Information
Landmark: Makarska RivieraCity: Makarska
Country: Croatia
Continent: Europe
Makarska Riviera, Makarska, Croatia, Europe
Overview
The Makarska Riviera, in southern Dalmatia, curves between the rugged Biokovo Mountains and the glittering Adriatic, a breathtaking sweep of Croatian coastline.The Makarska Riviera, with its glassy blue waters, rugged cliffs, and storybook seaside towns, draws travelers from around the world eager to soak in Croatia’s natural splendor and rich culture.The Makarska Riviera stretches for about 60 kilometers (37 miles) along the coast, running from Brela in the west to Gradac in the east.Behind it, the Biokovo Mountains rise sharply, their gray cliffs towering above beaches of pale sand and smooth pebbles.Pine forests hug the coastline, broken by hidden coves and tiny islands where the air smells of salt and resin, a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors.At its center sits Makarska, the lively heart of the Riviera and one of Croatia’s best-known seaside escapes.You’ll find a charming blend of sun-warmed Mediterranean buildings, lively seafront walks, and nightlife that hums with music and laughter.Cafes buzz, shop windows glow, and restaurants spill delicious aromas along the waterfront, giving the town its lively pulse.Makarska’s Marina bustles with boats and sleek yachts tied along the pier, and nearby you’ll find St. Mark’s Church, the Makarska Museum, and the Biokovo Skywalk, where from the mountain’s peak you can see the town and coastline spread out below.At the far western edge of the Riviera lies Brela, famous for its stunning shores, especially Punta Rata Beach, often hailed as one of Croatia’s most beautiful.Brela is known for its unspoiled beauty-clear blue water lapping at the edge of pine forests that sweep right down to the shore-and it’s perfect if you’re after quiet days filled with hiking, water sports, or simply lying on the sand.Just to the south, Baska Voda offers a different vibe, with golden beaches and a lively summer buzz that spills into its café-lined streets.Its history runs deep, from crumbling Roman ruins to a sunlit old town square lined with worn stone steps.Tučepi, a small town just south of Makarska, is ideal for travelers who love both history and stunning scenery, with cozy cafés, inviting restaurants, and a bustling seaside promenade where you can smell the salt in the air.Its long stretch of smooth pebbles draws visitors in, offering plenty of chances to dive into the water, catch the wind in a sail, or skim the surface on a jet ski.Tučepi feels more relaxed than Makarska, yet you can still find cozy hotels and seaside restaurants there.Podgora, tucked between Tučepi and Makarska, is a quiet, picture-perfect village with narrow streets and the scent of salt in the air.People love it for the calm air, the soft stretch of sand underfoot, and the mountains rising blue in the distance.If you want a slower pace but don’t want to lose touch with the bigger towns along the Riviera, head to Gradac-the eastern tip of the Makarska Riviera, where calm streets meet a stretch of bright, pebbled shore.In this town, you’ll find golden beaches, centuries-old traditions, and the aroma of fresh bread drifting from family-run cafés.If you’re after a quieter getaway with true Croatian charm, this spot’s a perfect pick-Biokovo Mountain rises behind the Makarska Riviera, its gray peaks cutting sharply against the blue sky.Biokovo Mountain shelters the stunning Biokovo Nature Park, where you can hike winding trails, spot wild goats, and take in sweeping views of the Adriatic and its scattered islands.At over 1,200 meters up, the Biokovo Skywalk’s glass floor makes your stomach drop as the coastline sprawls below.Down by the water, the Makarska Riviera’s pebble beaches-fringed with fragrant pine-offer cool shade and a perfect spot to swim or stretch out in the sun.Some of the Riviera’s favorite spots include Punta Rata Beach in Brela, where crystal-clear water laps against the famous Baldini Rock, Makarska Beach in the town center with its wide sweep of sand and easy access to shops and cafés, and Tučepi Beach, a long pebbled shore shaded by café umbrellas.Just offshore, boats carry visitors to the islands of Hvar and Brač, where quiet coves and bright, untouched beaches wait under the sun.Many visitors take day trips to these islands to see more of Croatia’s sparkling Adriatic coast, where the Makarska Riviera tempts water lovers with kayaking, windsurfing, scuba diving, and the roar of jet skis skimming across the waves.The water’s so clear you can spot fish gliding beneath you, making it perfect for snorkeling and exploring the sea’s hidden life.In the Biokovo Mountains, trails wind through pine-scented slopes, offering hikes for every skill level and sweeping views of the coast.Cycling fans can follow winding paths through the mountains’ pine-scented slopes and along the glittering coastline, while boat tours carry visitors past the Makarska Riviera and nearby islands for swims in clear water, a bit of fishing, or just soaking in the sea views; in the towns, centuries-old churches, sunlit squares, and graceful Mediterranean facades tell stories of a rich cultural past.Stroll at your own pace through winding streets, browse the lively stalls at the local market, and step into museums like the Makarska Museum, where the scent of old wood hangs in the air and the region’s history comes alive; afterward, settle into one of the Riviera’s many restaurants or taverns to savor rich, traditional Dalmatian dishes.If you love seafood, you’ll savor the day’s fresh catch-grilled fish with crisp, blistered skin, tender octopus, and plump mussels-often drizzled with olive oil and scattered with fragrant local herbs.For dessert, try the local rožata-a silky Croatian custard with caramel on top.The Makarska Riviera is at its best in late spring, from May to June, or in early autumn, September to October, when the sea’s still warm and the crowds have thinned.If you’re after a lively vibe and a packed calendar of events, summer-especially July and August-is ideal, though you’ll notice more people filling the café terraces.In the end, the Makarska Riviera blends stunning scenery, rich history, and endless ways to explore the outdoors.You might spend the morning stretched out on a soft, white-sand beach, hike the rugged trails of the Biokovo Mountains in the afternoon, and still have time to wander through a sunlit coastal town-on the Makarska Riviera, there’s something for everyone.
