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Makarska
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Makarska blends Dalmatian history, pebble beaches and Adriatic island views with Biokovo hikes, seafood dining and memorable coastal sightseeing.

Coastal Setting

Makarska occupies a narrow strip of Croatia’s central Dalmatian coast, where the Adriatic Sea meets the steep limestone slopes of the Biokovo mountain range. The setting defines the town: a compact historic centre faces a sheltered harbour, while a palm-lined waterfront and long pebble beaches extend along the Makarska Riviera. Offshore, the islands of Brač and Hvar form a changing horizon, reached by seasonal boat connections and excursions.
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Historic Streets and Seaside Life

At the centre, Kacic Square, the Church of St Mark and the Franciscan monastery provide a sense of the town’s Venetian and ecclesiastical heritage. Narrow lanes lead towards stone houses, small cafés and restaurants, while the St Peter peninsula and Osejava Forest Park offer quieter paths above the water. Makarska’s atmosphere shifts with the season: summer brings a busy promenade and a strong beach culture, whereas spring and autumn reveal a more measured rhythm suited to walking, local museums and mountain excursions.

Mountain and Marine Landscapes

The town is the natural base for exploring Biokovo Nature Park, whose high viewpoints overlook the coast and islands. The park’s Skywalk Biokovo is outside Makarska itself and requires a separate journey into the mountain area. Back in town, the Malacological Museum presents one of the Adriatic’s notable shell collections, linking Makarska’s coastal identity with scientific curiosity. Together, the sea, mountain wall and historic core create a destination best understood through both shoreline and hinterland.

When is the best time to visit Makarska?

Best: April–May, September · 21–28°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)
January12
February14
March17
April (best)21
May (best)25
June29
July31
August31
September (best)28
October21
November17
December14

Getting to and around Makarska

How to get there

Makarska is reached most commonly by road. The nearest major airport is Split Airport, north-west of the town, with onward travel by intercity bus, private transfer or hire car; Dubrovnik Airport is another option from the south, though the journey is longer. Regular long-distance and regional buses connect Makarska with Split, Dubrovnik and other Dalmatian towns, with frequency varying by season. The Adriatic coastal road provides the principal road approach, while the motorway is reached inland near Šestanovac or Vrgorac. Makarska has no railway station and no commercial airport, so rail travellers must combine train services with a bus or road transfer.

Transportation

Makarska’s historic centre, harbour, waterfront and many beaches are manageable on foot, although summer heat and uphill streets can make walking slower than the map suggests. Local and regional buses serve nearby settlements, while taxis and private transfers are useful for beaches or mountain access outside the centre. Driving gives greater flexibility along the Riviera but parking can be scarce and expensive during the high season. Biokovo Nature Park requires road travel into the mountains, and the route is steep and winding. Boat excursions operate from the harbour seasonally, but they are not a substitute for an urban public-transport network.

Best attractions in Makarska

Makarska’s attractions are concentrated within a compact coastal setting. Kacic Square forms the historic centre, with the Church of St Mark and nearby stone lanes leading towards the Franciscan monastery and its Malacological Museum, known for its extensive shell collection. The waterfront promenade frames the harbour and gives access to the long city beaches, while the St Peter peninsula offers paths, small coves and broad views over the sea and the Makarska Riviera. Osejava Forest Park extends the walking possibilities south-east of the old town, combining shaded paths with rocky shoreline and viewpoints. The town is also a base for visiting Biokovo Nature Park, although the park and its Skywalk are in the mountains outside Makarska. Seasonal boat trips connect the harbour with nearby islands and coastal sights, adding a maritime dimension to the town’s museums, churches, beaches and walking routes.

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Best landmarks in Makarska

The Church of St Mark stands on Kacic Square and remains one of Makarska’s clearest historic markers, linking the main civic space with the town’s Catholic heritage. The Franciscan monastery is another important landmark, both for its long religious role and for the Malacological Museum housed within its complex. Along the harbour, the distinctive St Peter lighthouse on the peninsula marks the entrance to the sheltered bay and has become closely associated with Makarska’s seafront identity. The Baroque fountain in Kacic Square reflects the importance of water supply in the historic settlement, while stone houses and narrow lanes preserve the scale of the old town. The statue of St Peter on the peninsula adds a modern devotional presence to a headland shaped by paths, coves and maritime views.

