Makarska is a picturesque coastal town located along the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. Known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife, Makarska offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The town is surrounded by the impressive Biokovo mountain range, providing breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking and exploration.
The destination guide
Makarska
Travel guides for Makarska
More guides featuring Makarska (1)
At a glance
Currency€ EURCode: EUR
Time zoneCentral European Time
Languages
- Croatian
Setting
- Adriatic coast
- Mountain backdrop
- Pebble beaches
- Biokovo range
Known for
- Coastal Resorts
- Pebble Beaches
- Mountain Hiking
- Family Holidays.
Population13,83413,834 residents
VisaDuration: Up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area · Documents: Valid passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after planned departure, plus proof of accommodation, onward or return travel, and sufficient funds if requested
How Makarska scores
9/10OverallExcellent
Weather7/10
Value for money8/10
Food & cuisine7/10
Culture & arts4/10
Cultural experience6/10
Nature & outdoors9/10
Adventure7/10
Nightlife3/10
Shopping3/10
Family friendly5/10
Romance8/10
Editorial scores on a 10-point scale, weighed against destinations of the same kind.
Travel safety snapshot
Overall72/100Moderate rating
Women travellers68/100
LGBTQ+ travellers60/100
Theft68/100
Medical care70/100
Physical harm70/100
Political freedom70/100
SafePlace indicators use their source 100-point scale; higher is more favourable. Planning context, not a live travel advisory — check official government guidance before you go.
When to go
Best months to visit: April, May, June, July, August, September and October.
- January: 3.4 to 11 degrees Celsius, 112 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- February: 5.2 to 13.1 degrees Celsius, 108.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- March: 6.9 to 15.2 degrees Celsius, 136.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- April: 10.2 to 18.8 degrees Celsius, 106.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- May: 14.6 to 22.8 degrees Celsius, 132 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- June: 19.7 to 28.8 degrees Celsius, 57.7 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- July: 22.1 to 32 degrees Celsius, 31.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- August: 22.1 to 31.9 degrees Celsius, 67.1 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- September: 17.6 to 26.3 degrees Celsius, 126.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- October: 13.2 to 21.5 degrees Celsius, 111.7 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- November: 9.2 to 16.5 degrees Celsius, 238.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- December: 5.5 to 12.8 degrees Celsius, 180.1 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
Month-by-month conditions and packing advice
- January
- Cool to mild, some rain January in Makarska: winter closures and damp weather make the classic coast trip less flexible. Crowds: January in Makarska is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- February
- Cool to mild, some rain February in Makarska: winter closures and damp weather make the classic coast trip less flexible. Crowds: February in Makarska is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- March
- Cool to mild, rainy March in Makarska: cooler shoulder weather narrows swimming and boat plans. Crowds: March in Makarska is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- April
- Cool to mild, some rain April in Makarska: early-season touring or peak-summer beach timing can work with heat and crowds planned around. Crowds: April in Makarska is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- May
- Mild to warm, rainy May in Makarska: beaches, Biokovo viewpoints, boat trips, coastal walks, swimming, and waterfront dining balance warmth with fewer peak crowds. Crowds: May in Makarska is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- June
- Warm to hot, occasional rain June in Makarska: beaches, Biokovo viewpoints, boat trips, coastal walks, swimming, and waterfront dining balance warmth with fewer peak crowds. Crowds: June in Makarska is comfortable for sightseeing, neighborhoods, food stops, day trips, and outdoor time with limited weather friction. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
- July
- Warm to hot, occasional rain July in Makarska: early-season touring or peak-summer beach timing can work with heat and crowds planned around. Crowds: July in Makarska is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
- August
- Warm to hot, occasional rain August in Makarska: early-season touring or peak-summer beach timing can work with heat and crowds planned around. Crowds: August in Makarska is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
- September
