Town of Makarska - A place for the privileged

If you want adventures and challenges, than Makarska is the perfect place for your vacation. If you visit this city only once, it is most certain that you'll come back.

• No matter from which side you approach Makarska, you'll see a magnificent gift of nature - monumental mountain Biokovo, in all its impressive beauty, arising from the pure sea of Makarska Riviera. It protects from the penetration of the continental climate, so its covered with rich vegetation. The winters are mild, and the summers are long and warm, with refreshing wind from the sea
• The sun is shining more than 2,750 hours annually, and the temperature of the air is over 20 °C from May till September, and also the pure sea temperature is over 20 °C from May to October
• During summer nights, the harbor is filled with touristic boats and yachts
• Numerous restaurants will pleasantly surprise you with combination of Mediterranean dishes, typical for this area

City of Makarska spreaded in amphitheatrical shape next to the sea shore, and beneath Biokovo mountain, and it consists of the old center of Mediterranean type, and a new part, with hotels and touristical sites. Makarska is on the very sea shore, next to the Adriatic motorway. The geographical position of the city in the middle of Dalmatia allows organizing one day tours in the whole region, as well as to the neighbor country (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Brela, Baska Voda, Basko Polje, Djecje Selo, Promajna, Bratus, Krvavica, Tucepi, Podgora, Drasnice, Igrane, Zivogosce, Drvenik (Donja vala), Drvenik (Gornja vala), Zaostrog, Podaca, Brist and Gradac belong to Makarska sea-side, and also known as Makarska Riviera. Makarska Riviera is a costal part, 50 km long, bordered with two large natural bays, with high mountain chain Biokovo, and Adriatic sea.

In order to preserve the nature, the law prohibits building factories and industrial infrastructure in Makarska Riviera, since the whole region is predominantly touristical. The natural environment that surrounds this region is of breath-taking beauty, but modest in fertility. The beaches are next to one another, like in a pearl chain, and are separated by cliffs and rocks. Large part of the coast is connected by a walking area that goes through the places of Riviera. Here, at the Makarska Riviera, one can also see the under water springs of sweet water. After massive rains, the sources of sweet water are about 0.5 m higher then the sea level, and the water spreads concentrically from the spring, doesn't allowing the waves to cover it. It's hard to decide a part of Riviera, that should have a special attention - from the sea shore with beaches, which are next to pine woods, till the of Biokovo mountain above the city. The mountain Biokovo will certainly be a discovery to the alpinists, even speleologists. Sometime, long ago in the past, when there weren't any refrigerators, from the highest pits people took the ice, and on donkeys, horses and mules, transported it down, for the needs of tourism in Makarska. The hunting places are rich with tall animals, and they draw hunters from all over the world to experience new adventures. The tops of Biokovo are only half an hour drive away. Thanking Biokovo, a mountain massive with 30 tops higher than 1,500 meters, Makarska has several excellent paragliding destinations; one of the most attractive extreme sports, that's occupying more and more fans. Coming down the mountain, the curious will observe, the way of life in the villages beneath Biokovo. The old, stone-made houses hide the long forgotten flavors of domestic cheese, ham, vine and herb brandy. One can see, during an easy afternoon walk the Mediterranean plants, such as: agaves, laurels, palms, cedars, olives, lemons, oranges, kiwis, oleanders, wild roses, mimoses, different wild bushes, etc. It's obvious that the natural barrier - the mountain that stopped the winds penetrating from the continent, and the sea - the large reservoir of warmth produced the mild climate through out the year.

The harbor of Makarska is situated in the bay, and is protected by peninsula of St. Peter's and Osejava. It offers safety to boat and yacht owners, as well as other services. Makarska can provide accommodation for 2,500 people in its hotels, and in private households there is room for additional 25,000 people. The city has a modern infrastructure: post office, internet clubs, banks with many ITM machines, hospital, pharmacies, port authority, etc. Many agencies rent cars, scooters, yachts, etc. From Makarska leaves a boat to the island of Brac, and from a nearby spot Drvenik (Donja vala) to the islands of Hvar and Korcula. Sportsmen and recreationals can use the town sport center. There are many different sporting and recreational activities and events on land and sea during whole year. Makarska has several covered (winter) and opened swimming pools, with sea or sweet water, heated and regulars. Many sporting clubs organize preparations in Makarska during winter season.

Cultural, artistic, amusing and common events are an important part of life in Makarska, specially during the touristic season. In July and August the well-known Makarska cultural summer takes place, with a various program, such as Dalmatian quires, exhibitions, poetic nights, folklore, etc. Within this manifestation are also the so called Fishermen's night and Kalelarge Night (City's night). The winter and summer carnival are a special attraction, and they are also traditional along the Croatia coast. For the youth, and for those who feel young, there are the night clubs, and for romantic souls, hotels and restaurants offer dancing music. One will find a rich selection of domestic food and dishes in the city restaurants, pubs, and other similar objects, and one can also buy fresh fish on arriving fishing boats. A special attraction is also the fishing boat - restaurant on the Riva.

Makarska still hides many secrets about its earliest history. Rare relics from the antique period only confirm the legends about this region - the cross roads of land and naval ways.

Choosing Makarska as a place where you'll spend your holiday, you've chosen the rich Mediterranean beauty, rich past and living tradition. You've chosen your part of the world with pearl beaches beneath Biokovo, crystal sea, a part of unspoilt beauty. The beauty of Makarska's nature is even more outstanding than its cultural heritage!