Makarska

Travel Guide

Makarska showing general coastal views and mountains
Makarska featuring a marina and mountains
Makarska showing a square or plaza
Makarska showing 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

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
Now time for sunset in Makarska. Photo made on the street zadarska.

Zelenka

While Zelenka might 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 Biokovo National Park.

Zelenka
Default Image

Ratac

When in Ratac, you can plan a visit to Makarska Beach and Biokovo National Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Ratac
Default Image

Donja luka

While Donja luka might 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 Biokovo National Park.

Donja luka
Default Image

Gorinka

While there might not be top attractions in Gorinka, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Makarska Beach and Biokovo National Park.

Gorinka
Default Image

Bili brig

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 P18,821 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P18,821
P21,268 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Makarska. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (203 reviews)
Lovely hotel
"Had an amazing stay. Breakfast choice plentiful and rooms clean. Helpful staff. Beautiful beach location. Loved the indoor and outdoor pools. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Valamar Meteor Hotel
Hotel Park
Hotel Park
4 out of 5
Kralja Petra Kresimira Iv, Makarska
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Makarska. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (234 reviews)
The best
"Really nice hotel ! They upgraded me (I believe because I came late and had to sleep in the car because of some flight issues) and the room was huge with a great view ! Loved this place , gym big breakfast selection"

Reviewed on Apr 17, 2025

Hotel Park
Hotel Biokovo
Hotel Biokovo
4 out of 5
Obala Kralja Tomislava 14, Makarska
The price is P11,720 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P11,720
P13,420 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Makarska. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Makarska Ferry Port and Church of St. Philip are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (168 reviews)
"Top floor room w view. Beautiful harbor and the night time is quiet."

Reviewed on May 16, 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 WiFi, room service, and a sauna. Popular attractions Makarska Promenade and Makarska ...
"Overall a great place to be"

Reviewed on Oct 14, 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 Sep 12, 2024

Apartment and Rooms Ivan
Pansion Simic
Pansion Simic
2.5 out of 5
Put Cvitacke, 8a, Makarska, Croatia
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Makarska. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and 3 beach bars. Popular attractions Brela Beach and Biokovo National Park ...
Pansion Simic
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

Things to do