- Mild to warm, some rain September in Makarska: beaches, Biokovo viewpoints, boat trips, coastal walks, swimming, and waterfront dining balance warmth with fewer peak crowds. Crowds: September in Makarska is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- October
- Mild to warm, some rain October in Makarska: beaches, Biokovo viewpoints, boat trips, coastal walks, swimming, and waterfront dining balance warmth with fewer peak crowds. Crowds: October in Makarska is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- November
- Cool to mild, rainy November in Makarska: cooler shoulder weather narrows swimming and boat plans. Crowds: November in Makarska is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- December
- Cool to mild, rainy December in Makarska: winter closures and damp weather make the classic coast trip less flexible. Crowds: December in Makarska is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
Peak season
- June
- July
- August
- September
Off-peak
- January
- February
- November
Know before you go
About
Makarska, on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast in Split-Dalmatia County, is a popular seaside resort town set on a horseshoe-shaped bay between the towering Biokovo massif and the Adriatic Sea. About 60 km southeast of Split, the town of roughly 13,000 residents anchors the Makarska Riviera, a stretch of pebbly, pine-backed beaches running beneath the mountains. A palm-lined seafront promenade curves around the harbor, lined with cafés, bars, and seafood restaurants that fill with visitors through the summer. Behind the town, Biokovo Nature Park rises steeply, offering hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and a dramatic backdrop to the coast. Makarska’s clear waters and lively but laid-back atmosphere make it a favorite for sun-and-sea holidays, while its central position makes it an easy jumping-off point for day trips to the islands of Hvar and Brač. Combining beach relaxation with mountain scenery and Dalmatian charm, Makarska is one of the central Croatian coast’s most appealing summer destinations.
Best time to visit
May to September
Season by season
Summer (July-August) is the peak season with hot weather, warm seas, and very crowded beaches. The shoulder months of May/June and September offer perfect weather for hiking and swimming with fewer crowds. Winter is very quiet.
Crowds
High
Getting there and around
Getting there
Makarska accessible from Split/Dubrovnik by multiple transport options. From Split: buses via Autobusni kolodvor Split (3hrs), seasonal Krilo catamaran (June-September, stops Brač, Korčula, Mljet). From Dubrovnik: direct buses every 4hrs (2h30min, from €18), seasonal ferry (4h10min), Krilo catamaran (2:45pm departure, arrives 6:15pm, €53). By car from Dubrovnik 182km (2h30min), scenic coastal route via Makarska Riviera. Private transfers available for comfort. Central bus station in town center connects to all Riviera towns. Parking limited in center – contact accommodation.
Getting around
Makarska is best explored on foot thanks to its compact old town, scenic seaside promenade, and charming pedestrian-friendly streets that wind through local shops and cafés. While there’s no metro or tram system, a local bus service connects nearby towns and neighborhoods, though service can be limited and schedules irregular, especially outside peak season—so plan accordingly. Taxis are available but can be expensive; instead, opt for local rideshare apps like Bolt if you’re not renting a car. For day trips or venturing into the Biokovo mountains, renting a scooter or car is advisable, and there’s no need for transit passes since public transport is pay-as-you-go.
Top experiences in Makarska
Biokovo Nature Park & Skywalk
A glass horseshoe walkway jutting out of a cliff at 1228m high. The view down is terrifying and beautiful. You can see Italy on a clear day. A must-do.
Punta Rata Beach (Brela)
Often voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The ‘Brela Stone’ (a rock with a pine tree growing on it) is the symbol of the Riviera. Crystal clear water.
Nugal Beach
The heart of the Riviera. A palm-lined promenade (Riva), a main square with a church, and a daily market. It is lively, fun, and charming.
Nugal Beach
A secluded beach south of Makarska (walkable through the forest). It has a waterfall (in winter/spring) that falls onto the beach. It is FKK (nudist) friendly but open to all.
Biokovo Nature Park
The massive mountain range backing the coast. You can drive up to the top (Sv. Jure) at 1762m. The contrast between the grey mountain and blue sea is stark.
Editor-curated picks carried over from our original guide. Where a full place guide exists, the card links to it.
Worth booking ahead in Makarska
Hand-picked from the operators our guides already send readers to. Prices and availability are live on the partner site.
BrowseViator
Tours and tickets in Makarska on Viator (opens Viator in a new tab)
Viator's full list of bookable tours and tickets in Makarska.
