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Makarska

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City
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Makarska (Croatia)
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Practical info — Makarska

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The main town beach (Gradska plaža) gets extremely crowded by 10 AM in summer; arrive early to secure a spot under the pine trees.
  • Be cautious when driving up the Biokovo Nature Park road to the Skywalk; it is a single-lane mountain road with passing places, requiring confident driving.
  • To avoid parking fees and traffic jams in the center, park on the outskirts and walk-the town is relatively compact and pedestrian-friendly.
  • The 'Bura' wind can blow strongly down from the mountains, unexpectedly cooling the air and stirring up the sea even on sunny days.

🍽 Food

🍽
Dalmatian Peka

Meat (usually veal or lamb) or octopus slow-cooked under a bell-like lid. Must be ordered at least a day in advance at traditional hillside konobas (taverns).

🍽
Makarana Cake

A traditional local almond and citrus cake. Pair it with a cup of coffee at a café along the Riva promenade.

🍽
Fresh Grilled Fish

Enjoy locally caught sea bass or bream drizzled with olive oil, garlic, and parsley at seaside restaurants near the harbor.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Green Market (Pjaca)

Visit the daily morning market behind the main square for fresh local produce, olive oil, and homemade rakija.

🛍
Lavender Products

Look for small souvenir stalls selling dried lavender bags, essential oils, and soaps made from Dalmatian lavender.

🧘
Sveti Petar Peninsula

Take a scenic walk along the paved path circling the peninsula. It has shade, quieter rocky coves for swimming, and beautiful sunset views.

🧘
Kotišina Botanical Garden

Located on the slopes of Mount Biokovo above the town, this unique garden blends seamlessly with the wild landscape, offering a serene escape.

Highlights of 2026

6

Makarska is one of Dalmatia's premier tourist destinations, set against the dramatic backdrop of the 1,762-meter-high Biokovo mountain massif. The town is built around a horseshoe-shaped bay where the palm-lined promenade (Riva) is packed with animated cafes and restaurants. One of its unique features is the Malacological Museum located in the Franciscan Monastery, which holds one of the world's richest collections of shells and sea snails. The central St. Mark's Square is home to the Baroque cathedral and hosts various traditional festivals during the summer months. The town's harbor is naturally protected by the St. Peter Peninsula, a favorite spot for scenic walks leading to a welcoming lighthouse. Famous for its fine pebble beaches and turquoise waters, Makarska is a family-friendly hub that also serves as a gateway for hikers and adventure seekers visiting the Biokovo Nature Park.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C3471115202424181394
Rain mm93888068575028388087123117

Live webcam – Makarska

See what it looks like near Makarska right now.

Makarska › South-east · 0.2 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
12,809
Coordinates
43.29640, 17.01780

Facts

  • The Malacological Museum displays over 3,000 shell specimens
  • Biokovo Mountain reaches its highest peak at Sveti Jure
  • Makarska was a strategic stronghold against the Ottomans in the 17th c.
  • The Vepric Shrine is a famous pilgrimage site mimicking Lourdes
  • St. Peter's Peninsula features a statue of the town's patron saint
  • The famous Biokovo Skywalk is just a short drive from the center

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Makarska (13)

St. Peter Lighthouse

Built in 1884 on the St. Peter peninsula, offering panoramic views of the sea and the islands.

Biokovo Nature Park

Gateway to the mountain range with the famous glass-floored Skywalk platform at 1228 meters.

Makarska Riva

Bustling palm-fringed waterfront promenade with numerous cafes, restaurants, and excursion boats.

Papillon🎡 recreation

A small theme park in Makarska, offering entertainment for families with children.

Malakološki muzej🏛 museum

Located in the Franciscan monastery, this museum houses one of the world's most significant collections of sea shells.

Municipal Museum🏛 museum

The Municipal Museum of Makarska showcases the local history and cultural heritage of the region.

Aquapark Sharko🎡 recreation

An inflatable water park on the sea in Makarska, providing fun and refreshment.

Biloševac🎡 recreation

A well-known pebble beach in Makarska featuring crystal clear water and various recreational facilities.

Vošac🌿 nature

A prominent mountain peak in the Biokovo massif offering an impressive panoramic view of Makarska and the islands.

Štrbina🌿 nature

A mountain peak in the Biokovo range, accessible via hiking trails leading from Makarska.

paragliding take off Przinowac, 1300 m📍 landmark

A well-known paragliding take-off point located at 1,300 meters in the Biokovo mountains.

crkva svetog Marka⛪ religious

The former cathedral of Makarska, an 18th-century baroque church on the main square.

Crkva sv. Martina⛪ religious

A small medieval church located near the historic settlement of Kotišina.

Frequently asked questions

Which mountain range towers over Makarska?
The imposing Biokovo mountain range, whose highest peak is Sveti Jure (1762 m).
Is there a sandy beach in Makarska?
No, the beaches are almost exclusively pebbly with very clear water, convenient for snorkeling.
What is the Malacological Museum?
A museum housed in the Franciscan monastery with one of the world's richest collections of seashells.
Is Makarska suitable for families?
Yes, due to the shallow pebble beaches, pine forests for shade, and many play areas on the promenade.
Can you take excursions to the islands?
Yes, there are daily boat excursions to the islands of Brač and Hvar departing from Makarska harbor.
Makarska: where is it located?
Makarska is located in Croatia.
Makarska: what is there to see?
Highlights include St. Peter Lighthouse, Biokovo Nature Park, Makarska Riva.
Makarska: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Makarska: why is it worth visiting?
Makarska is one of Dalmatia's premier tourist destinations, set against the dramatic backdrop of the 1,762-meter-high Biokovo mountain massif.
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