Makarska

Makarska is a popular town in Central Dalmatia in the center of the Makarska Riviera, which is located at the foot of the Biokovo Mountains on the Adriatic coast. One of the main attractions of the area is Biokovo Nature Park which towers above the city. Cape St. Peter divides the coast of Makarska into two bays, where in the eastern one, stretching to Cape Osejava, there is Makarska Marina. The western bay is a resort area with beaches and the long promenade Marineta. This is the most popular place among tourists in the city with a wonderful pine alley and numerous cafes, restaurants, and clubs. Travelers will find clean pebbly beaches like Donja Luka, Punta Rata, or Beach Nikolina ideal for families and water sports. As well as the beautiful architecture of mixed styles from different eras.

History

The first mention of Makarska dates back to Roman times, when the settlement of Mukkurum was founded about 2 kilometers south of the modern city. In different eras, Makarska passed from hand to hand and was under the control of various states. Now the historical heritage keeps their traces alive as sights like Castle Kotisina, St. Peter's Church or the Venetian Water Fountain created in 1775. After the Croatian War of Independence, Makarska became part of an independent Croatia. The fighting almost did not affect this area, which preserved the architecture of the city and the magnificent nature surrounding it.

What is Makarska Famous For?

The main asset of Makarska, which glorified the region as a resort area, is its magnificent beaches and access to Biokovo Nature Park. Visitors will find here the best opportunities for sea travel with beach holidays and numerous bays like Donja Luka, Gradac, and Ploce. It is also famous for its scenic sailing and diving spots, such as Stomarica Bay also known as Brela 15 minutes from the city center or Borova Bay. The Biokovo Nature Park with a variety of flora and fauna will offer travelers lots of hiking and mountain climbing on the Biokovo mountain range. There is an amazing observation deck made of glass called Skywalk Biokovo at an altitude of 1228 meters with incredible views. Makarska also has Osejava Forest Park, another point for nature lovers with many hiking trails. For lovers of historical objects, Makarska will be an amazing discovery, where its many famous sights like St. Mark's Cathedral and a Franciscan Monastery with the Makarska Malacological Museum in its basement.

Places to Visit in Makarska

Makarska is a popular Croatian holiday resort, which is located between the cities of Split and Dubrovnik. The Biokovo Mountains, pristine beaches, and Biokovo Nature Park make it one of the best holiday destinations on the Dalmatian coast. The entire coast of Makarska is occupied by the best beaches like Makarska Beach, Velika Duba, Donja Luka, Nikolina, Ramova, Baska Voda, and Nugal nude beach. Particularly interesting is the pebbly Punta Rata Beach with pine trees, which is one of the most beautiful in the world. All beaches are perfect for relaxation and active sports such as diving or snorkeling. Yachting enthusiasts can anchor in picturesque bays such as Donja Luka, Gradac, Stomarica, Borova and Ploce.

Travelers during their vacation in Makarska can diversify their impressions by walking in natural parks like Osejava Forest Park or in the historical center of the city. On the main square are St. Mark's Cathedral from the 17th century and the beautiful Venetian Water Fountain created in 1775. Also interesting to see is St. Philip's Church from the 18th century, the Town Museum of Makarska, and St. Peter's Church from the 13th century, located on the Sv. Petar peninsula. A particularly fascinating excursion awaits travelers at the Franciscan Monastery from the 16th century, which houses rare books. The basement also houses the Malacological Museum, which has a collection of over 3,000 sea shells. Also, travelers can visit Biokovo Nature Park, where they can go mountain climbing or hiking. There is also a unique glass observation deck called Skywalk Biokovo at an altitude of 1228 meters.

Best Time to Visit Makarska

Makarska is the cultural, economic and sports center  of the Makarska Riviera. It is located in the central part of the Adriatic Sea and is known for its northern Mediterranean climate and excellent conditions for hiking and swimming. The best time to visit is from May to the end of September, when the weather and the sea create favorable conditions for a perfect holiday. The summer season of the Makarska Cultural Summer (Makarsko Kulturno Ljeto) is also filled with a variety of cultural events, including Fisherman's evenings, MaFest, Sumoteka Festival, and more.

Makarska is a seaside resort; therefore it is most crowded in the summer. The beach season in this part of Dalmatia is quite short, from mid-June to the end of September, although sunbathing is possible in the resort as early as May. The real opening of the beach season begins only when the sea warms up sufficiently in June. Usually by this time Makarska becomes busy due to the influx of travelers from all over the world. The real peak of the season occurs from July to August, during which time lovers hiking in in the mountains should be aware of the midday heat. By September the resort becomes calmer, which allows travelers to enjoy time with hiking on the mountains without heat and excursions without the numerous crowds.

