Activities
A family holiday on the Makarska Riviera does not have to mean a different beach every day. Between the towns and bays that stretch from Brela in the north down through Baška Voda, Makarska, Tučepi, Podgora, Igrane, and Živogošće, there is a network of coastal paths and shaded forest trails that were made for small legs and mixed ambitions.
These five routes are short and safe, and they end at the sea. None of them requires a mountain guide or specialist gear, just good shoes, water, and the willingness to swap the sun lounger for an hour or two.
1. The Osejava peninsula — cliffs, pine shade, and a hidden beach
Distance: 2 km
Duration: ~30 minutes
Start: Osejava Beach, Makarska
Finish: Nugal Beach
Difficulty: Easy, suitable for all ages
This short loop is the ideal introduction to the Riviera’s coastal nature for families who have never hiked here before. Starting from Osejava Beach on the southern edge of Makarska, the path immediately enters the thick pine forest of the Osejava Peninsula, one of the most fragrant short walks on the coast, with generous shade even at midday.
The trail edges along dramatic cliffs overlooking the deep blue sea before descending to Nugal beach: a stunning pebble cove enclosed by a massive vertical rock face, accessible only on foot. It is the kind of place children remember.
- Good to know: Nugal is naturist-friendly. The beach has no facilities, so bring everything you need for a swim.
- Best combined with: A walk along the Makarska seafront afterward, or a short drive to Tučepi for the afternoon.
2. Makarska to Tučepi — a forest sanctuary between two towns
Distance: 4.5 km
Duration: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Start: Osejava Beach, Makarska
Finish: Lučica Beach, Tučepi
Difficulty: Easy, good for active families
If your family is ready for a longer walk, this route connects Makarska and Tučepi through the forest between the two towns, the same green corridor that hikers and trail runners use throughout the season.
The path passes Kraljev Gaj Bay, a hidden, crystal-clear cove ideal for a break and a swim, before emerging onto the calm harbour and family-friendly waterfront of Tučepi. A taxi or local bus back to Makarska makes the logistics easy.
- Tip: Bring a picnic for Kraljev Gaj; the bay has no kiosk or facilities, and the shade makes it a perfect lunch stop.
- Best combined with: An ice cream on the Tučepi waterfront, or, for families keen to explore further, the short drive to Podgora and its harbour promenade.
3. The Vruja coastline walk — the Brela stone and hidden bays
Distance: 8.5 km
Duration: ~2 hours
Start: Baška Voda
Finish: Vruja Bay
Difficulty: Easy, flat coastal path
This is the Riviera’s most scenic flat coastal walk, and one of the most photographed stretches of the Adriatic coast. The path runs north from Baška Voda along the sea, passing directly by Kamen Brela, the Brela Stone, an iconic rock rising from the shallows with a solitary pine growing from its top, and one of the most recognisable images in Croatian tourism.
The route continues into Brela itself, famous for its succession of small pebble coves, and finishes at Vruja Bay, where the mountain cliffs plunge directly into the sea, and a freshwater spring pushes up through the pebbles, visibly mixing with the salt water.
- For younger children: The path is wide and largely flat. The best stopping point for a swim is anywhere along the Brela waterfront, multiple small bays with shallow entries and lifeguards in season.
- Best combined with: The Bishop Bijanković sculpture on the Brela coastal path, and a return bus or taxi from Brela back to Baška Voda.
4. Igrane to Živogošće — olive groves and a monastery by the sea
Distance: 2.7 km
Duration: ~40 minutes
Start: Centre of Igrane
Finish: Živogošće Porat
Difficulty: Easy, gentle, shaded path
This gentle path between two of the quieter towns on the southern Riviera is a favourite for families who want culture alongside the coast. Starting from the centre of Igrane, whose tall bell tower is visible from most of the southern Riviera, the path winds through old olive groves with open views toward the island of Hvar.
The walk ends in Živogošće Porat, beside the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Cross, where a Roman-era epigram carved into the rock praises the freshwater springs that still flow from the mountain above. The Nymph sculpture nearby celebrates the same ancient waters.
- For curious children: The carved Roman inscription is only a few minutes from the monastery entrance, one of the most unusual things a child is likely to encounter on a walking holiday.
- Best combined with: A swim at the small bay in Živogošće below the monastery, and a drive north to Podgora for the evening.
5. Podgora to Tučepi — the ultimate beach-hopping trails
Distance: 2.4 km
Duration: ~33 minutes
Start: Centre of Podgora
Finish: Lučica Beach, Tučepi
Difficulty: Easy, flat coastal path with multiple swim stops
If your family’s definition of perfect trails involves swimming at least three times, this is the route. The coastal path from Podgora to Tučepi strings together some of the most beautiful small bays on the Riviera in an unbroken seaside sequence.
Along the way, the trails pass the deeply shaded Plišivac Beach, the turquoise waters of Garma Beach, and the serene Dračevac Beach, before finishing at Lučica, Tučepi‘s main family beach. You are never more than a few steps from a swim, and the path is relaxed enough that even slow walkers finish happy.
- Best combined with: The Fisherman and Uzorita sculptures on the Podgora harbour before you set out, and lunch on the Tučepi waterfront when you arrive.
- Return: The coastal bus runs regularly between Tučepi and Podgora in summer, making this a simple out-and-back.
Tips for a safe family day out
- Footwear matters: Even on easy paved paths, leave the flip-flops at the beach. Light trainers or sport sandals with grip are enough for all five routes.
- Water first: The Mediterranean sun reflecting off white stone and sea is more intense than it looks. Pack at least 1.5 litres per person, more in July and August.
- Start early or late: The most enjoyable window for walking with children is before 10 am or after 5 pm. Midday heat in high summer is best spent at the beach.
- Check locally: Many tourist offices carry up-to-date maps of trails and can advise on current conditions.
Important note
These recommendations are for informational purposes; your safety is your priority. Contact the relevant tourist board for more information about these trails.
