Makarska itself is at the centre of what is often called the Makarska Riviera famed for places such as Baska Voda, Tucepi (and more) with longer beaches with pine trees providing natural shade.
Mount Biokovo is a Nature Reserve and home to golden eagles, the Balkan chamois or mouflon (like a rather distinct wild mountain goat) and the occasional tiny hamlet where local people preserve their traditions. Experienced hikers often scale the marked trails and there are also organised excursions – expect a bumpy ride and some hairpin bends.
The centre of Makarska has a long curved seafront with a wide promenade and endless cafes where locals take their ritual morning coffee among visitors. There are some good restaurants and bars here and wonderful views across to the island of Brac. Pavements and most buildings are made from the famous white stone from Brac. The ferry from Sumartin on Brac comes in here, right in the centre of town. At the top of the square there is an excellent fresh open market, perfect for picnic shopping and regular shops in a small modern complex.
Visitors sometimes comment that this part of Makarska has something of a French Riviera look about it.
A long standing member of the seafront offering is an old fishing trawler named “Makarski Jadran” which is now permanently moored as a boat- restaurant close to the ferry stop. It serves simple fresh fish (not quite in newspaper but not far off)
To the north of this seafront, a long and wide pedestrianised promenade has stalls selling everything from lavender souvenirs to fast food. There’s a children’s playground, more restaurants and some bars with a buzz. Day trip fish picnic excursions can be bought along here.
Makarska is certainly one of the liveliest of spots on the Croatian coast especially in July and August, but, as in so many places, there is a different face from April to early June and from mid September to the end of October.
In recent years, October has remained very warm on the Makarska Riviera, maintaining temperatures well into the 20’s with the sea temperature staying around a very comfortable 22C.
On the beaches close to Hotel Milenij which we feature, there is a wide range of water sports and equipment for hire.
Did you know?
- Skywalk Biokovo opened in 2020 at an elevation of 1228 metres and 6 kms east of Makarska. Not for the fainthearted or those nervous of heights. This is an observatory with an entire glass floor and fabulous views.
- Makarska has a lovely open-air summer cinema set in a small wood showing films in their original language (usually English). It also has a nightclub set in an original sea cave.
- It claims to have 3000 specimens in the malacological museum (collection of shells); located within a Franciscan monastery.
- It is possible to do a day trip to Dubrovnik, Split, the islands of Mljet and Korcula – on your own using catamarans and buses or with an organised excursion and guide.
- In summer there is a free, guided storytelling tour in English
