Guides
Every question we could’ve thought of, gathered into one place and regularly updated. Whether you are planning an itinerary, chasing down a local legend, or just wondering what to eat, chances are the answer is somewhere below.
Table of Contents of questions
Planning your trip
Why visit the Makarska Riviera every year, not just this year? The coastline, the mountain, the food and the small-town rhythm that make this destination worth visiting are not tied to any single year — the same reasons hold up whichever year you plan your trip.
What makes the Makarska Riviera good for families? Several beaches along the Riviera have shallow, gently sloping water, making them easier and safer for young children while parents actually get to relax.
Can you combine a beach holiday with hiking on the Makarska Riviera? Yes — Biokovo rises directly behind the coast, so swimming in the sea and hiking in the mountains can both fit into the same day.
Do you need to move between towns to see the whole Riviera? Not necessarily. One base is often enough, since islands, mountains, old villages and viewpoints across the Riviera sit within short day-trip distances of most towns on the coast.
Is the Makarska Riviera worth visiting in winter? Yes, for a different kind of experience — mild weather, quiet coastal walks, and local life without the summer crowds, though many tourist-season businesses reduce their hours or close.
Why are winters mild on the Makarska Riviera? Mount Biokovo shields the coast from the harsher continental climate found just inland, giving the Riviera notably milder winters than the Dalmatian hinterland.
When does the tourist season effectively end? Markers like Makarska’s fishermen’s nights typically run through summer and close out with a final evening in late September, after which the pace slows noticeably.
Beaches
Which two beaches in Brela made the World’s 50 Best Beaches 2026 list? Podrače, ranked 14th, and Punta Rata, ranked 39th, in Europe.
What is Kamen Brela? A solitary rock formation with a pine growing from its summit, at the western end of Punta Rata beach, one of the most recognisable images in Croatian tourism.
Has Punta Rata been recognised internationally before? Yes, it has held a Blue Flag for water quality for years and was named by Forbes among the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world in 2004.
How long is Podrače beach? Roughly 60 metres, a small pebble cove that has never been able to absorb large crowds.
How do you get to Podrače beach? Walk north from Punta Rata along the coastal path, around 10 minutes on foot, or drive to the main road above Brela and follow signs down to the path — parking is limited in high season.
Why does Punta Rata have more shade than most Dalmatian beaches? It is backed by relict pine trees protected since 1964, when the area was designated a conservation zone, which is unusual for this stretch of coast and a big part of what makes it feel distinct.
What other beaches are along the same coastal path as Punta Rata and Podrače? Stomarica, Soline and Jakiruša, each with its own character, all reachable on the same walking path through Brela.
Is Nugal Beach family-friendly? Not particularly. It is a naturist-friendly cove with no facilities, reached on foot, and better suited to adults comfortable with that than to young families.
Which beaches on the Makarska Riviera are best for young children? Beaches with shallow, gently sloping water are the easiest for families — look for these specifically, since many of the Riviera’s pebble coves shelve steeply close to shore. Plaža Tučepi is the top pick; at 4 km it’s the longest beach on the Riviera, with fine pebbles, thick tamarisk shade, a gentle entry into the sea, and facilities like pedal boats and water slides for kids. Nikolina in Baška Voda is another solid choice, a Blue Flag beach with pine shade, a lifeguard tower, and a playground just minutes away.
Museums, monasteries and culture
Are the Makarska and Baška Voda malacological museums part of the same collection? No. They are separate institutions. The Makarska museum belongs to the Franciscan Monastery and was founded in 1963 by Fra Jure Radić. The Baška Voda museum, “Morski konjić,” is a privately owned collection built independently since the 1980s by Ante Jurišić.
How many shells are on display at the Makarska museum? Over 3,000 specimens, including shells from the Adriatic as well as tropical and subtropical seas such as Hawaii, Madagascar, Indonesia, the Caribbean and Antarctica.
Who founded the Makarska Malacological Museum? Fra Jure Radić, a Franciscan friar, theologian and natural scientist born in Baška Voda in 1920, founded the museum in 1963.
