Makarska
Plan Makarska with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Early morning in Makarska, and the bay is a mirror. Fishing boats sit still in the harbour, the pine-shaded promenade is empty except for a few swimmers, and behind the town the great limestone wall of Biokovo turns pink, then gold, as the sun rises over its summit. Across the water, the long shapes of Brač and Hvar float in a soft blue haze.
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Makarska Day Tours
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Makarska at first sight
Makarska is the heart of the Makarska Riviera, a string of pebble beaches and old fishing villages between the mountains and the Adriatic in central Dalmatia. The town has a small Venetian-era old quarter, a lively waterfront and a forested peninsula with a lighthouse, but its real magic is the setting: crystal-clear sea at your feet and one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in Croatia rising straight above it.
Why include Makarska in your itinerary?
- Mountain and sea side by side. Few coastlines are as dramatic as this one. The Biokovo range climbs almost straight from the beaches to the summit of Sveti Jure, the second-highest peak in Croatia, giving Makarska views and adventures that most seaside towns cannot match.
- Some of the clearest water in the Adriatic. The Makarska Riviera is famous for long pebble beaches shaded by pines and sea so clear you can see the stones far below. From Brela in the north to Tučepi in the south, every bay invites a swim.
- The perfect base for islands and day trips. Brač and Hvar lie just across the channel, reached by ferry or speedboat, while Split, Omis and the Cetina canyon are within easy reach by road, making Makarska an ideal base for exploring central Dalmatia.
Signature experiences in Makarska
The Biokovo Skywalk and Mountain Viewpoints
High on the slopes of Biokovo Nature Park, a horseshoe-shaped glass platform hangs over the cliff edge, with the whole Riviera and the islands spread far below your feet. The narrow mountain road continues towards Sveti Jure, with wild karst landscapes and wide views. We arrange guided trips by open buggy or small vehicle with priority entry, so you skip the road queues and enjoy the views with an expert driver.
Island Hopping by Speedboat
A fast boat brings the best of the central Dalmatian islands into one day. Swim in turquoise lagoons, explore sea caves where the light turns the water electric blue, and stop at island villages on Brač and Hvar, including the famous Zlatni Rat beach near Bol. Our speedboat tours leave from the Makarska waterfront and keep groups small, with time to swim at every stop.
Zip Lining above Tučepi
In the hills above Tučepi, just south of Makarska, a series of zip lines crosses a green canyon in the foothills of Biokovo. Fly from platform to platform with the sea glittering below and the mountain walls rising above. It is safe, professionally guided and suitable for confident beginners, and we can include transport from your hotel.
The Old Town and the Riva
Makarska's small old quarter gathers around the main square and the Church of St Mark, with stone lanes leading to the harbour. The Franciscan monastery holds a remarkable shell museum, and the pine forest of the St Peter peninsula leads to a lighthouse and quiet swimming rocks. In the evening, the palm-lined Riva fills with families strolling, ice cream in hand, as the lights come on across the bay.
Day Trips along the Dalmatian Coast
From Makarska, a private car with driver arranged by our team can take you to the Roman palace and old town of Split, about an hour away, or to the pirate town of Omis and the emerald Cetina canyon. With a longer day, the walled city of Dubrovnik lies to the south along one of the most beautiful coastal roads in Europe.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Makarska
The Riva and Old Town
The waterfront promenade and the old streets behind it are the centre of Makarska life, with cafés, restaurants, shops and the harbour where island boats depart. It is the most convenient area for first-time visitors and very lively in summer evenings. Rooms facing the Riva can be noisy late at night in July and August.
The Main Beach Promenade
West of the harbour, a long pebble beach runs beneath a shady pine-lined promenade towards Donja Luka. Hotels and apartments sit just behind the trees, a few minutes' stroll from the old town. It suits families who want to step straight onto the beach, with calm water, play areas and plenty of space.
Tučepi
Just south of Makarska, Tučepi is a quieter resort village with a long beach, a seafront promenade and larger hotels set in gardens beneath Biokovo. It feels relaxed and green, ideal for families and couples who prefer calm evenings, and the walk or short drive into Makarska is easy.
Brela
About twenty minutes north, Brela is known for some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, with pine trees growing almost to the water and the famous rock of Punta Rata. It is peaceful and scenic, perfect for travellers who want a quieter base with the clearest water, while staying close to Makarska's restaurants and harbour.
How long to stay in Makarska and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend four nights in Makarska. One day for the Biokovo Skywalk and mountain viewpoints, one for an island speedboat trip, one for zip lining or Omis and the Cetina canyon, and one for the beaches and old town. With six nights, add Split and a longer trip to Dubrovnik.
How to pair it
Makarska pairs naturally with Split, about an hour north, for its Roman palace and lively old town. A seven-day trip combines Split, Makarska and the islands of Brač and Hvar. In ten days, add Dubrovnik in the south. A fourteen-day journey can start in Zagreb, visit the lakes of Plitvice, then follow the coast through Split and Makarska to Dubrovnik.
Best time to visit Makarska and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best time to visit Makarska is from May to June and in September, when the sea is warm, days are sunny and beaches are calmer. July and August are hot and busy, with the liveliest atmosphere. From November to March many hotels close and the bura wind can blow hard, though the mountain views are spectacular on clear winter days.