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Best restaurants in Makarska

Makarska’s food culture is rooted in central Dalmatian cooking, with seafood, olive oil, garlic, herbs and seasonal vegetables appearing prominently on menus. Grilled fish, squid, prawns and octopus are common choices, while black risotto coloured with cuttlefish ink reflects the wider Adriatic tradition. Local restaurants range from family-run konobas, where simple preparations and regional wines take centre stage, to modern waterfront dining with more elaborate presentations. The market near the centre provides fruit, vegetables and other everyday foods, and bakeries offer pastries and bread for the beach or a walk. Inland influences appear in dishes using lamb, cured meats and mountain produce, while the wider Dalmatian coast contributes staples such as pašticada, a slow-cooked beef dish, and peka, meat or seafood cooked beneath a bell-like lid. Menus are strongly seasonal and can change considerably outside summer.

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Best bars in Makarska

Makarska’s evening life is concentrated around the harbour, waterfront promenade and central streets, with a distinctly seasonal rhythm. Early evenings suit relaxed drinks at cafés and bars facing the sea, while later hours bring busier terraces and music-oriented venues aimed largely at summer visitors. The town has a selection of bars and clubs rather than the broad, year-round nightlife of a major city, and activity is noticeably quieter outside the high season. Restaurants and gelaterias contribute to the promenade’s social atmosphere, while occasional concerts and cultural performances add alternatives to clubbing. Visitors should expect sound and crowds around the busiest waterfront areas in summer, but quieter streets can be found around the older centre and residential edges. Walking between venues is generally straightforward, although taxis are useful for accommodation outside the central area.

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Best nightclubs in Makarska

Makarska’s evening life is concentrated around the harbour, waterfront promenade and central streets, with a distinctly seasonal rhythm. Early evenings suit relaxed drinks at cafés and bars facing the sea, while later hours bring busier terraces and music-oriented venues aimed largely at summer visitors. The town has a selection of bars and clubs rather than the broad, year-round nightlife of a major city, and activity is noticeably quieter outside the high season. Restaurants and gelaterias contribute to the promenade’s social atmosphere, while occasional concerts and cultural performances add alternatives to clubbing. Visitors should expect sound and crowds around the busiest waterfront areas in summer, but quieter streets can be found around the older centre and residential edges. Walking between venues is generally straightforward, although taxis are useful for accommodation outside the central area.

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Best shops in Makarska

Shopping in Makarska is centred on the old town, waterfront streets and the market area rather than on a large enclosed retail district. Market stalls offer seasonal fruit, vegetables and local provisions, while small shops sell olive oil, wine, dried herbs, honey and other Dalmatian food products suitable for taking home. Visitors will also encounter beachwear, sandals, artwork and conventional seaside souvenirs, particularly along the busiest summer streets. Independent boutiques and craft-oriented retailers are mixed with cafés and everyday businesses in the historic centre. Products associated with the wider region often include lavender, olive-wood objects and handmade jewellery, though quality and provenance vary, so labels and producers are worth checking. Larger supermarkets serve practical needs, while specialist shopping is more limited and seasonal than in Split or Dubrovnik.

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Makarska essentials

Currency and Payment
Croatia uses the euro, written as EUR or €, and prices are generally displayed in euros. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, larger restaurants and many tourist businesses, though smaller cafés, market stalls and some seasonal operators may prefer cash. ATMs are available in the town centre, but visitors should check the withdrawal screen carefully for exchange-rate and service-fee information. International cards may trigger fees from the card issuer or ATM operator. Carrying a modest amount of cash is useful for small purchases, beach facilities and businesses whose card terminals are unavailable.
Safety
Makarska is generally approached as a conventional coastal resort, but normal travel precautions remain appropriate, particularly during the crowded summer months. Keep wallets, phones and bags secure on busy promenades, beaches, buses and in nightlife areas, and avoid leaving valuables unattended on the shore or in a parked car. Wear sturdy footwear on rocky paths and take water, sun protection and weather awareness seriously in Biokovo, where conditions can differ sharply from the coast. Swim only where conditions are suitable, pay attention to local warnings and be cautious on hot stone surfaces. Roads and mountain bends require particular care for drivers and cyclists.
Emergency Situations
In Croatia, call 112 for the general emergency service, which can coordinate police, fire and medical assistance. Police can also be reached on 192, firefighters on 193 and emergency medical services on 194. Give the operator the precise location, especially on beaches, trails or mountain roads, and describe any visible landmarks. For an incident in Biokovo Nature Park, state the route, viewpoint or marked trail as accurately as possible. European Health Insurance Card holders should carry the card and travel insurance details; visitors from elsewhere should confirm how emergency treatment and follow-up care are covered.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress casually on the beach and promenade, but cover shoulders and knees when entering churches or other religious buildings. Ask before photographing people, private boats or interiors, and keep voices low during services. Do not climb on historic structures, remove shells or plants from protected areas, or leave rubbish on beaches and mountain paths. In restaurants, service charges are not uniformly handled, so check the bill and leave a modest tip for good service rather than assuming a fixed percentage. Respect marked swimming areas, local traffic rules and residents’ need for quiet in accommodation districts, particularly late at night.
Local Tips
The old centre is most atmospheric before the main summer heat, while the waterfront becomes livelier later in the day. St Peter peninsula and Osejava Forest Park provide short coastal walks, but paths can be uneven and exposed. For Biokovo, plan around weather, road access and the park’s own visitor arrangements rather than treating the mountain as a spontaneous stroll from town. The market near the centre is useful for seasonal fruit and everyday provisions, while the harbour is the practical starting point for many island and coastline excursions. Shoulder seasons offer better conditions for combining swimming, walking and local sightseeing.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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)]

