Makarska

Makarska Harbour

The setting is stunning and the climate relatively mild since the port is protected by the mountain. There are no real cultural sights to speak of but Makarska is an ideal base for active travellers. Biokovo mountain offers walks, hikes and climbs for all levels. Trails are well-marked and there are companies that offer guided tours and jeep trips up the mountain. The less energetic can take a pleasant seaside promenade or poke around the old town.

History of Makarska

High in the Biokovo mountains lies the old village of Markar, probably the Roman Muccurum, which was destroyed by the Goths in 548. The Slavs moved in the 7th century and spread down the coast. They were not peaceable folks. Their tribe the Neretlyans, fought continuously against the Venetians who gazed covetously on their prime real estate on the Adriatic. The Neretlyans were strong enough to force the Venetians to pay tribute for the privilege of sailing unmolested past their settlement. Makarska was snatched up by the Croatian King Kresimir in the 11th century and then fell under Bosnian rule until the Turks came in 1499 and destroyed it. It remained under Turkish rule for 150 years during which time it became the main port for the salt trade for all of Bosnia and Hercegovina. When the Turks left, Venice got ahold of the town again and kept it until 1797.

Accommodation in Makarska

Makarska Church of St Mark

Hotels

Four-star hotels in Makarska
Hotel Rosina
Villa Riva
Hotel Osejava (see my review)
Hotel Park
Hotel Meteor

Three-star hotels in Makarska
Hotel Biokovo --In the old town and close to the beach. The recent renovation included a wellness centre and new rooms with an internet connection and air-conditioning.
Hotel Porin
Hotel Makarska
Hotel Maritimo
Hotel Dalmacija

Lighthouse Accommodation

You can also stay in a lighthouse. The Sv Petar lighthouse is at the entrance to Makarska and contains one 5-bed apartment. Read more.

Private Accommodation

My favorites are Apartments Sulenta, Apartmani Daniela, Villa Palma, or Villa Makrana. You can also check out Adriagate for a full selection of rooms and apartments.

Getting to Makarska

There are hourly buses going from Dubrovnik to Makarska (3 hours; see the schedule at buses from Dubrovnik) and buses to and from Split (1 1/4 hours) where you can catch the motorway to Zagreb. Also frequent are the daily ferries to Sumartin on Brac Island which range from two to five a day. See the Makarska-Sumartin ferry schedule.

Rent a Car in Makarska

Even with all the buses leaving and arriving Makarska, nothing beats the convenience of having your own wheels, especially if you want to get out to the beaches of Brela and Baska Voda. Most car rental companies in Croatia have outlets in Makarska. Read more.

Tourist Information in Makarska

The Makarska tourist office (tel 021-612 002) is in the town centre at Tomislava 16.

Makarska Directory

Related Pages

Brela Beach

Hiking in Croatia

Day Trips from Split

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