Makarska: under the Biokovo wall, on the Riviera

Makarska sits on a perfect curve of bay with a grey limestone wall rising almost vertically behind it. That mountain — Biokovo — and the long pebble beaches at its foot are the whole point of the Makarska Riviera, the stretch of coast that draws sun-seekers south of Split.

The town and harbour

The heart of Makarska is Kačić Square, lined with cafés and backed by the Franciscan monastery, opening onto a palm-lined harbour. It's a relaxed place for an evening — gather on the Riva, eat well, and watch the light change on the Biokovo wall.

The beaches

The town beach runs for over a kilometre under the pines, and the Riviera villages each have their own — Punta Rata at Brela, regularly named among Europe's best, and the smaller coves toward Tučepi and Podgora. The hidden Nugal beach, a walk through the pine forest, is the local favourite.

Biokovo and the Skywalk

Behind the coast, the Biokovo Nature Park climbs to 1,762 m at Sv. Jure, one of the highest peaks in Croatia. A serpentine road leads up to the Biokovo Skywalk — a horseshoe of glass cantilevered over a sheer drop, with the whole Riviera and the islands of Brač and Hvar laid out below. For walkers, see our best hikes in Croatia guide.

Stay near the beach and the old town — see our boutique hotels in Makarska.