History of Makarska

Early Settlements and Roman Roots

The Makarska area was inhabited before Roman rule by communities associated with the wider Illyrian world, whose settlements occupied the coast and the slopes of the Biokovo massif. Roman administration brought the region into the province of Dalmatia and connected it to maritime and overland networks. The ancient settlement known as Muccurum is generally associated with the Makarska area, although the precise relationship between the Roman name and the later town is not entirely straightforward. Roman influence survives mainly through archaeological evidence and the broader urban and agricultural pattern of the coast rather than through a large, intact ancient city.

Medieval Makarska and the Diocese

During the early medieval period, the settlement developed within the shifting political landscape of the eastern Adriatic, influenced by Croatian rulers, coastal authorities and regional powers. Makarska became an important ecclesiastical centre through the Diocese of Makarska, traditionally traced to the medieval period and later united with the Diocese of Split. Religious institutions helped preserve the town’s role when political control changed repeatedly. The old centre’s churches and stone buildings reflect later rebuilding, but the continuity of the town’s coastal and diocesan identity is rooted in this medieval development.

Venetian Rule and Ottoman Pressure

From the late medieval era into the early modern period, Makarska stood between the maritime power of Venice and the Ottoman territories advancing through the Balkan interior. Venetian influence became decisive on the coast, while Ottoman pressure shaped settlement, defence and trade across the neighbouring hinterland. Makarska’s position gave it strategic importance beyond its modest size, and the town’s architecture and church institutions developed within this contested borderland. The period also encouraged movement between the coast and inland villages, helping form the cultural landscape now associated with the Makarska Riviera.

Habsburg Administration and Coastal Commerce

After the end of Venetian rule in 1797, Makarska passed through French administration during the Napoleonic period before becoming part of the Habsburg imperial system. Nineteenth-century administration brought new legal and economic structures, while maritime trade, fishing, olive growing and agriculture remained central to local livelihoods. The town’s waterfront and civic institutions took on a more recognisably modern form, and improved connections with surrounding settlements strengthened its regional role. These changes unfolded alongside the preservation of older religious buildings and the compact street pattern of the historic centre.

Tourism and the Modern Riviera

Tourism expanded along the Makarska Riviera during the twentieth century, particularly after the Second World War, when improved roads, accommodation and transport made the coast accessible to a wider public. Under Yugoslavia, Makarska developed as a major resort while retaining fishing, commerce and local agriculture. Following Croatia’s independence in 1991, tourism continued to shape the town’s economy, bringing extensive seasonal activity but also increasing pressure on beaches, roads and accommodation. Contemporary Makarska combines a historic coastal settlement with a resort infrastructure that serves as a base for Biokovo and the central Dalmatian islands.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Makarska, Croatia

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Evendo is the ultimate app-based travel guide to Makarska, Croatia. Free, comprehensive, and easy to use, it helps you discover and book the best attractions, restaurants, hotels, and more.

  • History of Makarska and travel essentials
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  • User-friendly navigation
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Welcome to Makarska, Croatia, a hidden gem on the Adriatic coast known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. With Evendo, our 100% free travel guide app, you can make the most of your trip to this beautiful destination.

Imagine walking along the picturesque Makarska Riviera, knowing exactly where to find the best attractions such as the iconic St. Mark's Cathedral and the fascinating Sea Shell Museum. Craving authentic Croatian cuisine? Evendo guides you to top-notch restaurants like Konoba Kalalarga and Susvid, offering you a true taste of local flavors.

Evendo doesn't just stop at attractions and dining. Whether you want to book a tour of the Biokovo Nature Park, find the best bars and nightclubs like Deep Makarska, or discover unique shops and experiences, our app has got you covered. With detailed information, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location, planning your trip has never been easier.

But that's not all. Evendo allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you time and effort. No more endless searching or worrying about logistics—everything you need is in one place. Plus, the app features travel essentials, historical insights, and curated local tips to ensure you experience Makarska like a local. And with the 'Near me' feature, you can easily explore what's around you, wherever you are.

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