If you are looking for things to do in Makarska, Croatia, you have come to the right place. It’s one of the most adventure-filled and lively places to visit on the Dalmatian Coast, and has something for everyone.
Since I worked in Croatia on and off for over 10 summers, people used to ask me what part of Croatia was my favorite – which was always really tough to answer. But over the years, Makarska slowly stole my heart. Makarska Croatia just has SO much going on, from water sports and hiking to amazing beach bars and nightlife.
You could never get bored in this coastal town, and I love it even more because it is more of a vacation destination for domestic tourism rather than overrun with people like other places in Croatia (cough cough, Dubrovnik). At the base of the tallest mountain in the country, Makarska is both scenic and exciting. It’s the perfect place for someone who wants to explore.
Getting to Makarska
Makarska is about halfway between Dubrovnik and Split (well, a bit closer to Split) and is reachable via bus from these two cities or by ferry from surrounding islands such as Korcula, Hvar, and Mljet. Book your travel to Makarska from other destinations in Croatia here.
As of last update, bus service runs hourly to and from Split (1.5 hours depending on traffic) and 3-4 times daily to and from Dubrovnik (3-5 hours, approximately). Ferry connections from Hvar Town and Korčula operate daily in summer season.
Heading to Croatia? I have thousands of words in guides for all different parts of the country:
- Complete Croatia Destinations Guide
- Planning a Trip to Croatia
- Guides to Split – Vis Island – Dubrovnik – Hvar Island – Korcula – Motovun, Istria – Zadar
How Many Days Do You Need in Makarska?
Most travelers find 2-3 days ideal for experiencing the best of Makarska. Spend one day enjoying beach activities (parasailing, jet skiing, wipeout course), one day on a Biokovo National Park or Cetina River adventure, and a third day exploring the town, markets, and restaurants at a relaxed pace.
If you’re into hiking or want to take multiple-day trips, 4-5 days gives you time to fully explore the Makarska Riviera. For yacht passengers on a Croatia sailing tour or those doing a quick Croatia coastal road trip, even one full day in Makarska can cover the main beach and town attractions including an adventure like parasailing, a great meal, and a night out.
Best Time to Visit Makarska
Peak Season (July-August) has the warmest weather (28-32°C/82-90°F), busiest beaches, highest prices, and full busy nightlife energy. Peak season is perfect for party atmosphere and water sports, but expect crowds and book everything in advance.
Shoulder Season (May-June & September-October): This is my recommended time! The weather is still perfect for swimming (23-27°C/73-81°F), prices drop by a lot, attractions are less crowded, and all restaurants and activities still operate. June has longer days; September has warmer sea temperatures (and honestly a more chill and relaxed vibe as most seasonal workers have made their cash for the year by then).
Spring (April-May) can be lovely for hiking Biokovo and exploring towns, but the sea is too cold for comfortable swimming. Many beach bars and water sports may not be fully operational.
Autumn/Winter (October-March): Most tourist facilities close, though some restaurants operate year-round. This is the best for budget travelers who just want to see the town and mountains, not beach activities.
Things to Do in Makarska: Activities + Adventures
Here’s an intensive list of all the fun things you can do in Makarska, and then where to eat and drink. Don’t forget to check out my other Croatia guides for insider tips on your trip.
Parasailing in Makarska
Parasailing in Makarska is a must. Find the booths along the beach to choose your operator (or book online, I think this link here is the same operator I usually use). Choose the ‘extra high’ option and be blown away by being on the same level as the stunning rocky mountains, gazing down at the little white dot that is the boat you’re attached to!
Prices vary, but having done this specific adventure many times, I really recommend it (and doing the high option). There’s nothing like it and this is one of the best places in the world to parasail.
Jet Skiing
Jet skiing here is also awesome. Again, the mountain backdrop sets it apart. Operators will have a stand on the beach that says JET SKIING in huge letters so you can’t miss it 😉
Swimming
Makarska is the swimming capital of the coast, with too many amazing spots to count!
- On one side of the port, you have Deep Cave Bar and an entire cliffy coast full of cliff jumps and mind-blowingly clear water. The jetty near Deep Cave Bar also has some lovely swim spots.
- On the peninsula between the port and beach, you have similar cliff jumps and secluded swimming spots.
- Beach – If you aren’t the cliff swimming type, you also have the option of a whole 2km of pebbly beach to swim and relax under the shade of the trees.
