Attractions in Makarska – What to Visit?
Planning a vacation in Makarska and not sure what to see? You’re in the right place.
In this guide, we’ll share our ideas on top attractions to introduce you to the best Makarska has to offer.
Keep reading to discover:
- Top attractions in Makarska
- Attractions near Makarska
Makarska Promenade (Riva)
The Riva in Makarska is a picturesque promenade that offers unforgettable views of the Adriatic Sea and the nearby islands. As you walk along this promenade, you will feel the pulse of the city and its vibrant atmosphere. The Riva is surrounded by numerous cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local delicacies and refreshing drinks. In the summer, the Riva comes alive with various cultural and musical events, making it an ideal place for anyone who wants to soak up the true Dalmatian spirit. Don’t forget to take a photo with the famous lighthouse at the end of the Riva, which has become one of the symbols of Makarska.
Biokovo Nature Park & Skywalk
Biokovo Nature Park, which dominates the Makarska Riviera, is a place of incredible natural beauty and diversity. This park is a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and adventurers. Visit the Skywalk, a glass platform that allows you to walk above the cliff with breathtaking views. Biokovo is also home to numerous endemic plant and animal species, making it the perfect place to explore and learn about the local flora and fauna. Experience adventure by walking its hiking trails that offer panoramic views of Makarska and the Adriatic Sea.
St. Mark’s Church
St. Mark’s Church is one of the most important historical and cultural symbols of Makarska. Located on the main square, this 18th century church impresses with its Baroque architecture and the works of art inside. A visit to the church is an opportunity to get acquainted with the rich history and traditions of Makarska. The interior of the church hides valuable paintings and sculptures that reflect the religious and cultural life of the city through the centuries. Visit this church to feel the peace and spirituality that reign within its walls.
Kačić Square
Kačić Square is the pulsating heart of Makarska, a gathering place for citizens and tourists seeking an authentic experience of Dalmatian culture. The square is dominated by a monument to Andrija Kačić Miošić, a famous Croatian poet and Franciscan, making it an important cultural and historical symbol. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings, such as the Church of St. Mark and the Old Town Hall, whose architecture exudes history. In summer, the square comes alive with numerous cultural events, concerts and festival evenings, providing visitors with unforgettable moments of fun and socializing.
Makarska Beach (Donja Luka)
Makarska beach, also known as Donja Luka beach, stretches along the entire Makarska Riviera, offering endless opportunities for rest and recreation. This long pebble beach is famous for its clear blue sea and beautiful views of Mount Biokovo. It is equipped with numerous amenities that will make your stay pleasant and carefree, including sun loungers, parasols, sports fields and children’s playgrounds. The beach is also known for its lively atmosphere, with many cafes and bars along the coast, where you can enjoy refreshing drinks and a view of the sunset
Vepric
The Vepric Sanctuary, located in an idyllic wooded bay near Makarska, was founded in 1908 and is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lourdes. The natural landscape of the sanctuary, with a cave and a spring, is reminiscent of Lourdes in France, making Vepric a place of prayer and pilgrimage for believers from all over the world. The peace and quiet that reign in this holy place provide visitors with a sense of spiritual calm and renewal. The sanctuary is surrounded by beautiful nature, making it a perfect place for meditation and personal reflection, as well as for getting acquainted with the Catholic tradition of Dalmatia.
Makarska Old Town
The Old Town of Makarska is a picturesque historical center that exudes tradition and culture.
As you navigate the narrow stone streets, you will discover a wealth of architecture, from small churches and chapels to impressive Renaissance palaces. Every stone and building tells a story of the past, and the numerous shops, galleries and cafes offer an authentic experience of Dalmatian everyday life. The Old Town is the perfect place for an evening stroll, where you can enjoy local specialties or simply soak up the atmosphere of times gone by. Here is also the Church of St. Mark, which with its Baroque bell tower is one of the symbols of the city.
Osejava Promenade
The Osejava promenade is one of the most beautiful places to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Makarska. It stretches along the southern part of the city, offers spectacular views of the sea and mountains, and is a favorite place for walks, morning jogging or cycling. The promenade leads to beautiful beaches and secluded bays where you can find peace and quiet away from the crowds. Osejava is also famous for its sports fields, where sports fans can enjoy tennis, football or basketball. Evenings on Osejava are especially magical, when the sea and mountains merge into a unique picture under the starry sky.
Makarska City Museum
The Makarska City Museum is a place where the rich history, culture and artistic heritage of this beautiful coastal town is preserved and presented. Housed in an old, historic building, the museum offers interesting exhibitions that tell stories about ancient times, the people who lived in this area, and the traditions and customs that have shaped Makarska’s present-day identity. A visit to this museum is an opportunity to get to know the history of the town and its cultural treasures in more depth.
St. Peter Peninsula
The St. Peter peninsula is a peaceful and picturesque place that offers a unique view of Makarska and its
Riviera. The peninsula is home to the church of the same name, as well as a lighthouse that further adds to the romantic atmosphere of this place. The peninsula is ideal for those looking for a quiet corner for
relaxation, meditation or a picnic with a sea view. In addition, here you can enjoy nature walks and discover small hidden beaches that provide privacy and an escape from the summer crowds.
