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The Makarska Riviera lies at the foot of the Biokovo mountain range, where a succession of cliffs and ridges form an impressive backdrop to the delightful towns and their beaches.
The Riviera is one of the most famous and beautiful tourist locations along the Croatian coast boasting lush pine forests, sapphire water and peaceful bays. The pretty towns of Baska Voda and Makarska are both ideal locations for a relaxing holiday as their picturesque settings are simply stunning. If you’re searching for a more active holiday, there are abundant opportunities across the region for hiking, mountain-biking and swimming.
Fly from London and all main regional airports from the UK to Split Airport (SPU). Flight time is typically 2hrs 15 mins to 3 hrs. Transfer to Makarska takes around 1hr 15mins, and the transfer to Baska Voda takes around 1 hour.
The Makarska Riviera offers a warm climate and enjoyed throughout the summer period. The shoulder months of April, May, early June, late September and October offer cheaper accommodation and lesser crowds.
Both Makarska and Baska Voda are easy to walk around. If you wanted to visit local villages and towns along the Riviera there are regular local buses.
The months of June, July and August are hot and usually hit 30 degrees. Early April and October is generally around 20 degrees.
Makarska Town: Located on a horseshoe-shaped bay, the pretty town of Makarska is, not surprisingly, the largest on the Riviera. Here you will find a 500 year old Franciscan monestery, which amongst other things boasts a picture gallery and a library. Makarska also boasts picturesque beaches as well as many cafes, bars and pastry shops - in fact everything you need for a care-free holiday.
Baska Voda and Brela: The stunning village of Baska Voda, lies just south off Brela. Its blue flag beaches and pine tree setting are what makes it a favourite with the locals and visitors for a spot of relaxation. For those feeling energetic Baska Voda offers a number of hiking trails.
Brela, noted for its chic atmosphere is another destination worth seeking out. It has one of Croatia’s best beaches, a 3 mile expanse punctuated by pine-clad slopes and hidden coves. In fact Forbes magazine ranked the Punta Rata beach the sixth most beautiful in the world and number one in Europe! Here you can also enjoy breath-taking sunsets from one of a string of sea-front bars and cafes.
Beaches and Swimming: The Makarska Riviera is one of best places to visit if your idea of a perfect holiday is sitting on the beach, soaking up the Croatian sun. One of the best rated is the Dugi Rat beach at Brela, with its white shingle and the famous Rock of Brela. There are countless other beaches, including Nugal beach, near the town of Tucepi. It’s only accessible by foot or boat but it’s certainly worth it. For more information on some the more unknown beaches on the Makarska.
Biokovo Nature Park: The Biokovo Mountain Range provides a spectacular backdrop to the Makarska Riviera, with 16 different peaks higher than 1400m. Whilst the Biokovo is a destination for the serious hiker, the nature park is more ideal for walkers. There’s also a fantastic botanical garden in Kotisina, home to over 300 wild plant species. It is around an hour’s walk from Makarska and between 350-500m altitude so it is still quite a serious walk, especially in the sun. For more information on the Nature Park click here.
Split: The bustling city of Split is only 35 minutes away and makes for a great day out from Trogir. Explore the UNESCO Protected Diocletian Roman Palace, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in existence. It is a maze of delightful restaurants, bars, museums, galleries and ancient churches. To get to Split from Makarska, take one of the regular coaches to Split (duration 1 hour 20 minutes), with Brela and Baska Voda taking less than an hour. For more information on Split, click here.
Omis: A unique town that sits on the Cetina River where it flows into the Adriatic Sea, Omis is an excellent day trip. It has an incredibly distinctive feature; its enormous cliffs that tower over the town and river. Omis has a number of excellent beaches stretching from Dugi Rat in the west to Ravnice in the east. The Venetian Fortress that sits on the hill high above the town is also worth a visit. Omis is very easily accessible with regular buses from Makarska and Baska Voda, taking around half an hour.
White Water Rafting: The best place in Croatia for white water rafting is on the Cetina River, a few kilometres upstream from where it meets the sea at Omis. You’ll love the picturesque river, dancing waterfalls and rapids, meanwhile clear water offers the chance to see sea turtles and a variety of different fish. There are a number of different companies offering rafting trips, but make sure you book one that provides life jackets and helmets!
Trogir: Another of Croatia’s UNESCO sites, Trogir is a very picturesque town not far from Split offering a rich history, plenty of culture and excellent food. The old town evolved within its medieval city walls, on a small island connected by bridges to both the mainland and the island of Ciovo. Trogir is very easy to get to from Split. There are a number of coach services from the Makarska. For more information on Trogir, click here.
