Destinations · Makarska Riviera
Makarska, where themountain meets the sea
Sixty kilometres of pine-shaded pebble beach beneath the great cliff wall of the Biokovo mountain. A specialist's guide to villa holidays on the Makarska Riviera.
The riviera in short
The Makarska Riviera is a sixty-kilometre coastal strip between Brela and Gradac, backed by the Biokovo mountain rising to 1,762 metres almost directly out of the sea.
The beaches here are the most photographed pebble beaches in Croatia: brilliant white stone, backed by centuries-old Aleppo pines that lean out over the water. The villages along the strip, Brela, Baska Voda, Makarska town, Tucepi and Podgora, all keep their working character.
The Riviera suits guests who want the finest beaches on the mainland coast, without either an island crossing or the crowd of Split or Dubrovnik.
- 60 km
- Of pebble coast
- 1,762 m
- Biokovo summit
- 5
- Coastal villages
- 1 h
- From Split airport
Why Makarska
The finest mainlandbeaches in Croatia
Brela's Punta Rata is regularly named the finest beach on the Adriatic; the pine forests directly behind the sand keep the summer heat manageable and give the coast its distinctive scent.
It is the destination we recommend for guests who want proper beach days on the mainland and prefer a working village to a walled old town.
Luxury lifestyle
Beachfront villas,mountain walks, quiet nights
The finest villas here are a step back from the beach, with private pools and views across to Brač and Hvar. Some sit inside the pine forest with direct sea access; others climb the lower slopes of the mountain for a wider view.
Evenings are quiet: dinner at a family konoba, a walk along the Makarska Riva, and an early morning before the beach fills.
Best beaches
Punta Rata, Nugal,and the long strand at Tucepi
Punta Rata in Brela with its iconic pine-topped rock is the postcard beach. Nugal, a small nudist cove reached by a 15-minute walk from Makarska, is the most dramatic. Podrace and Slatina at Brela are wide and family-friendly.
The two-kilometre pebble strand at Tucepi is the longest continuous beach on the coast. For genuine quiet, Zivogosce and Gradac at the southern end of the Riviera.
Fine dining
Family konobas,and the harbour tables
The Makarska Riviera does not chase Michelin stars. Instead, family konobas define the food scene: Konoba Kalalarga in Makarska, Konoba Ranc in Baska Voda, Konoba Riva in Tucepi.
For a serious evening, Casa Vecchia in Podgora and Restaurant Susvid in Brela have long-standing reputations. Local specialities: lamb from the mountain slopes, seafood from the channel and small-production Plavac Mali reds.
Family activities
Beach days,cable cars, gentle canyons
The Riviera is one of the easiest family destinations on the coast. Beach days require no logistics, the sea shelves gently at Punta Rata and Tucepi, and lifeguards are on duty at the main beaches through summer.
The Biokovo Skywalk, a glass platform 1,200 metres above the sea, is a memorable half-day. Cetina rafting from nearby Omis suits children eight and up.
Nature
Biokovo Nature Park,one of Croatia's finest walks
Biokovo Nature Park rises directly behind the Riviera to 1,762 metres. The mountain road from Makarska to the Sveti Jure summit is one of the most dramatic drives on the coast, and the Skywalk at Ravna Vlaska is a genuine engineering feat.
Multiple marked trails start from the road; the summit gives an uninterrupted view of the Dalmatian islands from Hvar to Vis.
Local experiences
Peka lunches,mountain villages, quiet coves
A morning drive up Biokovo, followed by peka lamb at Konoba Radosic or one of the small taverns in the villages of Krstatice and Zupa. An afternoon boat to a cove that cannot be reached from the road.
In summer, the Sardine Festival at Baska Voda and the Kalelarga festival in Makarska are worth timing a trip around.
When to visit
May through October,a proper beach season
The Riviera has the coast's longest reliable beach season. Sea temperatures reach 21 degrees by early June and stay above 24 into mid-October.
July and August are hot but the pine cover keeps the beaches usable through the heat of the day. May and October are for guests who care as much about hiking Biokovo as swimming.
Helpful information
Practicalitiesfor the Riviera
Getting there
Fly into Split (75 min drive to Makarska town) or Dubrovnik (2h 45 including the Peljesac bridge). Private transfers are direct from either airport.
Getting around
A car is useful for exploring the Riviera and driving up Biokovo. In the villages, everything is walkable.
Where to base
Brela for the finest beaches and a quieter village atmosphere; Makarska town for restaurants and harbour life; Tucepi for the long strand and family villas.
Biokovo Skywalk
Book the drive up on the day itself; the road closes in bad weather. Take a long-sleeved layer, it is significantly cooler at the summit.
Restaurants worth booking
Kalalarga and Konoba Ranc a few days ahead in summer. Casa Vecchia and Restaurant Susvid for the serious evenings.
What to pack
Water shoes for pebble beaches, hiking shoes for Biokovo, and a light layer for evening walks along the coast.
Frequently asked
Makarskain questions
Luxury concierge
Plan your Makarskaholiday
Tell us your dates and which village fits your trip. A specialist replies within four hours with a shortlist and a suggested week.
Luxe Villas Collection
Browse villason the Riviera
Beachfront villas in Brela and Tucepi, elevated estates above Makarska, and quiet houses down toward Gradac.