Attractions Near Makarska
- Attractions near Makarska
Blue and red lake in Imotski
North of Biokovo, near the lovely town of Imotski, there are two amazing karst lakes that lie in sinkholes, and they were named after the color they are associated with. Blue Lake is named after the blue that shimmers in different shades. The lake is located in a sinkhole, surrounded by gorges on top of which rises the Topana fortress built in the 10th century. A path leads to the lake, and the water level in it fluctuates. Sometimes it dries up completely, and the locals turn its bottom into an improvised football pitch. When there is enough water in the lake, it is a popular place for swimming and sunbathing. Depending on the season you choose to visit Blue Lake, you will be able to hike or swim here, and in both cases you will enjoy beautiful views! Red Lake got its name from the fascinating steep red rocks that surround it and are reflected in it. It lies in one of the deepest sinkholes in the world, and unlike the Blue Lake, it never dries up because it is connected to the underground waters by a network of canals. The Red Lake can only be accessed by skilled, experienced climbers with professional equipment. Despite this, you can enjoy a spectacular view from the top of the rocks!
Kravica Waterfall Ljubuski
Kravica Waterfall is a favorite Herzegovinian picnic spot and summer swimming spot. 3 kilometers downstream from the village of Hrašljani, between the villages of Studenci and Zvirići, the Trebižat River falls from a height of 28 meters, creating a beautiful natural amphitheater 120 meters wide. This natural spectacle has attracted numerous nature lovers for years, and in the summer months it offers relaxation and fun for all lovers of swimming and activities on the river.
Shrine Of The Queen Of Peace - Medjugorje
Međugorje is one of the most famous Roman Catholic pilgrimage destinations in the world. It became famous through the apparitions of the Virgin Mary, which began to appear as a phenomenon in 1981, after which religious tourism began to develop. Since then, this Herzegovinian town has been, along with Sarajevo, one of the most visited tourist centers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited annually by about a million Catholics from all over the world. Unlike the Marian shrine in Lourdes, France, which, with its six million faithful tourists per year, has become a real commercial paradise for domestic caterers, Međugorje has still retained its original charm, where pilgrims find peace in faith. The gathering point is the church of St. James in the center of the town.
Kotišina and Veliki Kaštel, guardians of nature and culture
It is a small village, but it has witnessed numerous historical events, and more importantly, played an important role in many of them. The Veliki Kaštel, a unique fortress carved into the cliffs of Biokovo, is undoubtedly the main asset of the village. It was built during the Candian War in the 17th century, when it served as a shelter. Since the castle was renovated in 2019, it has been home to the Veliki Kaštel Interpretation Center, an innovative and modern exhibition space dedicated to the archaeological, ethnological and natural heritage of Kotišina and Biokovo. The interpretation center is managed by the Makarska City Museum, and offers visitors an insight into the history and influence of Kotišina using modern technologies. Part of the exhibition is dedicated to the natural heritage and the various plants that have chosen Biokovo as their home. You can find more indigenous plant species that grow on the slopes of Biokovo in the beautiful Kotišina Botanical Garden, also known as the “garden of twelve flowering months”, where there are plants in bloom all year round.
Villages under Biokovo
The villages above Makarska, Tučepi and Brela are very picturesque. You can still see how this area used to look, original rural architecture combined with beautiful views of the coast and islands. These houses have been built especially solidly since ancient times, to withstand the gusts of the bora wind, which sometimes blows at up to 150 km/h. It is interesting to mention that before World War II, local villagers were engaged in extracting ice from the Biokovo caves to supply Makarska hotels at a time when there were no refrigerators. After extracting it, they had to be transported to Makarska without melting. It was hard work, but necessary for survival. Many villages were abandoned after the devastating earthquake in 1962, but even today, some enthusiasts are trying to revive this picturesque area. If you are interested in the ‘hidden’ side of tourism with a powerful story behind it, be sure to take a walk through these villages.
Nugal
Since it was named the third most beautiful beach in Europe in 2019 by the European Best Destinations portal, Nugal has become a place where more and more naturists, as well as other swimmers, want to swim. The pebble beach is surrounded by cliffs on both sides, and Nugal is set in a dense forest in the background. You won’t be crowded with other swimmers on it, thanks to its somewhat isolated location. The beach can be reached on foot or by bike, along a gravel path through the forest. We advise all naturists who want to enjoy this untouched piece of nature to bring food and drinks with them, as there are no catering facilities on Nugal.
Punta Rata, Brela
Punta Rata, Brela – is considered by many to be the most beautiful beach in Croatia. This beautiful pebble beach with a sandy entrance to the sea, surrounded by fragrant pine trees that provide natural shade, was declared one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world by Forbes magazine in 2004. European Best Destinations – a Belgian portal also declared it one of the most beautiful beaches in the world in 2015. This beach is symbolized by the Brela Rock that emerges from the water and leaves tourists breathless. It is the Brela Rock that can be found on numerous postcards, covers and wallpapers throughout Croatia and the world. Along the beach there are all other accompanying facilities (cafes, restaurants, a pastry shop, showers, deck chairs for rent, the possibility of renting a Jet-ski, banana and tube skiing, etc.) to make your summer vacation and enjoyment of this beach unforgettable