Wipeout Course
There are a few inflatable ‘wipeout courses’ along Makarska’s beach; you can’t miss them! For just about 12 euros, you can run along this floating obstacle course with your friends. Honestly, I have never laughed so hard in my life! You will slip and fall in the water every 2 seconds, and it’s a hilarious time.
Cliff Jumping in Makarska
You can find jumping spots all along the cliffs surrounding Makarska’s protected port. Just be careful and ensure it’s safe before jumping!
Markets + Shopping
Makarska has some of the best markets and shopping in Croatia. There are tons of different kinds of stalls along the entire beach where you can get lost shopping for basically anything you can think of.
There are markets all along the rest of the 2km of beach as well – the toughest choice will be deciding where to get your souvenirs!
Makarska Cafes and Restaurants
Essentially all of Makarska is lined with cafes, restaurants, creperies, snack bars, and takeaway food. Along the Riva (main beach boardwalk), you can find crepes, all kinds of snacks, restaurants selling all possible Croatian foods, gelato everywhere, kebabs, fast food, and cocktail bars for days. Just take a stroll along the water and see what tickles your fancy!
Hiking
Similar to the cliff jumping spots, there are hiking trails on either side of Makarska’s protected port. You can hike up through the trees and rocks to discover even more amazing views and swim spots!
Massages on the Beach
Yep, that’s right! There are plenty of massage tents right on the main beach where you can enjoy any of about 6 different types of relaxing massages right on the water.
Biokovo National Park + Skywalk
If you have more time, one of the most incredible things to do in Makarska is to rent a vespa or ATV and ride up into Biokovo National Park, which encompasses the big rocky mountains above the city.
You must pay a small fee to enter the park (check their website for current pricing), then you can ascend the mountain for miles and miles, with views improving as you go. There are some small restaurants along the main road, and there are also hiking trails that will take you up to even more secluded viewpoints. As you go up, you get a view of the islands of Hvar, Korcula, and even Brac to the north. It’s spectacular!
One of the most amazing tourist attractions up in the National Park is a very impressive construction – the Biokovo Skywalk! This glass-floored walkway has sweeping views of the Makarska Riviera and an extra thrill that the floor doesn’t appear to exist!
Buba Bar
This bar is a bit of a trek from the main port, but if you can make it, it’s a rad beach bar with thatched umbrellas, great cocktails, and a view to-die-for. It is great for relaxing on a beach chair with a drink in the sun.
Makarska Day Trips + Makarska Riviera
There are also some very exciting day trips from Makarska along the entire coastline, known as the Makarska Riviera.
Many day trips take place up near the town of Omis near the Cetina River Canyon. Zip Lining is one of the most popular adventures, with 8 different lines of varying speeds and lengths. White Water Rafting is also great there. Check out this Guide to Omis to plan out your activities accordingly (and in advance in summer).
You can also take a day trip to climb Mt Biokovo’s tallest peak – Sv. Jure. You can find booths along the main boardwalk selling tours like these. A lot of the best things to do in Makarska are actually just outside the main town!
Best Sunset Spots in Makarska
You can catch a pretty spectacular sunset in Makarska from pretty much anywhere, given that the whole town faces west. The best views are from anywhere up on the hill (restaurants with a view), from Biokovo National Park for an even better elevated mountain view, or most restaurants along the beach, such as Buba Bar.
Where to Stay in Makarska
Best Makarska Hostel
If you want a cheaper option, Hostel Makarska is the way to go. They have clean dorms and are within walking distance of EVERYTHING, right across from the port.
Best Makarska Hotels
Hotel Maritimo is the best for two words: ocean views! This one is all the way up at the end of the beach, so a bit more removed from the busy center but still right off the water. It’s fantastic for the price and a well-rated 3-star hotel.
Hotel Park Makarska is right on the boardwalk and quite perfectly central to the beach. This one is slightly more luxe at 4 stars, has great amenities, a pool, gym, and a breakfast buffet, and also is normally a great value for the price.
Makarska Apartment Rental Options
Apartment Marina is a great option for small groups or families who like to chill in the accommodation a bit more – the views are amazing from the balcony and massive terrace as well as the epic private pool. This is a very affordable apartment option.
Luxury Penthouse on Main Square is a perfect central apartment for bigger groups, with 3 bedrooms and a beautiful terrace smack dab in the center of the city. Walk everywhere within minutes! For the size, it’s very affordable too.
