Best Things to Do in Makarska, Croatia (2026 Guide)

Why Makarska Deserves More Attention

Makarska sits at the foot of the Biokovo mountain, a dramatic limestone massif that rises almost vertically from the sea. The town has a beautiful harbour, a long pebble beach, a palm-lined promenade, and an old town that's genuinely charming without being overrun.

Most visitors to Croatia go to Dubrovnik (expensive, crowded) or Split (excellent but intense). Makarska offers something different — a proper Dalmatian coastal town where locals still outnumber tourists, the restaurants are family-run, and the seafood comes off the boats that morning.

1. Biokovo Nature Park and Sky Walk

The Biokovo mountain behind Makarska is one of Croatia's most dramatic natural landscapes. The Biokovo Sky Walk — a glass-floored walkway extending over the cliff edge at 1,228 metres above sea level — is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Europe.

On a clear day you can see Italy across the Adriatic. The walkway extends 10 metres out from the cliff face, and looking down through the glass to the sea and islands far below is genuinely vertigo-inducing in the best possible way.

Access is via the Biokovo road from Makarska. Entry to the nature park is €10; the Sky Walk has an additional fee. Allow half a day. With Adriatic Pass, discounts available on guided Biokovo experiences.

2. Makarska Riviera Beaches

The Makarska Riviera — a 60km stretch of coastline from Brela to Gradac — has some of the finest beaches in Croatia. The pebbles are white, the water is impossibly clear, and the backdrop of Biokovo mountain makes every beach photograph look unreal.

Punta Rata beach in Brela (20 minutes from Makarska) is regularly listed among Europe's best beaches. The famous Brela stone — a rock formation rising from the sea just offshore — is one of Croatia's most photographed landmarks.

3. Scuba Diving

The waters around Makarska have excellent visibility (20-30 metres on a good day) and a varied underwater landscape — caves, drop-offs, and a surprisingly rich marine life. More Sub Makarska offers diving courses for beginners and guided dives for experienced divers.

With Adriatic Pass, exclusive discounts on diving experiences with More Sub. See Makarska experiences →

4. Eat Fresh Fish on the Harbour

Makarska's restaurants are significantly better value than Split or Hvar. A full fish dinner — fresh-caught sea bass or sea bream, grilled with local olive oil, with a salad and local wine — costs €25-35 per person, compared to €40-60 in Hvar Town.

The harbour restaurants buy their fish from the boats that dock every morning. Ask what came in that day — the answer tells you what to order.

5. Day Trip to Cetina Canyon and Omiš

Omiš, 45 minutes north of Makarska, is one of the most dramatic towns in Dalmatia — a medieval pirate stronghold built into a cliff where the Cetina river meets the sea. The canyon behind the town is extraordinary.

Rafting on the Cetina (available through Adriatic Pass partners) takes you through the best section of the canyon. The half-day trip includes equipment, guide, and transport — one of the best active experiences in Dalmatia.

Practical Information

Getting there: Makarska is 1 hour from Split by bus (€7-10) or 1.5 hours by car. No train service.

Best time: June and September. July/August are the busiest and hottest months.

Accommodation: Good value compared to Split and Hvar. Apartments directly in the old town offer the best location.