Weather in Makarska

Makarska is a northern Mediterranean resort with warm summers and moderate winters, with some weather peculiarities. It gets very cold at night in Makarska due to the proximity of the mountains. The mountains also hold back rain clouds, so it rains all year round. The driest month is August, and in June and July, there are sometimes shorter showers. In spring, autumn, and especially in winter there are as many rainy days as sunny ones. In May, the area is already quite warm and visitors can sunbathe with average temperatures of 73.4°F (23°C) with still cold water around 63°F (17°C). The hottest month is August with an average air temperature of around 81.2°F (27.3°) and a water temperature of around 75°F (24°C). The coldest time in Makarska is in January, with an average temperature of 46.2°F (7.9°C) and water temperatures around 56°F (13°C). September is a very comfortable month with warm weather averaging 72.2°F (22.3°C) and equally pleasant waters around 71°F (22°C).

Before Visiting Makarska

Before visiting Makarska in the summer season, it is worth stocking up on sunscreen, a hat, and the like. Holidays in this area are focused on the beach and mountains, so most locations also have convenient infrastructure, food outlets, and water sports equipment rental points. Since the beaches are pebbly and there are often sea urchins on the shore, it is best to swim in protective shoes, especially for small children. It is also worth buying flotation gear for small children. Fans of excursions should definitely take comfortable shoes with them for exploring the stone streets. Travelers who are planning hikes such as exploring Biokovo Nature Park should also take care of hiking boots for long tours, as well as backpacks with water and snacks, and details such as a power bank to charge devices during hikes.

Festivals & Special Days in Makarska

In the summer in Makarska from June to September, something interesting happens in town every weekend including concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. The program of the Makarska Cultural Summer (Makarsko Kulturno Ljeto) changes every year, only the summer carnival, which takes place on July 31, remains unchanged. There are also Fisherman's Evenings in the harbor, where visitors can taste national dishes and listen to Harvatian folk music. In addition, for music lovers there is the Makarska Jazz Festival and the Tribute To Festival. Also there is City of Comics - MaFest at the end of May, and the Festival of Makarska Riviera's United Bookworms Sumoteka Festival takes place in June. In addition, there are many more interesting events such as theme parties, a cappella singing, beer festivals, and more.

Nightlife in Makarska

Makarska offers a varied nightlife in central Dalmatia, where all the best places are concentrated mainly in the city center. The pedestrian zone of Lishtun Street opens the doors of numerous bars and clubs to guests, where dancing and fun go on until the early morning. There are several open-air nightclubs near Makarska Marina, which also work all night but only during the summer season. Everything from laid-back bars to thrilling dance clubs are available.

-    Deep Makarska

Deep Makarska is a unique establishment located inside of a natural cave at the end of the harbor on the Osejava Peninsula. The atmospheric place is divided into two parts, the first is the club itself inside the cave, where parties take place every night. The second part is a terrace next to the sea, where during the day visitors can relax with a cocktail in their hands. The club program includes pop music, house music, R'n'B and, electro trance music from popular DJs who flock here from all over the world during the summer season. They serve only professional cocktails and quality alcohol with some light snacks.

-    Buba Beach Bar

Buba Beach Bar is a popular place where travelers can spend all day and all night. It is located along the coast on the pebbly stone Makarska Public Beach, 15 minutes from the city center. Visitors can drink a cocktail, beer, or coffee, taste seafood and hamburgers, and service is brought right to the sun loungers during the day. In the evening, it turns into a noisy place where various parties, bands, and DJs and other events take place. Music is played in the styles of pop, rock, hip-hop, as well as electronic music such as trance and house. In the evening and at night, only drinks with light snacks are served.

-    Club Makarana

Club Makarana is a lounge bar and dance club located on the peninsula of St. Peter, on the west side of the port of Makarska. A beautiful place with stylish furnishings and a beachy atmosphere, it has two levels. The first level is the terrace, where the bar and DJ stand are located, where visitors can drink a cocktail in the fresh air or dance in the evening. On the ground floor in the Makarana room there is live music, usually Croatian bands. At any time, visitors can order Croatian, Mediterranean, and European cuisine such as grilled shrimp, seafood, pasta, and pizza. In addition to cocktails, the bar also has a wide range of wines from different producers and coffee-based drinks.

-    Pivnica Pivac

Pivnica Pivac is an atmospheric place in a renovated 200-year-old tavern, which is located on the waterfront. This is a pleasant pub with a casual and relaxing atmosphere for beer connoisseurs. It offers a variety of craft beers as well as well-known brands from around the world, including German and Czech varieties. In addition, they brew their own beer according to traditional recipes. Visitors can also try a snack consisting of various cheese and meat plates and seafood delicacies. In addition, the menu includes wines and other alcoholic cocktails as well as coffee drinks. The establishment hosts live music performances, beer competitions, tasting days, and other fun activities.

