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Makarska riviera is one of the best-known tourist destinations in Croatia, embraced by the mountain Biokovo from behind and facing the Adriatic Sea. Makarska, Baška Voda, Brela and Tučepi are all famous places of Makarska riviera, known for their kilometer long pebbled beaches, activities for the whole family, entertainment and water sports, large offer of food and wine, and night life until the morning hours. Springs of fresh cool potable water, beautiful mountain herbs and colorful butterflies can be found on mountain Biokovo.
All this lies near Makarska, which is regularly visited and revisited by tourists. Makarska riviera is a good place to start for all who wish to travel around. You can visit Split and see Diocletian palace or hold the statue of Grgur Ninski by its big toe for luck, visit famous Marian sanctuary Međugorje, or head towards Dubrovnik which hasn't failed to impress even the least impressurable with its architecture and atmosphere for centuries.
General information
- Geographical position: Middle Dalmatia
- Climate: Mediterranean
- Average summer temperature: 25° C
- Average winter temperature: 9° C
Gastronomy
Let's start with a dessert, since Makarska is known for sweets, especially two kinds typical for this town. One is the cake "Makarana" made of almonds and Maraskino liquor known as Dalmatian cherry liquor. The other sweet is Makaranian ravioli, a tiny dough cake with a nut filling.
Other food and beverages offer you can find on Makaranian tables is just as rich and tasteful as in the rest of Dalmatia. We recommend Dalmatian "pašticada" made of beef meat filled with bacon and garlic prepared in black vine. Of course, we don't have to emphasize that red vine goes best with such a meal. Be sure to try Dalmatian prosciutto and cheese with olives instead of salad. Of course, there is plenty of fish and fish specialties for all tastes.
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We recommend diving because the Adriatic is especially clean in these parts. Get to know sea depths and colors hidden under sea surface. There are several diving clubs in Makarska where you can learn the basic skills of diving and find out more about what lies under the sea surface.
You can also try underwater fishing, which is possible with an underwater fishing permit you can get from the local center. Try sailing as well; Makarska has its own sailing club and a long sailing tradition. It offers you additional services such as lifting and washing boats.
Finally there is also cycling. You can contact the local bicycling club where you can get advice and suggestions on where to ride in order to get to know the area.
We have forgotten something! Mountain Biokovo is an excellent choice for all those who like climbing and mountaineering. All of you who like active holiday, don't worry, you won't be bored.
to topFun and night life
There are numerous summer activities such as swimming, sunbathing or renting jet ski or boats for a more active entertainment on Makarska riviera. If you are already tired of swimming you can visit local restaurants or unusual cafes situated inside caves. There are also various festivities here with wine and song.
In the evening continue having fun in local cafes on the beach until morning hours. Every other Friday in Makarska there are fisherman festivities which means you can taste fish specialties, wine, see a donkey race, and in the evening there is firework for locals and visitors.
to topHow to get there?
- By car: Zagreb-Makarska 446 km highway (highway to Split, since 2007 highway to Makarska)
- By plane: www.croatiaairlines.hr (Split airport 70 km)
- By bus: www.akz.hr
- By train: www.hznet.hr (Split 50 km)
- Local and international ferry lines: www.jadrolinija.hr
Beaches
A lot has been written about the beaches of Makarska as well as the whole riviera. The reason for this is their beauty which is often presented on various billboards or postcards. Beaches in Makarska are mostly pebbled, but they are really special, since the pebbles on are somewhat larger but still pleasant for lying and relaxing.
to topWhat to see?
Franciscan convent-Makarska
Franciscan convent of the Blessed Virgin Mary originates from the 16th century. When Franciscans moved from Bosnia they renovated an old church with approval from Turkish government and built a residence that later became a convent next to it. The convent was devastated several times in the past, but it was renovated and additions were attached to it every time. After WW II it was partially nationalized.
Shell museum-Makarska
This interesting museum is situated within the convent of the Blessed Virgin Mary and it was founded in the year 1963. The museum was founded after much research and a long period of collecting shells from all over the world. Today it is labelled a cultural monument with over 3000 samples of shells from the Adriatic, tropical and subtropical seas. These shells are very attractive due to their interesting colors and shapes.
Botanical garden-mountain Biokovo
It is still possible to catch butterflies or drink spring water on mountain Biokovo since the water is clean and unpolluted. There is a botanical garden on the mountain with many endemic and indigenous species. Moreover, you can find many cycling and walking paths here.
Franciscan convent-Zaostrog
Franciscan convent situated in a little village Zaostrog on Makarska riviera has a rich ethnographic collection showing the past life styles and customs of this area. Also, there is a collection of paintings by Croatian painter Mladen Veža.
to topWhere to go on a trip?
Dubrovnik
Medieval town – Pearl of South Dalmatia is UNESCO world heritage site. This town with old tourist tradition is ready to fulfill even the most refined requirements of its visitors. Town of museums and festivals, taverns and restaurants, place of mild Mediterranean climate and beautiful countryside truly confirms the famous saying by Irish writer Bernard Shaw: "Those who search heaven on Earth must come to Dubrovnik".
Are those not reasons enough for you to come to Dubrovnik and see the truth for yourself?
Rafting on Cetina
You don't have to be adventurous in order to try rafting on the beautiful river Cetina that divides the karst countryside. More and more visitors raft on the river since rafting is rather dynamic and appealing with a touch of adventure, but it is also a way to get to know the karst and white rocks surrounded by greenery.
Pilgrimage to Međugorje
Međugorje has relatively recently become one of the most famous Marian sanctuaries in Europe. We suggest taking a trip to Međugorje even if you are not a religious person since the energy around this place is rather strong. Visitors and believers come to Međugorje from all over the world, and masses are served in many languages of the world.
Islands of Hvar, Brač and Vis
Each of these islands has a story of their own. Members of world jet set have been visiting Hvar, but there are also hidden places on the island where one can truly relax in peace and quiet. Brač is preferred by surfing lovers, and Zlatni Rat beach is very famous. Vis is now open to all visitors, as opposed to the past when it was a military base and unavailable to guests for a long time.
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