At a Glance
The small Croatian city of Makarska lies on the coast. Sandwiched between the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea and the magnificently beautiful Biokovo mountain range on the other, there is much to envy about this holiday destination. Stunning scenery obviously tops the list, and there is plenty to see and do that will help you make the most of this incredible landscape. To top it off, there's a wonderful holiday atmosphere that takes hold throughout peak season (from April to September). Aided significantly by the blazing sun, gorgeously golden beach and abundance of people on the lookout for a good time, that general feel-good feeling is not hard to find.While high season runs from April until October, you can be sure of enjoying your visit to the maximum by timing your visit carefully. Younger people will likely have the most fun between July and August. For those seeking a quieter time on the beach, September is the best time. A sunny climate. A beautiful stretch of sand. Plenty of other people to enjoy yourself with. What more could you want from a holiday destination?
Getting Around
The good news about travelling to Makarska is that you will not have much of a problem reaching it. Bus services run from many major towns and cities throughout Croatia, including Split and Dubrovnik - both of which are served by excellent international airports. There is also a direct night connection to Banja Luka and Gradiska in the north of Boshia, as well as a ferry to Sumartin on Brac island.Makarska isn't particularly arduous when it comes to getting around and you'll usually find everything you need within walking distance. However, on those rare occasions when you feel it is necessary to get somewhere else, a taxi is perhaps your best option. You can find a reputable company by asking at your hotel, since there are many small operators rather than a single one dominating the area.
Eating and Drinking
Makarska is well-served by a plethora of restaurants that, between them, cover pretty much every type of cuisine under the sun. You will be spoilt for choice after a walk through the centre of the resort, and more than one or two eateries are certain to catch your eye. In the unlikely event that you require assistance in choosing one, however, Citrus and Evo are both great family options that provide fantastic cuisine and lively atmospheres. Roma is also good - a relaxed downtown joint that has a relaxed feel to it but remains sophisticated enough for a dinner date. Riva is worth checking out if you're into fish, especially since Makarska is located on the coast, and Mondo is good for those carnivores who like to get their teeth into some steak for a meal. Traditional Croatian peka is available from Veza for those who want an authentic local experience but it's worth reserving in advance. Well-stocked supermarkets throughout the town ensure that those in self-catering won't go hungry.
Things to See and Do
Keeping yourself busy in Makarska is no problem at all, and those of an adventurous nature will find their appetites are particularly well catered-for. How about experiencing the thrill of rafting and kayaking along the rough and ready Cetina River? Tour agents in the resort's centre advertise the opportunity to float through the very cave that was used by Marshal Tito's Partisans to hide from the Nazis during World War II. Or how about making the most of the incredible local landscape by trekking across the mountains? Be sure to stay on the trails and watch out for snakes - the majority are harmless but there is one species that is poisonous.Beach bunnies are also likely to be pleased with what is on offer, with a long golden stretch of sand running all the way along the coast. White deckchairs are stacked at intervals and these are free to use unless clearly stated otherwise. But they have attracted unsavoury characters who saunter along the beach who demand a charge for using them despite having no actual ownership. If someone asks you for money for using a sun lounger, it is best to tell them that you thought the seat belonged to the hotel and that there was no charge for using them. This will usually send them on their way.
Nightlife
As mentioned above, the nightlife in Makarska does not really get started until around mid-July finishing towards the end of August. This brief period is fantastic, though. Start your evening on the boardwalk by the beach at the bars on the sand before meandering towards the town until you reach the end of the riva. This is where the hippest trendiest places are located, and the blaze of lights, sound and colour means that you're unlikely to miss it. For fanatics of popular music, Opera is the best option, packing in tourists and locals alike who want to enjoy the latest hits in the charts. Bars tend to close around 2am but stay open later if it's busy, while the clubs continue the party until the sun goes up or everyone goes home.
Events
The reason Makarska is such an exciting place to be is because there's always something going on - be it the Dalmatia Wine Expo, celebrations for Saint Domnius Day, the Mediterranean Film Festival or even Split Summer Fest. It's a town that benefits hugely from its proximity to places such as Split in this respect, with the party spilling over from the major city and into the resort.
Location