-    Nautica

Nautica is a pleasant place on the Makarska waterfront, where visitors can spend evening and night time with a cocktail in a relaxing environment. Slow music throughout the day, fast service, delicious food, and the best drinks have made it one of the favorite places for both locals and tourists. It serves various dishes of Croatian, Mediterranean and European cuisine, as well as seafood. In addition, the menu includes coffee, milkshakes and desserts, and a wine list from local and foreign producers. In the evening, Nautica hosts live musical performances  by local bands.

Luxury & Fine Dining Restaurants in Makarska

Makarska offers its guests a wide range of upscale restaurants serving the best national dishes and seafood delicacies. The location of the region has influenced the local cuisine, giving it hints of the Mediterranean and Italian. They serve popular seafood and fresh fish dishes, an abundance of deli meats, and traditional Croatian wines and liqueurs. The best and finest tourist-oriented restaurants are located on the Makarska embankment within walking distance from Makarska Marina.

•  Wine and Restaurant Castellum

Wine and Restaurant Castellum is a real gem of Makarska, worthy of Michelin stars, which is located near the local attraction of Kacic Square. A relaxing atmosphere, a medieval tavern interior and a beautiful ivy-covered terrace complete the perfect look. It serves Mediterranean and Dalmatian cuisine, where travelers can try grilled octopus, seafood risotto, grilled sea bass, tuna tartare, and beef carpaccio with scallops. An extensive wine list features wines from different producers including many Croatian varieties.

• Restaurant Cvit Soli

The luxurious Restaurant Cvit Soli offers diners an exquisite presentation of delicious fusion dishes and first-class service. It is located on the waterfront of Makarska in the historic Hotel Porin and offers a mixture of tradition and innovation in its menu, which includes dishes from Croatian, European and Mediterranean cuisines. The atmosphere of elegance is noticeable in everything from white linen tablecloths to refined interiors. Guests can try dishes such as octopus salad, grilled squid, lamb meat on a spit and seafood plates. Exquisite Croatian wines can be paired to any meal.

• Restaurant Kap Uja

Restaurant Kap Uja is located near the waterfront, next to St. Mark's Cathedral. This quality restaurant offers a traditional stone tavern atmosphere with a magnificent outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy Croatian, Mediterranean, and European cuisines. Guests can enjoy a traditional lamb saddle with Croatian herb sauce served with olive bread, as well as burgers, steaks, and king prawn risotto. Travelers can round off dinner with a glass of Croatian wine or coffee with dessert. Visitors will also be offered several types of craft beer brewed according to traditional Croatian technologies.

• Restaurant Jeny 

Restaurant Jeny is a Michelin-starred, family-run establishment. It is located at an altitude of 250 meters above sea level in the old town of Tucepi, about 6 km from Makarska proper.  This sophisticated place offers an atmosphere of exclusivity with a modern design, large windows, and an open terrace overlooking the sea. The kitchen offers its guests modern Croatian and Mediterranean cuisine with a gourmet presentation.  Here visitors can enjoy a symphony of flavors paired with the best Croatian wines. Many guests celebrate dishes such as scallops, shrimp tartare, veal in sauce, and desserts such as petit fours, meringues, souffles, and ice cream.

- Restaurant Riva 

Restaurant Riva is a great place a few steps from the waterfront, next to the Church of St. Philip, which is located in the boutique hotel Villa Riva. A beautiful restaurant with a terrace and an interior stylized like the Middle Ages, it is entwined with greenery and offers a unique atmosphere. The menu includes Croatian, European, and Mediterranean cuisine. Some popular dishes include tuna pate, steaks, ribeye, lobster, and grilled king prawns. For dessert, visitors can choose from treats like Pavlova cake, souffle, creme brulee, and meringue. A professional bartender can mix any classic cocktails or create something unique according to the wishes of the guests.

- Jez

Jez is a family restaurant with 40 years of history, located near the waterfront, The atmosphere of the institution is refined and sophisticated; the interior is elegant in its simplicity with snow-white tablecloths and light reflected in crystal glasses. It serves gourmet Croatian, Mediterranean, and European cuisine. Visitors can try mussels, lobsters, shrimp, and shellfish. Meat dishes are represented by steaks, beef stroganoff and Croatian cutlets Polpeta. Crab ravioli and seafood appetizers are also worth trying. The wine list offers the best wines from Croatia and France, as well as traditional herbal liqueurs.