Makarska has always been the center of the surrounding region known as Makarska Riviera, both in an administrative, political and economic sense, as well as a center of culture, education, and since the mid twentieth century, tourism. Today, it is a city of more than 15 thousand inhabitants that encompasses picturesque villages at the foot of the Biokovo Mountain, including Veliko Brdo, Puhari?i, Kotišina and Makar (which is where the name of Makarska comes from). Makarska is one of the most famous tourist destinations on the Croatian coast, attractive for its nature and good climate, rich in tourist attractions and full of hospitable hosts.
Makarska is located below the mountain of Biokovo (1762 m), which protects it from the harsh continental climate and is responsible for its rich Mediterranean vegetation, mild winters, long, warm summers cooled by a refreshing breeze called maestral. Makarska has more than 2750 hours of sun each year and the air temperature above 20°C from July to September. During these same months, the crystal-clear sea also averages a temperature of above 20°C.
All payments and prices are in Croatian Kuna (Kn), although you may ask to pay in EUR in almost every shop and restaurant, except food-markets. Approximate exchange rate is: 1 EUR = 7,5 Kn. There are bank offices and several ATM (cash machines) located in Town center, accepting all major credit cards.
Getting to Makarska
Split Airport is the closest airport to Makarska. From Split Airport, take a bus to downtown Split Bus Station. From here, there are numerous buses per day to Makarska (see the website for timetables) – journey time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can also see some bus timetables on the Promet Makarska website.
Sightseeing in Makarska
Makarska is a combination of a cosmopolitan seaside town, with its pretty promenade, and popular family resort in summer. It’s a good holiday destination for those who want a bit of a mix of everything, from beaches to reasonably lively nightlife, as well as a bit of adventure (hiking on Mount Biokovo). There’s also a daily 50-minute ferry across to Sumratin on Brac from Makarska for those that want to take a trip to one of the Croatian islands.
One of the main sights in the town is the Franciscan monastery, which was founded by Bosnian monks and built in 1614. The basement of the monastery houses a Malacological museum which apparently has the largest collection of snails, shells and mussels in the world. Fossils from the region are also on display. Another important sight is the Church of St. Mark (Crkva sv. Marko), on the main square (Kacicev trg), which was built in 1776.
Everywhere you go in Makarska area, you will meet very friendly and charming people, smooth combination of Southern temperament and warm hospitality, thanks to our long tourist tradition.
So many tourists every year can’t be wrong. Beautiful town, clean beaches, a true paradise and an oasis for jaded body and soul….We invite you to browse our page and find your own place for an unforgettable vacation in Makarska!
