The city and its surroundings are also called the Makarska Riviera due to its beautiful beaches and coastlines. Its beauty is enhanced by the fact that the Dinaric Alps are closest to the sea here.
Makarska is located 90 km southeast of Split, in the center of the riviera named after it. The northeastern parts of the city extend up to the slopes of the Biokovo mountain range.
Unlike popular Croatian cities (Dubrovnik, Rovinj, etc.), the city does not have an old town, as the Venetians destroyed it after expelling the Turks. Makarska’s current appearance began to take shape from the 18th century.
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Makarska attractions, beaches
St. Mark’s Cathedral
Located on the northern side of the city’s central square named after Andrija Kačić Miošić, a Franciscan monk and poet, whose bronze statue stands in the square.
It’s not a large church, but due to the staircase and the huge rock mass rising in the background, it’s a very beautiful sight in Makarska.
St. Peter’s Peninsula
We can take a pleasant walk on the peninsula next to the harbor, from where there’s a great view of the city and the mountains.
We can walk around the peninsula on the promenade. At one point, there’s a padlock collection where we can place a padlock with our partner’s name on the chain fence.
On the eastern side stands the statue of St. Peter, holding the key to Heaven in his hand.
The Church of St. Peter is located here, which was so severely damaged by the 1962 earthquake that it had to be completely demolished. It was rebuilt in 1992 in its original form.
A lighthouse built in 1884 stands on the western part of the peninsula.
Shell Museum
The museum called Malakološki muzej is located in the basement of the Franciscan monastery.
It’s one of the largest shell museums in Europe, with thousands of pieces on display. Most of the exhibition was collected by monk Jure Radic.
Observatory
There’s a recently built observatory in the city center, which can be a pleasant evening program for those wanting to observe the sky.
All information (entrance fees, opening hours, etc.) can be found here!
Vepric
Not far from Makarska, we find a beautiful Marian pilgrimage site.
The Croatian sanctuary was erected in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes at the beginning of the 20th century. The environment of the cave was shaped by the hills and valley gullies, similar to the original pilgrimage site in Lourdes, France.
Several pilgrimages are held annually, making it one of Croatia’s most significant pilgrimage sites.
City Beach (Gradska plaža)
Makarska’s most famous beach is located in the city area, starting from the St. Peter’s Peninsula.
The pebble beach deepens moderately, behind it a row of pine trees and several restaurants and bars await tourists. Most consider it the most beautiful city beach in Croatia.
Nugal
We find this beach in a beautiful environment 2 km south of Makarska’s city center.
The beach is under cliffs, and after heavy rain, a waterfall also cascades down the rocks. The beach can be reached through the forest, with about a 40-minute walk, which includes some elevation. However, during the walk, there are several places with a beautiful view of the sea.
It’s important to know that it’s a nudist beach!
Plaza Cvitacka
Located just 2.5 km north of the city center, accessible via a built promenade.
The beach extends into the sea in a small triangle shape, similar to Zlatni Rat on Brac island. It’s a pleasant place to relax, and it’s usually not very crowded.
Makarska Riviera attractions, beaches
The northernmost part of the riviera is Omis, and the southern endpoint is Gradac. There are several excellent beaches and towns along the nearly 80 km long stretch.
Brela
This charming town is located 15 km northwest of Makarska, known for its beach and a rock.
The rock called Kamen Brela is located on the Punta Rata beach area. The small rocky island and the pine trees on it have become one of the symbols of the Makarska Riviera.
The aforementioned Punta Rata is among the world’s most beautiful pebble beaches. If you travel to the riviera, swimming here is almost mandatory!
Biokovo Skywalk
For those who want the most beautiful view, aim for the mountain range above Makarska.
The Biokovo viewpoint is located in Biokovo National Park, 6 km from Makarska. A 13-kilometer road of poor quality leads up from the entrance.
Tickets must be purchased at the information point at the entrance, which is valid for the entire park.
The glass-floored viewpoint extends over the abyss, so it’s a bit „tricky” for those afraid of heights. But the view compensates everyone.
All information (entrance fees, etc.) can be found here!
Sveti Jure
The highest point of the Biokovo mountain range behind Makarska at 1762 meters. It’s also the 3rd highest point in Croatia.
We’ll have a breathtaking view if we drive up here. The more sporty ones can even bike up to the peak!
It can be approached on a winding serpentine road leading from the viewpoint. However, be careful because the road is barely wider than a car, and pulling over is quite difficult.
Omiš
The northernmost part of the Makarska Riviera starts from the town located at the mouth of the Cetina River.
It’s best known for its sandy beaches, shaped by the sediment of the Cetina River.
Velika, located at the mouth of the river, is among the most beautiful beaches on the Croatian Adriatic. The huge gray rock mass rising behind the city provides a wonderful experience for those relaxing on the fine sandy beach.
The Cetina River reaches the Adriatic through a narrow canyon, so excellent whitewater rafting trips can also be taken.
For those looking for even more adrenaline, they can try zip-lining over the river.
Drvenik
A small village in the southern part of the Makarska Riviera, best known for having several daily ferry services to Hvar island (see below about the island).
About 1.5 km from the village is the Gornja Vala beach. It’s one of the most popular beaches in the area, which is not as crowded even in summer as those further north.
Brac
It’s the third largest island in the Adriatic Sea, and with its 778-meter high Vidova Gora, it’s also the highest.
The southern side of the island is steep, meeting the sea with many rocky cliffs. The northern side, however, rises gently towards the interior of the island.
From Makarska, we arrive by boat to the town of Sumartin. The boat schedule can be found here!
Here you’ll find one of the most beautiful beaches on the Croatian Adriatic, Zlatni Rat. The pebble beach called „golden horn” extends into the sea in a triangular shape, providing a beautiful sight.
Hvar
Located south of Brac, parallel to it, it’s a popular holiday destination. The island has many small, beautiful bays and beaches.
It’s the 4th largest in area, and with its 80 kilometers, it’s the 2nd longest island in the Adriatic after Cres island. Its highest peak is Sveti Nikola (Saint Nicholas) at 628 meters.
We can get to the village of Sućuraj at the eastern tip of the island by ferry from Drvenik. The ferry schedule can be found here!
The most beautiful settlement on the island is the town of Hvar. As it was an important port of the Venetian Republic, we can see several beautiful Venetian buildings.
On the northern shore, Stari Grad and Vrboska are also worth attention. The latter is also known for a palm tree that stands in the harbor on a tiny island. It’s an excellent photography location.