BrowseGetYourGuide
Experiences in Makarska on GetYourGuide (opens GetYourGuide in a new tab)
Everything GetYourGuide sells in Makarska, with the cancellation terms on each listing.
Where to stayBooking.com
Stays in Makarska (opens Booking.com in a new tab)
Live rates and availability for Makarska on Booking.com; filter by neighbourhood once you know where your days start.
We earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. It is how we keep the guides free and independent.
Where to stay
Aminess Khalani Beach Hotel
Ul. Ivana Gorana Kovačića, 21300, Makarska, Croatia
A new 5-star hotel in Makarska. It is huge, family-friendly, and right on the beach. The rooftop terrace has amazing views of the mountain and sea.
Heritage Hotel Porin
Frankopanska 66, 21322, Brela, Croatia
Located in Brela (nearby). It is stylish and sits just above the famous Punta Rata beach. The pool deck is fantastic. A great base for the Riviera.
Valamar Meteor Hotel
Šetalište dr. fra Jure Radića, 21300, Makarska, Croatia
Overlooking the harbor in Makarska. It is built on the site of an old hotel but is modern and sleek. Great location for watching the boats and nightlife.
Editor-curated stays carried over from our original guide. Where we have reviewed the hotel, the card links to the review.
Tips from the field
Highlights
- The incredibly dramatic contrast of the sheer, towering limestone cliffs of the Biokovo mountains plunging down towards idyllic, pine-fringed pebble beaches and the turquoise Adriatic.
Best activities
- Relaxing on the stunning beaches of the Riviera (like Brela or Tucepi), driving up the winding mountain road to the Biokovo Skywalk, and hiking the coastal trails to secluded coves like Nugal.
Local experiences
- Walking the seafront promenade (lungomare) at sunset, stopping for fresh grilled Dalmatian seafood at a traditional konoba.
Practical tips
- The beaches on the Makarska Riviera are predominantly pebble, not sand, so water shoes are highly recommended for comfort and protection against sea urchins.
Photography tips
- The Skywalk Biokovo offers terrifyingly beautiful wide-angle shots of the coastline. For beaches, early morning light captures the water clarity best before the crowds arrive.
Timing
- 3 to 5 days is an ideal timeframe for a relaxing beach holiday mixed with one or two active day trips into the mountains or out to the islands.
Keeping it authentic
- The Makarska Riviera embodies the classic, lively Croatian summer beach holiday—it's bustling, family-oriented, and deeply connected to the sea and the dramatic mountains sheltering it.
Culture, customs and safety
Cultural heritage
Makarska represents the cultural synthesis of Dalmatian coastal civilization and Croatian maritime heritage, where ancient Illyrian traditions, Venetian architectural influence, and traditional Croatian fishing culture created one of the Adriatic most authentic coastal cultural experiences. The town preserves traditional stone architecture and fishing customs while maintaining connections to Croatian folk traditions and Mediterranean lifestyle that defines Dalmatian cultural identity. Makarska cultural heritage encompasses ancient Dalmatian culture, Venetian coastal influence, traditional Croatian maritime customs, and contemporary Mediterranean Croatian lifestyle that continues to represent authentic Adriatic coastal culture and Croatian regional identity.
Local customs & etiquette
Makarska embodies relaxed Dalmatian coastal culture with Mediterranean lifestyle. Croatian spoken, good English in tourist areas. Summer-focused tourism (June-September) when Biokovo Nature Park opens April-November. Famous for Makarana cake traditional dessert at celebrations. Fresh seafood central to cuisine with local olive oil, Dalmatian wines. Summer events include Makarska Cultural Summer, Jazz Festival, Craft Beer Festival. Evening promenades (šetnja) along harbor traditional. Laid-back pace contrasts with busier Split/Dubrovnik. Strong connection to mountain and sea activities. Local markets offer traditional handicrafts. Beach culture relaxed, less formal than northern Croatia.
Safety notes
Makarska is exceedingly safe. Violent crime is extremely rare. Standard precautions against petty theft on busy summer beaches apply. The main safety risks involve hiking the Biokovo mountains without proper gear, water, or experience.
