Nestled on the sparkling shores of Croatia‘s Dalmatian coast is a seaside resort which, while extremely popular, you might not have heard of. Truthfully, I hadn’t heard of it before we started making plans for a trip to Croatia earlier this month.
However, the Makarska Riviera is just a one-hour transfer from the bustling resort of Split and just a two-and-a-half hour drive from Dubrovnik, making it an ideal spot if you want to avoid some of the busier hubs on mainland Croatia while still making the most of the nation’s incredible scenery.
The Makarska Riviera stretches for 60km between the towns of Brela and Gradac, set beneath the incredible Biokovo Mountain which is so vast, at times it can make you feel as though you’re on the set of a film.
Lush greenery and foliage work their way up from the town of Makarska towards the mountain, making the area the perfect destination for nature lovers, biking enthusiasts and keen hikers. Turn the other way, and you’ll be greeted by endless views of the crystal clear Adriatic, interspersed with islands. Both Brac and Hvar can be reached easily on boat excursions.
Though the seaside resort was fairly busy during our stay, the crowds were far smaller than in Dubrovnik and Split. At times, while enjoying an afternoon walk through the quaint, cobbled streets of the old town, we were the only people around.
Locals make a living from fishing, olive oil and wine making, along with tourism, and although having grown in popularity in recent years, Makarskastill feels somewhat untouched.
While Makarska is popular with Europeans, we noticed far fewer British tourists than in Split and Dubrovnik. In fact, during our three-day stay, we only overheard one other group of UK tourists.
But that’s not to say it isn’t easy enough to get there, with multiple airlines flying into Dubrovnik and Split. Package holiday providers such as Jet2holidays also have partnerships with some of the hotels in Makarska, including Dalmacija [PLACES] Hotel where we stayed.
The main town square is lined with al fresco dining spots, cafés and bars, and a selection of cute boutiques and jewellers.
Opposite the main town, you’ll find the port, which gives way to stunning views of the nearby islands, where local boat tours and fishing boats meet.
However, it’s the beaches here that are arguably the main draw. A vast stretch of pebbled shoreline runs the length of the resort, giving way to the most incredible aquamarine water begging you to take a dip.
The waters are mostly calm and are astonishingly clear. Just remember to pack your water shoes, because it can be a struggle getting in and out of the water without them. Beaches closer to the main town can be busy, but there are some quieter options towards the East of the resort, including the Dalmacija [PLACES] hotel beach, which is open to hotel guests and the public.
Though the Makarska Riviera does not have its own airport, Split Airport is the nearest international flight hub. You can get from the airport to the resort in around an hour, either by private transfer or a bus connection. Jet2, easyJet, TUI and British Airways all offer routes from the UK to Split.
Alternatively, you can fly into Dubrovnik, although it will take around two-and-a-half hours to drive to Makarska. You can fly directly from the UK to Dubrovnik from multiple airports, with airlines including British Airways, TUI, easyJet and Jet2 all serving Dubrovnik Ruđer Bošković Airport.
There are countless hotels and holiday rentals in Makarska, and the right option for you is largely a personal preference. Quaint, authentic apartments can be found in the old town or, if you prefer a hotel, the seafront has several options looking out across the Adriatic. There are a number of hotels and rentals available on Booking.com and Airbnb.
We spent three nights at the recently renovated Dalmacija [PLACES] hotel, a hip and trendy hotel with two swimming pools, its own beach tucked away in a sun-dappled pine grove and a beach bar.
Every room at Dalmacija [PLACES] Hotel boasts its own balcony with a view of the sea. The slightly more expensive rooms look out directly towards the water, while other rooms have a pool room set to the backdrop of the rolling tides.
The hotel also offers a handy Flexi-halfboard concept which includes breakfast plus €25 per person per day, and for this amount, you can buy either lunch, dinner or drinks as you wish.