8 of the Best Things to do in Makarska, Croatia

Makarska, Croatia, is what I’m officially calling the adventure hub of the country. From hiking to climbing to beaching and everything in between, this coastal village on the Makarska Riviera has a little something for travelers of all styles and plenty of outdoor experiences to go around.

Here are eight of my all-time favorite things to do in Makarska, Croatia.

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1) Hit the Trails

Biokovo Nature Park offers miles upon miles of hiking and backpacking trails through unique foliage and epic rock formations. Pretty dang cool. You can access it by trail straight out of the city center, or rent some type of transportation and drive into the park to avoid a few hundred feet of elevation gain.

If you’re up for a bit of an adrenaline rush, walk on glass 1,228m (about 4,028’) above sea level at Skywalk Biokovo. It’s wild.

Curious about my exact Biokovo Nature Park hike? Read all about it here.

2) Go for a Swim

There are plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from in the greater Makarska area, but two main beaches are within close walking distance to the city center: Makarska Beach and Gradska Plaža.

Makarska Beach is on the north side of town at the base of Park Šuma Sveti Petar and is a long stretch of white pebble beach with nearby restaurants and bars, a designated swimming area, and a floating playground. It does tend to get crowded nearly every day of the week in the warmer months. My pro tip? Walk just around Park Šuma Sveti Petar’s peninsula to find a ton of swimming spots that you might even get to yourself.

Gradska Plaža is a small stretch of beach at the harbor’s south entrance. It feels a little cozier than the other, likely because it’s much smaller and is backed by a beautiful rocky cliff. Nightlife lovers, come back here after dark for Deep: a club in a cave!

3) Go Rock Climbing

Whether it’s your first or 100th time on the rock wall, there are plenty of routes for every level, and the views are…. sheeeeesh… insane. I mean, imagine, you’re up not 15’ on grippy limestone and you turn around to views of the coast and the Dalmatian islands in the distance. Ideal.

I’d hire a guide for this type of adventure for a couple of reasons:

1. Safety. Guides know this terrain like the back of their hand, and can bring you to a route that matches your skill level. And in the event of a worst-case scenario, you’ll have someone with you that knows the local language, nearby hospitals, and how their medical systems work.

2. Gear. I’m assuming you didn’t pack all your climbing gear. A guide will bring everything you need for a successful day on the rock!

I climbed with Mountain Summit Adventures and had the best time!

4) Makarska Old Town + Walk the Promenade

Walking the promenade is a great way to get acquainted with the city, and it’s a beautiful waterfront walk that takes you past restaurants, cafes, shops, the market, and more. Don’t miss Makarska’s center square–Biokovo Mountain acts as a stunning backdrop for the beautiful Baroque-style church of St. Marks.

5) Walk Around the Peninsula

Park Šuma Sveti Petar, or the St. Peter Forest Park, is easily one of my favorite parts of Makarska. It’s a little dose of nature virtually right in the middle of the city. A well-maintained, partially-paved trail circumnavigates the peninsula with plenty of swim spots to choose from.

In between dips, grab a drink at the beach bar on the north end, admire the lighthouse, and continue on to the Church of St. Peter. On the south end, you’ll find St. Peter Statue, and below, there’s a hidden little cave with water access that makes it a popular swimming spot.

6) Get Naked at Nugal Beach

A 25-minute beautiful hike through pine trees along Makarska’s coast leads you to Nugal Beach. It’s a totally private stretch of beautiful white rock beach with crystal clear blue water. There’s even a small pine forest that provides some much-needed shade in the summer months. Strip down and go for a swim if you’d like! Nudity is welcomed here.

7) Dine Like a Local: Eating and Drinking in Makarska

Every cafe experience typically starts with an espresso or some type of coffee. Then comes the beer. My favorite cafe in Makarska is JETI Fritule for its “secret garden,” if you will. There’s a shaded patio between both buildings with good vibes. I went there nearly every day for a cappuccino.

For beer, the local Croatian Ožujsko is a light and refreshing lager–you’ll be able to find it in nearly every single establishment.

There are also plenty of amazing restaurants with some of the freshest seafood around: Ankora, Konoba Kalalarga, Restaurant Rivi, and more. Order a a gemišt–a local Croatian favorite of white wine mixed with sparkling water–and enjoy a tasteful evening!

8) Catch a Ferry to an Island

The islands of Vis, Brač, and Hvar are just a ferry ride away! If you had to choose just one, I’d recommend Vis. The town is absolutely adorable, and the island has so much to offer–rent a scooter and admire the hidden coves, Komiža fishing village, wine tasting in the hills, and more! Find tickets here.

Read more about Vis and my island-hopping Dalmatia hiking adventure here.

Leave No Trace

Always remember to leave no trace–pack out what you pack in, leave what you find, prepare for every adventure, and respect the outdoors and each other every step of the way. Learn more about how to leave no trace here.

And if you do decide to venture out on any of these adventures, drop a comment below or shoot me an email to tell me how it went!

Happy adventuring!