Makarska Travel Guide
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.
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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
All Attractions ›
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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.
Best Time to Visit Makarska #
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).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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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 town centre is compact and very walkable - the seafront promenade, main beaches and most restaurants are within easy strolling distance. Expect some hills if you explore up toward the cemetery viewpoint.
For longer trips use regional buses (to Split, Dubrovnik and coastal villages) or taxis; there are also seasonal ferry and boat services to nearby islands. Car or scooter rental is common if you want to explore the surrounding Biokovo area, while taxis and local bus lines handle shorter journeys.
Where to Stay in Makarska #
- Makarska - budget rooms & apartments (Booking) - Wide selection of private rooms and guesthouses.
- Hostel listings - Makarska (Hostelworld) - Hostel options near the beach and Old Town.
- Hotel Osejava - Seafront location next to the promenade.
- Hotel Park Makarska - Comfortable rooms, short walk to beaches.
- 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.
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.
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.
