Makarska Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Makarska which includes general coastal views and mountains
Makarska featuring mountains and a marina
Makarska showing a square or plaza
Makarska which includes a statue or sculpture and a square or plaza
Makarska

Engage in a variety of fun outdoor and beach-based activities at this attractive and popular coastal resort town.

Makarska is a good-looking port town with a well-established tourist infrastructure and easy-going atmosphere. It attracts visitors with a penchant for the outdoors, who are looking to enjoy its appealing beach and mountain scenery, as well as its many cafés and restaurants. Swim, hike and mountain bike at nearby beaches and parks and discover the town’s interesting museums, restaurants and bars.

While areas near present-day Makarska have been settled since pre-history, the town itself was established in the Middle Ages. It has seen many different rulers, having been under the control of the Kingdom of Croatia, the Venetians, the Ottomans and the Austrians. Following World War II, Makarska was successfully developed as a tourist area. Visit during the summer months to enjoy the excellent weather and exciting activities.

Sheltered by the Biokovo Mountains, the town and coast around Makarska generally experience mild weather, making it a favorable beach destination. Rent a paddle boat or take an exhilarating ride on an inflatable banana boat at Makarska Beach or retreat to the quiet nudist Nugal Makarska Beach east of town.

Besides beaches, Makarska has other natural assets, including Nature Park Biokovo. Follow the park’s scenic trails, many of which curve up and around the limestone and pine-covered slopes of Mount Biokovo. While here, investigate the Biokovo Botanical Garden, which not only has numerous indigenous plant specimens, but also offers great views over the nearby islands of Brač and Hvar.

Back in town, walk along the palm-dotted promenade and through the town, where white-washed, red-roofed houses dominate. Stop at the Makarska Municipal Museum for insight into Makarska’s history and the Franciscan Monastery to inspect one of the world’s largest collections of snails and shells.

Makarska is located in Dalmatia about 40 miles (65 kilometers) southeast of SplitOpens in a new window, between the towns of Brela and Gradac. One of the biggest resorts on the Makarska Riviera, it is well served by regular and reliable transportation connections. Use bus and coach services to travel from Split or DubrovnikOpens in a new window.

Where to stay in Makarska

Makarska

Makarska Old Town

4.5/5(7 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Makarska Old Town. You might want to make time for a stop at Makarska Ferry Port or Makarska Beach.

Makarska Old Town
Default Image

Zelenka

While Zelenka isn't home to many top sights, Makarska Beach and Makarska Ferry Port are some notable places to visit nearby.

Zelenka
Default Image

Ratac

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

While Ratac may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Makarska Beach and Makarska Ferry Port.

Ratac
Default Image

Donja luka

5/5(1 area review)

While Donja luka may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Makarska Beach and Makarska Ferry Port.

Donja luka
Default Image

Gorinka

Gorinka might not have many top sights, but Makarska Ferry Port and Makarska Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Gorinka
Default Image

Bili brig

5/5(6 area reviews)

While visiting Bili brig, you might make a stop by sights like Biokovo National Park and Biokovo Botanical Garden.

Bili brig
Valamar Meteor Hotel

Valamar Meteor Hotel

4 out of 5
Kralja Petra Krešimira IV No.19, Makarska
The price is ₹25,356 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹25,356
₹28,652 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Makarska. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (209 reviews)
"We thought the hotel was nicely located and had great amenities especially the pool. The breakfast was excellent."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Valamar Meteor Hotel
Aminess Laurel Khalani Hotel

Aminess Laurel Khalani Hotel

5 out of 5
14 Ul. Ivana Gorana Kovacica, Makarska, Splitsko-dalmatinska županija
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹33,046 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹33,046
₹37,342 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Makarska. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 outdoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (169 reviews)
Great hotel & service
"The hotel is new, has great facilities and amazing staff. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars are the other guests who were quite irresponsible when it came to the behaviour of their children. They display obvious lack of discipline and guidance. They were loud and had no respect for other quests. ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Aminess Laurel Khalani Hotel
Hotel Biokovo

Hotel Biokovo

4 out of 5
Obala Kralja Tomislava 14, Makarska
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Makarska. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Makarska Ferry Port and Church of St. Philip are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (174 reviews)
Exceptional short term visit
"We were pleasantly surprised by this little port town and hotel. Modern and so well located. Parking at another close hotel for €20. My only issue was the room was a little noisy being 1st floor above restaurant Room 109"

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Hotel Biokovo
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Aparthotel Miramare

Aparthotel Miramare

4 out of 5
Šetalište sv. Petra 1, Makarska
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Makarska. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, room service and a sauna. Popular attractions Makarska Promenade and Makarska ...
"Overall a great place to be"

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2024

Aparthotel Miramare
Apartment and Rooms Ivan

Apartment and Rooms Ivan

3 out of 5
Makarska
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Makarska. Popular attractions Brela Beach and Biokovo National Park are located nearby.
8.8/10 Excellent! (8 reviews)
"Cute apartment with a beautiful view off the balcony. Walking distance from Makarska Beach with lots of restaurant options. Was difficult to find apartment originally as it is not very well marked and the gps took us to a slightly different location. But luckily locals are friendly! Overall very ..."

Reviewed on 12 Sep 2024

Apartment and Rooms Ivan
Apartmani Kuzmanić

Apartmani Kuzmanić

3.5 out of 5
Ulica Kralja Petra Krešimira IV 6A, Makarska, Split-Dalmatia
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly apartment in Makarska. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Church of St. Philip ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"Perfect location, spacious two bedroom apartment, very welcoming owners, definitely would come back and would recomed this property."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Apartmani Kuzmanić
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Makarska

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
12
5 - Excellent 71%
4 - Good
5
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

MissThomas

Lovely location. Great views of mountains and sea. The trip on the bus to/from Split has some lovely views. The bus terminal is a short walk from the Hotel (about 10 mins). The beach is lovely and clean but with pebbles. Definately stay again

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We have just returned, we loved the area, but quite a lot of the restaurants were closed up for the winter which was a bit of a shame, but it is truly beautiful

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Lovely town with lots of bars, restaurants and very convenient for ferry trips to islands. Llovely walk to Tucepi through woodland, lovely coastal views.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We loved to hear the party boats coming in of an evening but once all the party goers disembarked everywhere resumed a nice quiet atmosphere. We loved Markaska and hope to return next year. If we do we shall certainly be looking to book Hotel Osejava

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lovely place, clean, felt safe, good for familys with children or just adults. Beautiful Pine trees all along the beach.Plenty to do. Water sports brilliant including activities in the sea for children. Sea clean and clear but wear beach shoes buy th

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Beautiful location; friendly people

Cities near Makarska