Makarska Riviera – a description, photos, beaches, map - Croatia

About Makarska Riviera

Makarska is the heart of Dalmatia and one of the most appealing Croatian tourist destinations. It lies beneath Biokovo Nature Park in sea lagoon between Cape Osejava and St. Peter peninsula. Biokovo is a specific rocky mountain in coast inland and is known for its rich flora and fauna (particularly chamois) and beautiful scenery. This is also the highest mountain in Dalmatia with more than thirty hiking trails some of which are easier, some more difficult to overcome. In addition to the ancient settlements remains and several caves, hikers can find their oasis in Biokovo Botanical Garden as well. The name Makarska originates from a small Roman settlement called Muucurum and is mentioned long before the arrival of the Slavs.

Places and beaches along Makarska Riviera

Next to Makarska in 15 km coastline segment below mountain Biokovo there are 5 small settlements with a long tourist tradition. These are Gradac, Drvenik, Zaostrog , Podaca and Brist. In Gradac there is one of the most beautiful and longest pebble beaches in Adriatic. Drvenik is small fishing village and Zaostrog is an oasis of peace and beauty to which ancient Franciscan monastery contributes greatly. Podaca and Brist are picturesque places whose unspoiled beauty more and more tourists are discovering every day. Northwest to Makarska are famous tourist resorts with beautiful beaches and dense pine forests these are Baško Polje, Baska Voda and Donja Brela. Southwest to Makarska are popular summer resorts Tučepi and Podgora.

Sights and accommodation

Makarska Riviera from Tucepi to Brela and Brist area has a long tradition of providing high quality private accommodation in the most outstanding facilities (hotels or apartments) and most certainly you will feel the hospitality of the host in any of the thousands of rooms or apartments. In addition to the dynamic nightlife and superior gastronomic offer as well as famous therapeutic health and recreation centre Biokovka Makarska also offers its visitors rich cultural heritage. Sights such as famous Croatian poet Andrija Kacic Miosic monument in town square, 17th century St. Mark Cathedral, 15th St. Peter church and St. Mary baroque church from 18th century are the point views not to be missed during the sightseeing tour. The main Franciscan monastery can boast with its library and archive but what is unusual and is also displayed in monastery is a beautiful collection of shells.

Famous people:

Andrija Kacic Miosic (1704 in Brist- 1760.) He was most widely read writer in country for a long period of time. He wrote „Razgovor ugodni naroda slovinskoga“ (Slavic people pleasant conversations) – poetic repertory regarding our history from the earliest days to his time

Not to miss:

• Taste Makarska specialities such as Makarska Rafioli (crisp pastry filled with sweet mixture made up of a walnut) and Makarska cake (a real treat made from almonds, among other things) as well as Krostule from Vis.
• Visit Franciscan Monastery and admire unique collection of shells
• Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of colourful Makarska Riviera alongside summer cocktails and outdoors music