Makarska is the largest town on the Makarska Riviera, a 60-kilometre stretch of Dalmatian coast between Split and Dubrovnik backed by the limestone ridge of Biokovo mountain. The town sits on a peninsula that shelters a wide, south-facing beach, and the combination of clear water, reliable summer heat, and relatively affordable prices makes it the most popular Croatian seaside destination among visitors from Central and Eastern Europe.
Polish and Czech travellers make up a substantial portion of summer visitors. Direct charter flights from Warsaw, KrakĂłw, and Prague operate from June through September, making Makarska accessible without connecting through Split or Dubrovnik. The town has adapted to these markets - you will find menus in Polish at many beachfront restaurants, and accommodation owners are used to dealing with Polish and Czech guests.
The Main Areas
Makarska Town Beach (Donja Luka)
The central beach stretches for around two kilometres in front of the town’s main promenade (Šetalište Stjepana Radića). Most hotels and apartments that advertise “beachfront” access are within 50–200 metres of this beach. The standard pebble and concrete beach is long enough that it never feels completely overwhelmed even in peak season, though July and August get crowded by midday.
Staying in the town centre puts you within walking distance of the beach, the old town bars and restaurants, the ferry terminal for BraÄŤ island, and the main bus stop. It is the most convenient base.
Makarska Old Town
The old town occupies the pedestrianised area behind the Venetian Loggia and the Church of St Mark. Streets here are narrow and relatively quiet at night - most of the evening activity happens along the waterfront promenade rather than inside the old town itself. A handful of family-run guesthouses operate within the old town perimeter; these tend to book out early in summer.
Makarska Riviera Villages
Several smaller settlements sit within a 15-minute drive of Makarska town:
Brela (12 km north) is often cited as having Croatia’s most beautiful beach - a long pine-fringed pebble shore that has appeared in international travel rankings. The village is quieter than Makarska and suited to travellers who want a slower pace. Accommodation runs slightly cheaper than Makarska town.
Baška Voda (8 km north) has a compact marina, a good beach, and a mix of apartments and smaller hotels. Strong Polish tourist presence throughout summer; directly connected to Makarska by local bus.
TuÄŤepi (3 km south) is the busiest alternative to Makarska itself, with a long beach and a good range of mid-range hotels. Several all-inclusive hotel complexes operate here, popular with package tour groups.
Podgora (6 km south) is more residential in character, with a quieter beach and cheaper accommodation than the busier riviera towns.
Budget Options (Under €70/night)
Hostel Makarska (Town Centre, from approximately €18–22 per dorm bed): A clean, social hostel a few minutes’ walk from the beach, with private rooms from approximately €45–65. Good option for solo travellers and those on a tight budget. Communal kitchen available.
Guesthouse Ante (Old Town, from approximately €45–65): A family-run guesthouse in a traditional stone building close to the Venetian Loggia. Rooms are simply furnished; shared terrace with sea glimpses. The kind of family operation where the owner will advise on beaches, ferry times, and local restaurants without being asked.
Apartments Katarina (Near Beach, from approximately €50–70 per night): Studio apartments on a side street two minutes’ walk from the pebble beach. Air conditioning, basic kitchen facilities, good Wi-Fi. Minimum stay of three nights typically required in peak season.
Mid-Range Options (€70–150/night)
Hotel Meteor (Town Beach, from approximately €90–140): A well-established hotel on the seafront promenade, with a private beach section and outdoor pool. Most rooms have sea views. Popular with families; the combination of direct beach access and a pool means children are occupied without much effort. Book two to three months ahead for July and August dates.
Hotel Biokovo (Town Centre, from approximately €85–130): A three-star hotel in the centre of town, a short walk from the beach. Well-maintained rooms; good breakfast buffet. The location is convenient for the old town and the waterfront but not directly beachfront. Good value for the standard offered.
Apartments Rivijera (Seafront Promenade, from approximately €80–120 per night): Apartments with balconies overlooking the promenade and beach. Self-catering setup with a small kitchen; ideal for families or couples who want flexibility over meals. The balcony sea views are the main draw.
Splurge Options (€150/night and above)
Hotel Osejava (Town Beach, from approximately €150–220): The best-positioned hotel in Makarska town, set directly on the beach promenade with an outdoor pool, restaurant, and spa facilities. Rooms have been recently renovated; the sea-view rooms are worth the premium. Service is professional and the breakfast is one of the better hotel breakfasts on the coast.
Bluesun Hotel Alga (Tučepi, 3 km from Makarska, from approximately €140–200): A large resort complex on the Tučepi beach, with multiple pools, a beach club, tennis courts, and direct sea access. Better suited for families and groups who want all facilities on-site than for travellers who want to explore the town extensively.
Practical Booking Advice
Makarska accommodation books out in peak season. For July and August, start looking in March or April - the town is genuinely popular with Polish and Czech tour operators, and the mid-range properties with pools fill first. September has better availability and the sea temperature remains high.
Most accommodation in Makarska is in apartments and private guesthouses rather than hotels. The hotel stock is concentrated in the upper-mid and luxury segments; budget travellers typically use apartments. Booking.com and Airbnb both have strong coverage of the Makarska area.
The town has a good local bus network connecting the main riviera settlements. A car is useful for day trips to the Biokovo mountain park or to explore quieter coves along the riviera, but it is not essential if you are staying in Makarska town.
The ferry connection from Makarska harbour to Sumartin on BraÄŤ island runs several times daily in summer, making a day trip to Bol and Zlatni Rat beach straightforward - a 50-minute crossing each way. Book tickets at the harbour; advance booking is not usually required except in peak August weekends.
Check availability and prices for all Makarska hotels on Booking.com.
Best Area for First-Timers
Stay in Makarska town, within five minutes’ walk of the central beach. Hotel Osejava for sea views and a pool; Hotel Meteor for beachfront access at a slightly lower price point; Apartments Rivijera for self-catering with a balcony. If travelling with children and wanting resort facilities, the Tučepi hotels offer the most complete package.
Plan Your Trip
Flights: Search flights to Split - Split Airport (SPU) is 65 km from Makarska; buses run directly from the airport to Makarska in approximately 80 minutes.
Airport transfer: Book a fixed-price transfer from Split Airport - a door-to-door taxi or shuttle to Makarska costs approximately €40–60.
Travel insurance: Get travel insurance for Croatia - covers medical, cancellation, and trip interruption.
eSIM: Buy an eSIM for Croatia - data plans work across the EU; useful if your home plan does not include EU roaming.
See also: Where to stay in Split | Where to stay in Dubrovnik | Where to stay on BraÄŤ island