What period does the Baška Voda archaeological museum collection cover? Nearly 3,000 years, from 2000 BC to the 7th century AD.
What makes the Živogošće monastery historically significant? The Monastery of the Holy Cross has survived fires, wars and earthquakes since its founding in the 16th century, including being burned by Ottoman forces in 1647 during the Candian War.
What rare books are kept at the Zaostrog monastery? Its library holds a 1616 Spanish grammar book and a 1582 Arabic-Italian dictionary printed in Jerusalem, among thousands of other historic volumes restored and archived in the 1970s.
Who is buried at the Zaostrog monastery church? Friar Andrija Kačić Miošić, one of Croatia’s most celebrated folk poets, is buried at the entrance to the church beside the monastery.
What is Bratuš known for? A small, well-preserved former fishing village in the municipality of Baška Voda, first recorded in 1674 and resettled by families from Podgora in the 18th century.
What is the Kotišina herbarium? A preserved collection of Biokovo’s native alpine flora, part of the Kotišina Botanical Garden founded by friar Jure Radić, protecting roughly 300 native plant species.
What is Veliki Kaštel in Kotišina? A multi-storey fortress built during the 17th-century Candian War, constructed directly into the natural caves of the Biokovo cliffs.
What is the Monument to the Tourist in Makarska? A bronze sculpture on Makarska’s waterfront, officially titled “Ukorak s vremenom” (In Step with the Times), by sculptor Nikola Šanjek, showing a local “galeb” and an elegant female tourist.
Why do people touch the Monument to the Tourist statue? Local legend says touching the bronze woman’s chest brings good luck in love, and the polished patina there shows how many people have tried.
What is the Bekavci-Ivandići complex? A protected 19th-century stone hamlet above Brela, built by three brothers around a shared courtyard with cellars, an olive mill, a wine press and a cistern.
What is the Ivičević estate in Drvenik? A walled 18th-century residential and working estate belonging to the Ivičević family, enclosed by a defensive wall lined with musket loopholes.
What is on the Saint Peter Peninsula in Makarska? Remnants of a 6th-century Byzantine fortress and part of the ancient Roman settlement of Mucrum.
What does the Bonaca Swimmer in Makarska commemorate? 100 years of organised tourism in Makarska; it shows a bronze swimmer floating at rest.
Who was Bishop Nikola Bijanković? An 18th-century bishop honoured in Brela who pawned his own church valuables to buy food for locals during a famine.
Who does the Uzorita statue in Podgora represent? An archetype of the sailor’s wife, watching the sea for a boat that might or might not return.
Why is Igrane connected to King Arthur? The connection rests on a theory linking a Roman commander, Lucius Artorius Castus, commemorated in the hills above Igrane, to figures later woven into the King Arthur legend.
Biokovo, legends and the outdoors
What is the legend of Nevistina stina? Nevistina stina, near Brela, is linked to a legend about a bride cursed by her mother to turn to stone the moment she saw the sea — which she and her wedding procession supposedly did.
Is there a scientific explanation for the Nevistina stina rock formations? Yes — geologists attribute the shapes to monolithic limestone and flysch deposits from the Late Cretaceous period, roughly 100 to 65 million years old.
What are the stećci at Kostenića greb in Drvenik? Medieval tombstones featuring a relief of two knights and a girl, linked to a local legend of a tragic fight for love.
What are the vile of Biokovo? Vile are mountain fairies in South Slavic folklore, said in local tradition to inhabit caves on Biokovo’s slopes, including named sites like Vilinska spilja and Vilenjača.
How much does the Biokovo Skywalk cost? 10€ per adult in April, May and October, and 15€ per adult from June to September; children under 7 are free, and mountaineers with a valid club membership card pay 7€.
Do I need to book Skywalk tickets in advance? Yes. Strongly recommended in peak summer, especially 15 July to 15 August, when tickets can sell out days ahead.
How high up is the Biokovo Skywalk? 1228 metres above sea level, at the Ravna Vlaška site on the 13th kilometre of the Biokovo road.
How long can you stay on the Skywalk platform? Visitor numbers are capped at 30 people at a time, with a recommended stay of around 10 minutes.
