarska sits about 60-70 km from Split Airport (SPU); reach it by coastal-road (D8) bus or car in roughly an hour, with seasonal catamarans and a ferry (Makarska-Sumartin on Brac) to nearby islands in summer. The old town and town beaches are free, while Biokovo and the Skywalk require timed-entry tickets and the shell museum charges a small fee, so always confirm the latest prices, opening hours and ferry timetables before you go.
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