Makarska City
Coastal city in Split-Dalmatia, Croatia
Makarska’s pebble shore and palm-lined Riva sit beneath the jagged Biokovo massif; visitors split time between seafood on the promenade, ferry hops to Brač and mountain trails above town.
Makarska at a Glance#
Costs: US$60-150 typical daily tourist budget - summer raises prices; ferries and boat trips add cost.
Safety: Generally safe; watch for petty theft - european-standard safety, be cautious in crowded spots.
Best Time: May-June and September (warm, fewer crowds) - warm sea, lower prices than peak July-August.
Why Visit Makarska?#
Perched along the Dalmatian coast, Makarska appeals to travelers who want sun-drenched beaches and rugged mountain scenery in one place. The pebble shore and palm-lined Riva provide classic seaside charm, while nearby Biokovo Nature Park offers dramatic hiking and panoramic views. Food lovers come for fresh seafood and Dalmatian specialties like grilled octopus and prosciutto with local olive oil. Nights bring a lively harbor atmosphere and relaxed cafes tucked into the Old Town.
Best Things to Do in Makarska#
Makarska Bucket List#
Makarska Riva promenade - Lively waterfront lined with cafes and palm trees, ideal for strolls.
Old Town Makarska - Compact historic quarter of stone streets, artisan shops, and seaside squares.
Biokovo Nature Park - Hike or drive to the Skywalk viewpoint for sweeping coastal panoramas.
Franciscan Monastery and Museum - Small museum with religious art, maritime exhibits, and a lapidarium.
Kotišina hamlet - Traditional mountain hamlet with stone houses and wide coastal views.
Brela’s Punta Rata - Pebble beach featuring the Kamen Brela rock and clear swimming waters.
Bol (Brač) and Zlatni Rat - Ferry to Brač island’s iconic wind-shaped pebble beach at Zlatni Rat.
Split - Historic city with Diocletian’s Palace, markets, and lively waterfront cafés.
Best Time to Visit Makarska#
Visit Makarska in late spring or early autumn for warm, sunny days and smaller crowds; summer is peak for beachgoing but can be crowded and hot. Winters are mild but wetter and much quieter.
March - May
12°C - 22°C (54°F - 72°F)
Mild, blossoming shoulder months - great for seaside walks and smaller crowds, with warm days and cooling evenings ideal for exploring the riviera.
June - August
22°C - 30°C (72°F - 86°F)
Hot, sun-drenched beach season - lively nightlife, crowded waterfronts, and perfect swimming but expect higher prices and busy ferries to nearby islands.
November - February
6°C - 13°C (43°F - 55°F)
Quiet, cooler and wetter - low tourist numbers, crisp sea breezes, and a calm town vibe; some restaurants and services run reduced hours.
Temperate climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (862 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 4° | 82 mm | overcast | 84% | 3.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| February | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 70 mm | overcast | 83% | 3.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.3h |
| March | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 75 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.7 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 75 mm | overcast | 76% | 3.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.3h |
| May | Very Good | 14° - 23° | 19° | 60 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.5h |
| June | Excellent | 18° - 27° | 23° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 2.6 m/s | 1.8 very high | 15.2h |
| July | Excellent | 20° - 30° | 25° | 34 mm | some cloud | 54% | 2.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 14.9h |
| August | Excellent | 20° - 30° | 25° | 49 mm | some cloud | 53% | 2.5 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.8h |
| September | Excellent | 16° - 25° | 21° | 71 mm | partly cloudy | 64% | 2.8 m/s | 1.0 high | 12.4h |
| October | Very Good | 13° - 21° | 17° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.9h |
| November | Good | 8° - 15° | 12° | 108 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| December | Acceptable | 5° - 11° | 6° | 94 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
How to Get to Makarska#
Makarska is best reached via Split Airport (SPU) for most international connections; Dubrovnik (DBV) is an alternative further south. The town is well served by intercity buses - there is no railway station in Makarska, so buses and seasonal ferries are the main public links.
Split Airport (SPU): Split is the closest major airport to Makarska. From SPU you can take the airport shuttle or local bus to Split city centre (about 30-40 minutes, ~40-60 HRK / €5-8) then a bus or private transfer onward to Makarska (see Bus below). A taxi or private transfer from SPU to Makarska typically takes 1-1.5 hours and fares are often around 300-500 HRK (~€40-65).
Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): Dubrovnik is farther but sometimes used in low-season or for international connections. Driving time to Makarska is roughly 3-4 hours on the coastal road; direct seasonal airport transfers and private shuttles run in summer (typical fares vary widely, often 150-300 HRK+ / €20-40 for shared transfers).
Train: Makarska has no rail station - the Dalmatian rail line ends at Split. The nearest main rail hub is Split railway station (Split Glavni kolodvor). From Split station you continue to Makarska by bus or car (see below).
Bus: Makarska Bus Station (Autobusni kolodvor Makarska) is the town’s transport hub. Regular buses connect Makarska with Split (about 1.5-2 hours, ~40-70 HRK / €5-9) and with Dubrovnik (roughly 3-4 hours, ~100-150 HRK / €13-20 depending on operator and season). In high season there are extra coastal services and private catamarans from Split to nearby ports.
How to Get Around Makarska#
Makarska is easiest to navigate by bus and on foot - the bus station connects to regional hubs while the harbour and old town are compact. Renting a car is useful for exploring nearby beaches and mountain viewpoints, but expect busy roads and limited parking in summer.
- Car / Taxi (300-600 HRK) - Taxis and private transfers are the fastest way to reach Makarska from Split Airport or Split city; expect about 1-1.5 hours from SPU and higher fares in summer. Renting a car is convenient if you want to explore the coastal road and nearby towns, but parking in town can be limited in high season.
- Intercity Bus (40-150 HRK) - Buses are the most practical public option. They run frequently to Split and Dubrovnik; tickets are bought at the station or from the driver. Timetables expand in summer, and journeys offer coastal scenery but can be slower than driving due to stops.
- Ferry / Catamaran (80-250 HRK) - Seasonal catamarans and ferries connect Split and nearby islands with ports near Makarska. Services are more frequent in summer; book ahead during July-August. Ferries are useful if you’re island-hopping or want to avoid the winding coastal road.
- Car Rental (€30-€80/day) - Hiring a car gives maximum flexibility for day trips along the coast (Brela, Baška Voda, Biokovo). Roads are generally good; be prepared for narrow coastal stretches and busy parking in the central promenade during peak season.
- Walking - Makarska’s centre and the seafront are compact and best explored on foot. Walking between the promenade, beaches and old town takes minutes; bring comfortable shoes for the nearby cliff paths and Biokovo viewpoints.
Where to Stay in Makarska#
Old Town & Riva - $25-60/night
Cheap stays are mainly private rooms and small guesthouses near the seafront. Expect basic comfort, many self-catering apartments during high season.
Makarska - budget rooms & apartments (Booking) - Wide selection of private rooms and guesthouses.
Hostel listings - Makarska (Hostelworld) - Hostel options near the beach and Old Town.
Seafront Promenade - $60-140/night
Comfortable mid-range hotels cluster along the waterfront and just behind the promenade - good value for sea views and easy beach access.
Hotel Osejava - Seafront location next to the promenade.
Hotel Park Makarska - Comfortable rooms, short walk to beaches.
Waterfront & Marina - $120-250+/night
Higher-end choices are limited but include a few seafront hotels with larger rooms and balconies - book early in summer months.
Hotel Miramare (Makarska) - Upscale rooms with bay views.
Select high-end seafront hotels (Booking) - Search for suites and premium waterfront stays.
Where to Eat in Makarska#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Makarska’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Makarska#
Shopping in Makarska is focused on small seaside boutiques, souvenir stalls and local markets selling olive oil, wine and Dalmatian food products. You’ll find a compact market and independent shops along the Riva and in the old town rather than large malls.
If you want local produce, check the morning market stalls for fruit, cheese and cured meats; artisan crafts and beachwear are sold in several small shops near the harbour.
Nightlife in Makarska#
Makarska has an active summer nightlife concentrated along the waterfront and in the old town, with bars, cocktail spots and a few clubs open late in high season. Many venues are seasonal and busiest from June to August.
If you prefer low-key evenings, there are plenty of beachfront bars and tavernas; if you want louder club nights expect to travel into peak-season areas or check local listings for pop-up parties.
