Makarska: The Gem of the Dalmatian Coast

• HelloBok
  [Bohk]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Dov-ee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryOprostite
  [O-praw-stee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Govoriš li engleski?
  [Go-vo-ree-sh lee eng-les-kee]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMogu li vidjeti jelovnik, molim
  [Moh-goo lee vee-dyeh-tee yeh-lov-neek, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dem meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-ve-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-mohtch]
• Go away!Idi dalje!
  [Ee-dee dah-lyeh]
• Call the Police!Pozovi policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovi doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio sam se
  [Iz-goo-byoh sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dam]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh kohs-tah]
• That's too expensiveTo je previše skupo
  [Toh yeh preh-vee-sheh skoo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoo-stee-tee tsee-yeh-noo]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Polovina (10)
  [Poh-lo-vee-nah (des-et)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [Veh-chehr]
• YesterdayJučer
  [Yoo-chehr]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-vet]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-set]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...?
  [Gdyeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zahtee (nah kahr-tee)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-dey-chee (ow-toh-boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ....)
  [Yehd-noo kahr-too (doh)]

Makarska's history traces back to ancient times when it was first settled by the Illyrians. Archaeological findings suggest that the area was inhabited as early as 2000 BC. The Illyrians established a thriving community known for its strategic location and fertile land.

In the 2nd century BC, the Romans conquered the region, integrating Makarska into the Roman province of Dalmatia. The town, known as Muccurum, became an important Roman military and trading post. Ruins of Roman villas and artifacts, like coins and pottery, have been uncovered, showcasing the town's significance during this era.

During the early medieval period, Makarska was frequently targeted by Neretvan pirates who controlled the Adriatic Sea. The town's strategic position made it a focal point for maritime conflicts. The construction of fortifications and defensive structures during this period aimed to protect against pirate raids.

In the 15th century, Makarska came under the rule of the Venetian Republic. The Venetians fortified the town to defend against the expanding Ottoman Empire. Despite these efforts, the Ottomans managed to conquer Makarska in the early 16th century, bringing significant cultural and architectural changes.

After the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Makarska became part of the Habsburg Monarchy in the 18th century. Under Austro-Hungarian rule, the town experienced economic growth, particularly in trade and agriculture. The construction of new infrastructure, including roads and ports, facilitated this prosperity.

During World War II, Makarska was occupied by Axis forces. The town became a center of partisan resistance against the occupiers. The local population played a crucial role in supporting the Yugoslav Partisans, who fought for liberation. Monumental sites and memorials in Makarska honor the bravery and sacrifices made during this tumultuous period.

In the post-war period, Makarska transformed into a popular tourist destination. The town's stunning natural beauty, including its coastline and Biokovo Mountain, attracted visitors from around the world. The development of hotels, resorts, and recreational facilities turned Makarska into a vibrant hub for tourism, which continues to thrive today.

Makarska is located on the Adriatic coast in Croatia, in the Dalmatia region. The nearest international airport is Split Airport, approximately 85 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a shuttle bus to Split city center and then a bus to Makarska. The bus journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car at the airport for a more flexible travel option. There are also ferry connections from the island of Brač to Makarska.

Makarska is a relatively small town, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. Local buses can take you to nearby villages and beaches. Taxis are available but can be expensive, so it's advisable to agree on a fare before your journey. Renting a bike or scooter is a popular option for exploring the area. For longer trips, consider renting a car. Be aware that parking in the town center can be challenging during the peak tourist season.

The official currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are readily available throughout Makarska. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving a 10% tip in restaurants is customary.

Makarska is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any tourist area, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving belongings unattended on the beach and be cautious in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but always remain aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services, including police, medical services, and fire department. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Makarska. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the town for minor health issues.

Fashion: Do dress casually but respectfully. Beachwear is fine on the beaches, but not in town. Religion: Do respect local customs, especially when visiting religious sites; cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do buy your ticket before boarding and validate it. Don't be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do greet with a handshake or a polite nod. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and wines. Don’t snap your fingers to get the waiter's attention; it's considered rude. Instead, make eye contact or raise your hand slightly.

To experience Makarska like a local, visit the local markets early in the morning for fresh produce and seafood. Engage with locals at cafes and konobas (traditional taverns) to learn more about the culture. Don’t miss the chance to hike up to the Biokovo Mountain for stunning views or take a stroll along the Makarska Riviera. Also, visit the Franciscan Monastery and its seashell museum for a unique cultural experience.