The Makarska Riviera is one of the most dramatic stretches of the Dalmatian coast. It is where steep limestone mountains meet clear Adriatic water. You get pebble beaches, pine shade, and big views in a short distance.
This coastline runs roughly from Brela to Gradac. Most sources describe it as about 53–60 km long. It starts just south of Omiš. Split is the main gateway. Plan around 1.5 to 2 hours from Split by road. Traffic can add time in July and August. Makarska is the main hub. But each town has its own pace and vibe.
If you want easy beach days with day-trip options, this is a strong choice. You can swim, hike, eat well, and still keep travel simple. It works for families, couples, and active travellers.
Where is the Makarska Riviera
The Makarska Riviera sits in Split-Dalmatia County in Central Dalmatia. It stretches along the coast below the Biokovo mountain range.
You are also well placed for island hopping. Brač is close by. Split and Dubrovnik are both reachable for longer trips.
Makarska Riviera map basics
Think of the riviera as a string of seaside towns. Most places sit right on the coastal road. Travel between towns is fast.
Main towns and villages include:
Brela
Baška Voda
Promajna
Krvavica
Makarska
Tučepi
Podgora
Drašnice
Igrane
Živogošće
Drvenik
Zaostrog
Podaca
Brist
Gradac
Why the Makarska Riviera is worth visiting
The first reason is the scenery. The mountains are very close to the sea. That creates a unique backdrop for beach time.
The second reason is variety. You can choose busy beaches with cafés. You can also find quiet coves and short trails.
The third reason is convenience. You can base yourself in one town. Then you can explore the whole riviera by car or bus.
Best beaches on the Makarska Riviera
Most beaches here are pebble. The water is often very clear. Bring water shoes for comfort.
Quick picks by vibe:
Best for families: Tučepi, Baška Voda
Best for couples: Brela, Podgora
Best for a lively base: Makarska
Best for quieter days: Živogošće, Gradac
Best walk-in cove feel: Nugal (near Makarska)
Brela: Punta Rata and easy coves
Brela is famous for Punta Rata beach. It is known for its photogenic setting and clean water. Brela also has many smaller bays. You can walk between several swimming spots.
Best for:
couples who want scenic swims
travellers who like morning walks
visitors who want a polished resort feel
Baška Voda: classic beach town energy
Baška Voda has a lively seaside feel. The waterfront is full of restaurants and cafés. The beaches are easy to access. It suits visitors who want convenience.
Best for:
first-time visitors
travellers who like evening strolls
families who want services close by
Makarska beaches: city base with many options
Makarska has a long shoreline. It has busy sections and calmer pockets. You can also walk to greener areas near the peninsula.
Don’t miss:
Osejava park for shaded paths and views
the wider seaside promenade for sunset walks
Nugal beach Makarska: a famous wild-feel cove
Nugal is often described as a walk-in cove. It feels wilder than town beaches. Expect a walk and a rougher path. There are no facilities at the beach. Go early in peak season.
Good to know:
bring water and snacks
wear proper footwear
avoid strong wind days
Tučepi beach: long, easy, family friendly
Tučepi is known for its long main beach. It is around 4 km long. Many sources call it the longest beach on the riviera. That gives you space to spread out. It also makes beach walks very easy.
Best for:
families with kids
travellers who want a relaxed base
visitors who like long seaside promenades
Podgora beaches: pretty harbour and calm swims
Podgora is a strong middle ground. It has a charming harbour. The beaches are close and easy. It is quieter than Makarska in many weeks.
Živogošće: pine shade and a calmer rhythm
Živogošće has a laid-back feel. You get pine trees close to the shore. It is a good pick for slower days.
Drvenik and Gradac: southern end, slower pace
Drvenik is useful for ferries. Gradac is great for longer walks and quiet evenings. This end of the riviera often feels less rushed.
Things to do on the Makarska Riviera beyond the beach
Beach time is the headline. But the best trips add a few extra experiences. This is where the riviera shines.
Biokovo Nature Park and the Skywalk
Biokovo is the mountain wall behind the coast. It delivers big viewpoints and cooler air.
The most famous stop is the Biokovo Skywalk. It sits at Ravna Vlaška at 1,228 m. The views are massive on clear days.
Important planning notes:
tickets are sold online only via the park website
entry on the Biokovo road is limited
only 20 vehicles enter every full hour
the park is officially open April to October
it is not officially open November to March
opening hours and prices can change by month and season
This is a perfect half-day or full-day add-on. Start early for the best light. You also avoid midday heat.
Sv Jure and high viewpoints
Sv Jure is Biokovo’s highest peak. It reaches 1,762 m above sea level. It is a bucket-list drive for some visitors. Weather changes fast at altitude. Dress in layers even in summer.
