When we think of a good vacation, our thoughts often wander to the sea. There is something especially alluring in an image of a clear, blue sea, with its white crested waves carried by the cool winds. Joined with that image are those of solitary beaches and remote islands, sail boats, vast nature and fine cuisine. Perhaps the most important reason why the seaside is so inviting is its healing capability – the power to restore lost energy and elevate the spirit. There is a Dalmatian song that says ‘’…life takes away, the sea gives back…’’ And here on the coast of Croatia, the sea gives back much more than one has lost!
A fine opportunity to dive into the Adriatic spirit is this wonderful villa in the center of Makarska. It is a house dating back to the 19th century, though completely renovated in 2015. And despite the renovation, it still fits perfectly in its surrounding area, the center of old part of Makarska filled with many beautiful old houses. The villa is made of stone and reinforced by concrete in some parts, with a light yellow painted façade to go with the color of stone. The window shades of the house are green, and a white little balustrade is positioned on the first floor terrace. The street in which the villa is located is called Kalalarga, and it is the most popular and most beautiful street in town, near the main town square, the promenade, the shore, harbor and central town beach, making it a perfect starting point for exploration. As the street is still frequented, it contains many traditional Dalmatian taverns and shops. The mentioned upper terrace has an open fireplace where you can make barbecue, along with a table with a set of chairs enabling you to dine outdoors.
The interior makes this villa truly amazing. It is an homage to old times and customs, and it feels like a little museum filled with various trinkets and decorations to explore up close. The furniture is for the most part vintage, like the living room sofas, the cupboard below the TV and the dining room table along with its chairs. The inside walls are also exposed stone, which in combination with a lot of wooden elements and ornaments makes the place rustic and romantic. There are framed pictures on the walls, and especially eye-catching is the one by the kitchen, a long narrow photograph of the street in Makarska spanning from the ceiling to the tiled floor. The villa can accommodate up to 6 people, and its bedrooms are gorgeous just like the rest of the place. The beds are very comfortable and the built-in lighting creates a warm atmosphere in the rooms. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms in the villa. The house is air conditioned, with internet and Wi-Fi for mobile devices.
The town of Makarska has always been the center of Makarska Riviera region, both in an administrative, political and economic sense, as well as a center of culture and education. It is a tourist center, located on a horseshoe shaped bay between Biokovo mountains and the Adriatic sea. The town is noted for its palm-fringed promenade, where cafes, bars and boutiques overlook the harbor. There is plenty to explore in the city, like its old streets in the center or centuries old sacral building like St.Mark’s church. There are appealing opportunities outside of town as well, like visiting Krka national park, Biokovo nature park (there are some great hiking trails), the town of Mostar, Dubrovnik, Botanical garden Kotisina, Park forest Osejava and more. There is a wide selection of summertime activities (such as sailing, diving, fishing, water sports, rent-a-bikes, etc.) and fine restaurants offering truly delicious specialties. Grocery shopping can be done in the town’s markets. For more information regarding exploration or accommodation, feel free to ask!
