Major city · Croatia
Makarska
Give Makarska 2 nights as a beach-and-mountain base: swim in the morning, drive or tour Biokovo in the afternoon, walk the old town at dusk.
Makarska is the main town of the Makarska Riviera, a 66 km strip of shingle beaches and small resorts on the coast road between Split and Dubrovnik. The Biokovo mountains rise straight behind it, the old town sits around a small harbour, and a ferry crosses to Brač in an hour. Most visitors arrive on package deals from Split airport, 85 km north, and spend their days on the beach strip and their evenings in the old town. It works as a 2-night base, or as one night if you are driving the coast and want a swim.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- Jun, Sep
- avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, heat, peak prices)
- Airports
- SPU · DBV
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovin…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Balkans ↗Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in pockets of Croatia's former front line: outside towns keep to tarmac and waymarked paths, and treat red triangle signs and taped-off fields as absolute.
- Balkans ↗Serbia refuses onward entry to travellers who reached Kosovo from a third country and then try to cross straight into Serbia; route Kosovo–Serbia legs through North Macedonia or Montenegro, or start the loop in Serbia.
- Balkans ↗Hire cars need written permission from the rental company and valid insurance for every country on the line; Kosovo sells its own border insurance and some contracts exclude Albania, Kosovo or Bosnia outright.
- Croatia ↗Croatia is in the EU and the Schengen area; the EU Entry/Exit System applies to non-EU visitors. Check the official EU and Croatian sources for your passport.
- Croatia ↗Book car ferries and popular catamarans ahead in summer; foot passengers still need to be early for the busiest routes.
- Croatia ↗Split and Dubrovnik fine visitors for walking shirtless or in swimwear away from beaches; carry a cover-up.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Makarska112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Makarska, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR) since 2023.Croatia-wide
- SIM or eSIMHrvatski Telekom, A1 and Telemach sell prepaid SIMs at kiosks (Tisak) and shops; ID required.Croatia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe and good everywhere, including islands (some small islands rely on piped or tanked water — ask).Croatia-wide
- TippingRestaurant: About 10% for good service, in cash.Croatia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Croatia-wide
- SafetyMakarska is a safe, busy resort town; the real irritations are beach-chair collectors with no posted price, cash-only restaurants and summer crowds.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in cafés for customers; public toilets in old towns cost €0.50–1 (≈ US$1–2).Croatia-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All emergencies (English-speaking) · 192 police · 193 fire (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany island restaurants, hotels and museums close November–March.Croatia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportSPU Split Airport (85 km (53 mi) north; bus or car about 1 h 30 min.SPU Split Airport (53 mi (85 km) north; bus or car about 1 h 30 min.
- Getting aroundWalk: the beach strip runs about 4 km (2.5 mi) and links the hotels to the old town and the Sveti Petar peninsula.Walk: the beach strip runs about 2.5 mi (4 km) and links the hotels to the old town and the Sveti Petar peninsula.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a beach-strip café€1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4)
- Beerdraught / supermarket can€3–5 (≈ US$4–6)€1–2 (≈ US$2–3)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€8–15 (≈ US$10–18)
- Museum or sight ticketMunicipal Museum entry€1 (≈ US$2)
- Budget bedApartment for a family of 4, a night, per room€90 (≈ US$110)
- Mid-range bedDouble room or apartment, a night, per room€90 (≈ US$110)
- High-end bedDouble room or apartment, a night, per room€180 (≈ US$250)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €80 (≈ US$95) · High €150 (≈ US$180)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SPU Split Airport (85 km (53 mi) north; bus or car about 1 h 30 min. Most Riviera package arrivals use this airport.) · DBV Dubrovnik Airport (160 km (99 mi) south via the Pelješac Bridge; about 2 h 30 min by car.)SPU Split Airport (53 mi (85 km) north; bus or car about 1 h 30 min. Most Riviera package arrivals use this airport.) · DBV Dubrovnik Airport (99 mi (160 km) south via the Pelješac Bridge; about 2 h 30 min by car.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Feb
not flagged
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Mar
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Apr
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
not flagged
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jun
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Jul
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Aug
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Sep
Best
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Oct
not flagged
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Dec
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Best: Jun, Sep. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)), coolest Jan (4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C) low), wettest Nov (11 rain days), driest Jul (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Makarska: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
10 rd
Feb
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Mar
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
9 rd
May
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
8 rd
Jun
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
6 rd
Jul
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
4 rd
Aug
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
5 rd
Sep
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
9 rd
Nov
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Dec
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walk: the beach strip runs about 4 km and links the hotels to the old town and the Sveti Petar peninsula. A road train runs along the strip every 20–30 min, useful with small children. Buses south to Tučepi and Podgora run every 30–60 min and take about 30 min; buses north to Split take 1 h 30 min–2 h. Local taxis are small one- or two-car operators, so book ahead at night. A car is only worth it for Biokovo and the Riviera villages.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Sumartin, Brač
goDoor to door: About 1 h 15 min
Jadrolinija ferry from Makarska harbour, about 1 h, 4–5 sailings a day
Adult single about €2, car about €20. Public transport on Brač from Sumartin is very limited: take a car or arrange a pickup.