Makarska promenade and harbour life
The Makarska Riviera promenade culture is part of the trip. Evening walks are a daily ritual. You can stop for ice cream, coffee, or a light dinner.
What to do in Makarska town:
walk the seafront and watch boat traffic
explore the old town lanes
enjoy sunset from the waterfront
Easy boat days and island vibes
Boat trips are popular in summer. You can choose a relaxed cruise. You can also pick a faster speedboat tour.
Common boat day themes:
hidden coves and swim stops
snorkelling in clear water
island views and photo spots
Brač day trip from Makarska
Brač is one of the easiest island add-ons. A key option is the Makarska to Brač ferry. The Makarska–Sumartin crossing takes about 60 minutes. This is a Jadrolinija car-ferry route. Timetables can change by season and day.
A simple Brač day plan:
morning ferry to Sumartin
drive to a beach or viewpoint
lunch in a small inland village
return for sunset on the riviera
Short walks and green pockets
You do not need long hikes to enjoy nature. Many towns have small shaded paths. Osejava park is a good example. So are coastal footpaths between beaches.
Makarska Riviera itinerary ideas
These plans keep travel time low. They also mix beach days with one or two highlights.
3-day Makarska Riviera itinerary
Day 1: Settle in and beach hop
choose a main beach near your base
swim and relax
walk the promenade at sunset
Day 2: Biokovo viewpoint day
go early for Biokovo Skywalk
return for a late swim
dinner in a local konoba style spot
Day 3: Brela or Tučepi day
scenic morning in Brela
long afternoon swim in Tučepi
finish with an easy evening walk
5-day Makarska Riviera itinerary
Day 1: Makarska town and beaches
explore town beaches
do a short walk in Osejava park
Day 2: Brela and Baška Voda
Punta Rata in the morning
lunch by the sea
sunset in Baška Voda
Day 3: Biokovo Nature Park
Skywalk and viewpoints
return for a calm evening
Day 4: Podgora and Živogošće
choose a quieter beach
enjoy pine shade and slower pace
Day 5: Brač day trip
ferry Makarska–Sumartin
beach time and a simple inland stop
7-day Makarska Riviera itinerary
This is the relaxed version. You keep two “big days” only.
Suggested rhythm:
4 beach-focused days
1 Biokovo day
1 island day
1 flexible day for weather
Flexible day ideas:
repeat your favourite beach
do a boat trip
explore Gradac in the south
Where to stay on the Makarska Riviera
Your base changes the feel of the trip. Some towns suit families. Others feel more romantic and calm.
Makarska: best all-round base
Makarska is the biggest town. It offers the widest choice of hotels and apartments. You get strong nightlife and dining options.
Choose Makarska if you want:
plenty of services
easy tours and boat trips
a lively promenade
Quick booking link: 🔍See stays in Makarska
Brela: scenic and polished
Brela feels more upscale and quiet. It is ideal for couples. It is also great for scenic beach days.
Choose Brela if you want:
photogenic coves
calm evenings
walkable beach paths
Quick booking link: 🔍See stays in Brela
Baška Voda: convenient and lively
Baška Voda is a classic holiday town. It is easy and social. It fits travellers who like bustle.
Choose Baška Voda if you want:
a busy waterfront
easy beach access
lots of casual dining
Quick booking link: 🔍See stays in Baška Voda
Tučepi: top pick for families
Tučepi is a family favourite. The long beach gives you more space. It is also simple and relaxed.
Choose Tučepi if you want:
long beach walks
a calmer base than Makarska
easy days with kids
Quick booking link: 🔍See stays in Tučepi
Podgora: charming harbour vibe
Podgora has a pretty setting. It can feel calmer than the biggest hubs. You still get restaurants and promenade life.
Choose Podgora if you want:
a romantic harbour feel
a balanced pace
good access to nearby beaches
Quick booking link: 🔍See stays in Podgora
Živogošće: slow travel and pine shade
Živogošće is for quieter holidays. You spend more time swimming and reading. You also get more nature feel.
Choose Živogošće if you want:
a low-key base
shaded beach time
fewer crowds in shoulder season
Quick booking link: 🔍See stays in Živogošće
Drvenik: practical for ferries and simple stays
Drvenik is smaller and practical. It suits travellers who want easy connections. It is also a good budget option.
Quick booking link: 🔍See stays in Drvenik
Gradac: southern base with long walks
Gradac is one of the best picks for space. It often feels calmer than central towns. You also get long promenades.
Choose Gradac if you want:
a slower southern base
long beach and promenade days
a quieter evening scene
Quick booking link: 🔍See stays in Gradac
Makarska Riviera with kids
Families do very well here. Most days are simple and beach-based. Many towns have flat promenades.