Makarska also has incredible options for private homes up on the mountain overlooking the sea. If you are looking for a group airbnb or just want to see an incredible villa option, check out this huge hilltop villa with pool, jacuzzi, etc.
Makarska accommodation fills up quickly during peak season (July-August), especially during local festivals and sailing tour arrivals. Book at least 2-3 months in advance for summer visits. Prices are significantly lower in June and September shoulder season, with warm swimming weather still guaranteed. For budget travelers, consider staying in nearby Brela or Baška Voda and taking the local bus to Makarska.
Where to Eat in Makarska
Smile
Smile is the BEST place to get brunch in Makarksa! They have some amazing brunch combo menu options as well as toasts, bagels, sandwiches and cocktails, great coffee, and juice. Sit outside and watch the world go by, or get some work done inside with AC.
Hops Beer and Food Factory
Hops brews 5 or 6 local beers served affordably here at their restaurant (and all over town). The food here is also fantastic, with options from pizza to burgers to salads. This is a great place to watch a sports game as they have three TV’s across the outdoor area or chill late into the night as they close at 2am.
Restaurant Riva
I have been here many times (with my tour groups when I worked as a guide) and am still not tired of it! Riva is a lovely courtyard restaurant adorned with beautiful vines, and is a perfect setting for a secluded and delicious or even romantic dinner.
Riva prides itself on meat and seafood, and you can get a top-notch steak or select freshly caught seafood straight from a freezer display. Their house red wine is also to-die-for.
Bounty
This restaurant is right on the beach and also has great meat and seafood, and also a fantastic burger! There’s a big open courtyard and extensive menu, and its one of the best places in Makarska to watch the sunset.
They serve craft beers from Hops brewery, and also have great wine and cocktails too. *Temporarily closed this year but will hopefully reopen soon!*
Fish Delish
If you need a quick bite, this unique fish restaurant has perfected the art of tuna, salmon, and shrimp in many different ways. From burgers to delicious poke-style salads, wraps, ciabatta sandwiches, and even noodle bowls, their food is GREAT.
Sit outside and watch the bustling part of town, or take it away to eat somewhere nice.
GigaBite Street Food Bar
Makarska has some truly awesome fast food! This street food bar has amazing cevapi, burgers, hot dogs, loaded fries, and even a cheesesteak that’s quite delicious. The food is high quality and definitely indulgent, but worth it!
Restaurant Kalalarga
Located in the old town, Restaurant Kalalarga is a Makarska favorite. They have some of the best meat and fish in town, as well as other classic Croatian dishes like pasticada and black risotto. The atmosphere is very cozy and authentic, too, with tables inside the old building or in the tiny stone laneway or Kalalarga street.
This is one of Makarska’s most popular restaurants, so reservations are essential in summer – book at least a day ahead or stop by when they open.
Restaurant Lavender
This is one of the most unique restaurants in Makarska as they place tables out on a little pier at night, so you can eat surrounded by water. They have pretty affordable meals in a classic Croatia style.
Restaurants Along the Boardwalk
You really can’t go wrong walking along the boardwalk and checking out restaurants along the way. Pick one that looks good! Most will have great seafood, and if you’re lucky you can get a table right on the beach.
Makarska Nightlife: Bars & Clubs
Bety Bar
This is an awesome little bar with great drink deals, perfect for some casual drinks or pre-drinks before the clubs. It will typically be very lively on any summer evening with crowds spilling out into the square, especially with sailing tours in town. They have started putting a DJ outside these days for a little street party.
Marineta Bar
This bar has great cocktails and is right on the port. Sometimes they light the bar on fire and do bartender tricks.
Deep Cave Bar (The Cave Rave!) Officially Reopened
This club has become pretty well known as the legendary ‘cave rave’ on Croatia’s coast, and has to be featured when talking about the best things to do in Makarska. It seems to go through some issues each summer, but this year it’s 100% open and ready.
Yes, there is a cave. Inside this cave is a bar. And this bar turns into a club complete with a DJ and lights when it gets dark. Sailing tour passengers all dress up like pirates for this night out, so if you come along, don’t be surprised if you see a ton of people in pirate outfits!
It’s a GREAT time – but can get extremely crowded in peak season! I recommend arriving early.
That’s all for things to do in Makarska – I hope you have an AMAZING time! If you are moving on from there, don’t forget my Split, Dubrovnik, Mostar, and more guides.
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