Split
goDoor to door: About 2 h
Promet bus along the coast road, every 30–60 min, 1 h 30 min–2 h
Fare about €7.50 one way. Doable as a day trip, but Split deserves its own night.
Dubrovnik
skipDoor to door: 3–4 h each way
Bus, 3–4 h via Neum; or a guided excursion with hotel pickup
Too far for a comfortable return day by public bus. Excursions run, from about €40 for a non-guided tour.
Cetina river, Omiš
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Car or tour, about 30 min
Rafting and kayaking trips run from town; the river is mostly calm with a few fast sections.
Kotišina and Biokovo
goDoor to door: About 30 min to the booth
Car up Highway 512 from Šimići; park toll booth at the lane entrance
Park toll €7 for one day, €13.50 for 3 days, €33.50 for 7 days. The road climbs to Sveti Jure at 1,762 m; go only on a clear day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Beach strip (Šetalište Dr Franje Tuđmana)
Hotels and apartments one block from the water; no traffic on the strip itself. Best for swimming and families.
Old town and harbour
Alleys, bars and restaurants around the port; 5–10 min walk to the beach strip. Best for a short stay without a car.
Tučepi and Podgora
Smaller Riviera resorts 5–10 km (3.1–6.2 mi) south, 30 min by local bus; quieter and often cheaper in July–August.Smaller Riviera resorts 3.1–6.2 mi (5–10 km) south, 30 min by local bus; quieter and often cheaper in July–August.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) excl. bed
- Mid
- €70–120 (≈ US$85–140) excl. bed
- High
- €120 (≈ US$140)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room or apartment1 × 2 nights × €90 | €180 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €80 | €320 |
| Promet bus Makarska–Split, one way2 × €8 | €15 |
| Jadrolinija ferry to Sumartin, adult single2 × €2 | €4 |
| Biokovo park toll, one day1 × €7 | €7 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €10 | €20 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €55 |
| Trip total≈ €150 per person per day, bed included | €601≈ US$700 |
2026 estimate in euros; flights and car hire excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a beach-strip café | €1.50–3 (≈ US$2–4) |
| Ice cream cone | €1.80–2.50 (≈ US$3) |
| Seafood main in a konoba | €15–28 (≈ US$18–35) |
| Beer: draught / supermarket can | €3–5 (≈ US$4–6) / €1–2 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Municipal Museum entry | €1 (≈ US$2) |
| Two-tank dive with equipmentcash only | about €81.50 (≈ US$95) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €8–15 (≈ US$10–18) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Beach chairs stacked on the shingle are not free: a collector may ask for payment with no posted price and no receipt. Agree the amount first or move to the open shingle.
- Biokovo's upper road needs a car with a strong low gear and a clear day; cloud can close the view completely. Check conditions before paying the park toll.
- Many restaurants and konobas take cash only; keep euros on you and use the exchange kiosks rather than ATMs if you want to avoid bank fees.
- The beach is shingle, not sand, and there are no tides. Water shoes help.
- On Biokovo trails stay on the path; the horned viper is the one snake to avoid.
Emergency numbers
- All emergencies (English-speaking)
- 112
- Police
- 192
- Fire
- 193
- Ambulance
- 194
- Sea rescue
- 195
Pocket card
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MakarskaMakarska
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Na ovu adresu, molimTo this address, please
Emergency
- All emergencies112
- Police192
- Fire193
- Ambulance194
- Sea rescue195
Embassy
No embassies in Makarska; most are in Zagreb, with consulates in Split. US citizens: US Embassy Zagreb (check the address).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Makarska → Split: about €7.50 (≈ US$9), 1 h 30 min–2 h
- Ferry Makarska → Sumartin (Brač): adult about €2 (≈ US$3), car about €20 (≈ US$25), 1 h
- Biokovo park toll: €7 (≈ US$9) one day, €13.50 (≈ US$16) three days
Say or show
- Dobar dan — Hello (DOH-bar dahn)
- Hvala — Thank you (HVAH-lah)
- Koliko košta? — How much is it? (KOH-lee-koh KOHSH-tah)
- Račun, molim — The bill, please (RAH-choon MOH-leem)
- Mogu li platiti karticom? — Can I pay by card? (MOH-goo lee PLAH-tee-tee KAR-tee-tsom)
- Gdje je plaža? — Where is the beach? (gdyeh yeh PLAH-zhah)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Makarska. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun, Sep · avoid Jul–Aug (crowds, heat, peak prices) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SPU: last bus and transfer options field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: beach strip, old town and harbour, Sveti Petar, Osejava Park.
- Place pages with verified hours (Municipal Museum, Malacological Museum, Biokovo toll booth) and eat pages with last orders.
- Beach-chair and cash-only fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialMakarska official town website
- officialBiokovo Nature Park
- officialJadrolinija ferries
- secondaryWikivoyage: Makarska, revision 5322216 (CC BY-SA 4.0)