Tips for family holidays:
choose a base with easy beach access
pack water shoes for pebbles
plan one short nature trip only
keep afternoons flexible in summer heat
Best family base ideas:
Tučepi for long beach space
Baška Voda for services
Makarska for tours and variety
Makarska Riviera for couples
Couples often love the scenery. The sunsets are a highlight. The coastline is also ideal for evening walks.
Romantic ideas:
early swim in Brela
sunset promenade in Makarska
Biokovo Skywalk as a “wow” moment
quiet beach day in Živogošće
Makarska Riviera without a car
A car makes beach hopping easier. But you can still have a good trip without one.
How to do it:
pick one strong base town
use local buses for nearby towns
choose walking-distance beaches
book one or two tours for farther stops
Best towns without a car:
Makarska for transport and tours
Tučepi for long beach days
Baška Voda for a compact resort layout
How to get to the Makarska Riviera
Most travellers arrive via Split. Some arrive via Dubrovnik. It depends on flights and your route.
Typical travel times in light traffic:
Split to Makarska: about 1.5 to 2 hours by car
Split Airport to Makarska: about 1.5 to 2 hours by car
Summer traffic can add delays on the coastal road.
Split Airport to Makarska
Split Airport is the most common gateway. The fastest option is usually a car or transfer. In summer, start early to avoid slow traffic.
From the airport you can travel by:
bus connections via Split
Makarska Riviera by car
Driving gives you the most freedom. It is best for families and beach hoppers. Parking can be the main challenge.
Parking tips:
book accommodation with parking if possible
arrive early for popular beaches
plan midday breaks away from the centre
Makarska Riviera bus from Split
Buses are common in Croatia. They can be a good budget option. Choose a base and keep day trips simple.
Best time to visit the Makarska Riviera
Your best time depends on your priorities. Crowds and heat peak in mid-summer. Shoulder season can feel perfect.
Makarska Riviera in May
May is calmer and greener. Sea temperatures are cooler. It suits walkers and slow travellers.
Makarska Riviera in June
June brings warmer sea days. The atmosphere feels lively. It is often easier than July and August.
Makarska Riviera in September
September is a favourite for many visitors. Sea temperatures stay pleasant. Crowds start to thin. Evenings feel more relaxed.
Crowds, quiet beaches and smart timing
The riviera can get busy in summer. But timing makes a big difference.
Use these strategies:
swim early in the morning
choose one “popular beach” day only
try smaller coves in the afternoon
visit Biokovo early to avoid queues
If you want quiet beaches, aim for:
May
early June
mid to late September
What to pack for the Makarska Riviera
A small packing list improves comfort. It also helps on pebble beaches.
Essentials:
water shoes
snorkel mask
light jacket for Biokovo viewpoints
reusable water bottle
sun protection and a hat
Nice extras:
dry bag for boat days
small beach umbrella for midday shade
Quick local etiquette and safety notes
The sea can look calm but change fast. Respect local flags and advice.
In the mountains, weather shifts quickly. Bring layers for altitude. Carry water and basic snacks.
FAQs
Is the Makarska Riviera worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most scenic parts of Central Dalmatia. You get beaches, promenades, and Biokovo views.
How many days do you need?
A long weekend works for one base town. Five days feels balanced for beach hopping. A full week suits slow travel and day trips.
Which town is best as a base?
Makarska is best for variety and services. Tučepi is best for relaxed family beach days. Brela is best for scenic coves and couples.
Do you need a car?
A car helps a lot. It makes hidden beaches and viewpoints easier. But you can still visit without a car. Choose a strong base and use buses and tours.
What is the best beach area?
Brela is famous for Punta Rata. Tučepi is great for long beach walks. Makarska offers many options in one place.
How do you visit Biokovo Skywalk?
Plan ahead and start early. Check tickets and entry rules before you go. Bring layers and water for the viewpoint.
Can you do a Brač day trip from Makarska?
Yes. The Makarska–Sumartin ferry makes it easy. Check the Makarska ferry timetable by season.
Wrap-up: your Makarska Riviera game plan
The Makarska Riviera is a simple holiday that still feels dramatic. You wake up to mountain views. You end the day with an Adriatic sunset.
Choose your base town carefully. Then build your days around water, shade, and short trips. Add one Biokovo viewpoint day. Add one island day if you like.
Quick recap:
Pick a base town that matches your vibe.
Add one Biokovo Skywalk morning.
Add one Brač ferry day or a boat trip.
If you want a coast trip with big scenery and easy beach days, put the Makarska Riviera on your shortlist. Pick your base, plan one or two highlights, and leave the rest open for the sea.
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