The daily rhythm
Makarska's day starts with an early swim while the sea is calm and the beaches are quiet. Mornings are best for Biokovo, before the haze and the heat. Afternoons are for the beach and a long lunch of grilled fish. Evenings begin late, with a stroll along the Riva, ice cream and music drifting from the waterfront squares.
On-the-ground logistics in Makarska
Arrival
Split Airport (SPU) is the main gateway, about an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half from Makarska by road. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) is about two and a half hours to the south, and the small Brač Airport (BWK) has seasonal flights. Coaches from Split, Zagreb and Dubrovnik arrive at Makarska bus station. We arrange private transfers from the airport straight to your hotel.
Getting around
Makarska's centre, beaches and promenade are easy to explore on foot. Local buses and taxis link the Riviera villages, and ferries cross from the harbour to Sumartin on Brač. The Biokovo road is narrow and steep with timed entry, so a guided trip is easiest. For longer day trips, a private car with driver arranged by our team is the most comfortable choice.
Local etiquette tip
Dalmatians are friendly and relaxed, and a simple dobar dan, meaning good day, is warmly received. Swimwear belongs on the beach; cover up in town, shops and restaurants, and dress modestly in churches. Fresh water is precious on the Biokovo trails. Rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated for good service. Halal restaurants are rare on this coast, but grilled fish, seafood and vegetable dishes are everywhere.
Must-do things in Makarska
- Stand on the glass Skywalk high above the Makarska Riviera
- Drive the mountain road towards the summit of Sveti Jure
- Swim in a turquoise lagoon on a speedboat island trip
- Explore a sea cave lit by electric-blue water
- Fly over a green canyon on the zip lines above Tučepi
- Walk through the pine forest to the St Peter lighthouse
- Visit the shell museum in the Franciscan monastery
- Stroll the palm-lined Riva on a warm summer evening
- Swim beneath the pines at the beaches of Brela
- Taste grilled fish and fresh figs in a harbour restaurant
Do’s and don’ts in Makarska
Do
- Do book the Skywalk and island trips early in summer
- Do bring water shoes for the pebble beaches
- Do start mountain trips early for clear views
- Do carry water and sun protection everywhere
- Do dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries
Don’t
- Don't walk through town in swimwear
- Don't hike on Biokovo without water, a map and proper shoes
- Don't underestimate the summer sun at midday
- Don't swim far out where boats and speedboats pass
- Don't try to see all the islands in a single rushed day
Makarska at a glance
Plan Makarska with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Makarska.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Makarska?
First-time visitors usually stay near the Riva or along the main beach promenade, close to the old town, restaurants and the harbour where island boats leave. For a quieter base, Tučepi or Brela offer beautiful beaches a short drive away. Our team can suggest the right area and arrange your private airport transfer.
Can Makarska be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?
A day trip from Split is possible, but Makarska rewards a longer stay. To see the Skywalk, visit the islands, enjoy the beaches and feel the evening atmosphere of the Riva, plan at least three or four nights. We arrange private transfers and guided tours to fit your schedule.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Makarska?
Dress is relaxed and casual. Swimwear is fine on the beach, but cover up away from it, as walking through town in swimwear is frowned upon. In churches, cover shoulders and knees. Greet people politely and respect quiet hours in residential streets. Our guides explain local customs along the way.
Is Makarska tourist friendly?
Yes. Makarska has welcomed visitors for generations and tourism is central to local life. Hotels, guides and restaurants are used to travellers from around the world, and English is widely spoken. The town is safe, easy to navigate and especially welcoming to families.
Is it safe to travel to Makarska now?
Makarska is generally considered very safe for visitors. The main cautions are the strong summer sun, slippery rocks and narrow mountain roads on Biokovo, so take care and follow your guide's advice. Before departure, check your own government's official travel advice, and keep our WhatsApp line handy throughout your stay.
What are the must-do things in Makarska?
The must-do things in Makarska include the Biokovo Skywalk, the mountain road towards Sveti Jure, a speedboat trip to the islands and sea caves, the zip lines above Tučepi, the St Peter peninsula, the Riva at sunset and the beaches of Brela. Our guided tours combine these in the best order.
How many days do you need in Makarska?
Four days is ideal for Makarska: one for Biokovo and the Skywalk, one for the islands, one for adventure or Omis, and one for the beaches and old town. Three days covers the highlights at a quicker pace, while a week lets you add Split and Dubrovnik.
What can I book in Makarska with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours and private airport transfers, including Tucepi 6-Cable Zip Line Experience on the Makarska Riviera, Makarska Skywalk Tuk Tuk Tour with Fast Track Ticket and Makarska 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Cave and Blue Lagoon. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Makarska?
Split Airport (SPU) lies in Kastela, about 25 km west of Split and about 65 km from Skradin, around 50 minutes by the A1 motorway. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Makarska?
There is no railway on this coast; buses run along the coastal road to Split and Dubrovnik, and car ferries cross from Makarska to Sumartin on Brac. A private car is the easiest choice with luggage, for late flights, or to avoid changing buses in Split. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Makarska?
Among them: Tucepi 6-Cable Zip Line Experience on the Makarska Riviera, Makarska Skywalk Tuk Tuk Tour with Fast Track Ticket, Makarska 3-Island Speedboat Tour with Cave and Blue Lagoon and Makarska Skywalk and Biokovo Viewpoint Tour by Open Buggy. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Makarska?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.