Makarska Riviera Beach Guide — Best Beaches Ranked (2026)

What Is the Makarska Riviera?

The Makarska Riviera is a 60km stretch of coastline running from Brela in the north to Gradac in the south, backed by the dramatic Biokovo mountain range. It's one of the most consistently beautiful coastlines in Croatia — white pebble beaches, turquoise water, pine trees providing shade, and Biokovo's limestone walls rising almost vertically behind every beach.

Most of the beaches are pebble or small stones rather than sand, but the water clarity more than compensates. The Riviera's beaches consistently rank among Croatia's best.

Brela — Best Overall Beach Town

Brela is the northernmost town on the Riviera and arguably its finest. Punta Rata beach — a curved pebble bay with the famous Brela Stone rising from the sea — is regularly listed among Europe's best beaches. The stone (a small rock formation just offshore with a pine tree growing on top) is one of Croatia's most photographed landmarks.

The town itself is small and low-key — no large hotels dominating the waterfront, no beach clubs with thumping music. The seafront promenade runs through pine trees above a series of small beaches, each slightly different.

Getting there: 40km north of Makarska. 45 minutes by car or bus from Split.

Best beach: Punta Rata — follow the promenade north from the town centre for 10 minutes.

Baška Voda — Best Family Beach

Baška Voda has a long, gently shelving beach with calm water — ideal for families with young children. The town has good infrastructure (restaurants, shops, ice cream) directly on the waterfront.

Less atmospheric than Brela but more practical for families who need facilities nearby.

Makarska — Best Base for Exploring

Makarska is the Riviera's main town — the best place to base yourself if you're exploring the area. The town beach (Donja Luka) is directly in front of the main square and harbour. It's not the most beautiful beach on the Riviera but the location — steps from restaurants, bars, and the ferry to Brač — is unbeatable.

The pine-lined promenade stretching east from the harbour toward Nugal beach is one of the most pleasant beach walks on the coast.

Nugal Beach — Most Secluded

A 30-minute walk east of Makarska through pine forest brings you to Nugal — a small, secluded pebble bay that can only be reached on foot or by boat. The effort keeps the crowds down. One of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches on the Riviera, traditionally clothing-optional.

Tučepi — Best for Long Beach Walks

Tučepi has a 3km beach — one of the longest continuous beaches in Dalmatia. The promenade running along it passes restaurants, small hotels, and beach bars. Good for a long morning walk followed by swimming.

Gradac — Most Unspoiled

Gradac is at the southern end of the Riviera — quieter than the towns further north, with some of the most unspoiled beaches on the coast. The seafront promenade passes through pine trees above a series of small bays. Less tourist infrastructure means fewer facilities but more peace.

Practical Information

Getting around the Riviera: Local buses connect the towns but infrequently. A car or scooter gives you much more flexibility — essential if you want to explore beyond the main towns.

Best time: June and September — water is warm, beaches have space, accommodation is cheaper.

Water shoes: Essential — all beaches are pebble.

With Adriatic Pass: Discounts on experiences and activities across the Makarska area including Biokovo and diving. See Makarska experiences →