How many official cycling routes are there on the Makarska Riviera? Seven signed routes, ranging from the easy 62.3 km Transversal route to the demanding 176.6 km Destination Route into Vrgorac and Imotski.
What is the easiest cycling route on the Riviera? Route 340, the Transversal Makarska Riviera, rated 1/5 for difficulty, covering 62.3 km while linking Gradac to Brela.
What is the hardest cycling route on the Riviera? Route 243, the Destination Route, rated 5/5 for difficulty, with 176.6 km and nearly 3000 m of climbing.
Where can you go scuba diving on the Makarska Riviera? Popular sites include the Osejava reef near Makarska (12–18 m), the Vruja blue hole cave system (20–50 m), and the shallower waters off Tučepi for beginners.
Is the Makarska Riviera good for sailing? Yes, Makarska has its own sailing club, Bura, and regularly hosts regattas including the Croatian Sailors’ Regatta.
What makes the Makar–Vošac trail special? It crosses limestone formations around 170 million years old and climbs to Vošac peak at 1,422 metres, the highest accessible viewpoint on the Riviera.
What is the French road above Brela? A Napoleonic-era military supply route built in 1811, passing the Nevistina Stina rock formation and the Hollow Rock (Šuplja stina).
Which is the most demanding hiking route around Baška Voda? The Yellow Route, 25.48 km, climbing to the Veliki Zavod mountain pass, a popular paragliding launch point.
What is the easiest hiking route in Podgora? The “Under the Wings” 5k Family Loop, 5.6 km with 198 m of ascent, passing the Seagull’s Wings Monument and Three Tumuli burial mounds.
What is the easiest family walk on the Makarska Riviera? The Osejava peninsula loop in Makarska, 2 km, ending at Nugal Beach.
How many plant species live in Biokovo Nature Park? Over 1500, including rare endemics like the Biokovo bellflower.
Are there wild horses on Biokovo? Yes, a small herd roams freely across the upper plateau.
Food and drink
What is torta Makarana made of? A flourless filling of ground almonds, eggs, sugar, orange and lemon zest, and maraskino liqueur, baked inside a thin buttery pastry shell.
Is torta Makarana a protected food tradition? Yes — in 2012, Croatia’s Ministry of Culture declared the skill of preparing it an intangible cultural heritage of the Republic of Croatia.
Where can I try torta Makarana in Makarska? Kavana/Slastičarnica Romana and Osejava are the two places most consistently mentioned by locals, alongside the dedicated Dan torte Makarane festival.
What is mandulet? A traditional almond nougat made from egg whites, honey and toasted almonds, whisked over steam and pressed between wafers.
What is the difference between rafioli and kroštule? Rafioli are baked, crescent-shaped pastries with a rich filling, while kroštule are thin ribbons of dough that are deep-fried and dusted with sugar.
Why do sugared almonds symbolise good wishes at Dalmatian weddings? Tradition, said to date back to ancient Rome, calls for gifting newlyweds exactly five sugared almonds, each representing a wish: health, happiness, fertility, wealth and longevity.
Are there any Michelin-starred restaurants on the Makarska Riviera? Not currently. Ješka Fine Bistro, Jeny and Nicolo Polo hold Michelin recommendations rather than stars.
What is the main olive variety grown on the Makarska Riviera? Oblica, an autochthonous Dalmatian variety, is the most widely planted.
What is the main grape variety grown on the Makarska Riviera? Plavac Mali, the dominant red grape of the Dalmatian coast.
What kind of fish is typically caught along the Makarska Riviera? Common catches include sardines, sea bass, gilthead bream and squid, depending on depth and time of year.
What is Autentica? Autentica is the Makarska Riviera’s Food & Wine Festival, running every May since 2024 and jointly organised by the City of Makarska and the Riviera’s municipalities, recognised with a “Simply the Best” award in 2026. It moves through Makarska, Podgora, Baška Voda, Brela and Tučepi, with each town hosting its own day, featuring a market of local OPG producers, show cooking with well-known chefs, traditional pastry workshops, wine tastings and a signature cocktail.
What is Kripost svetog Jerolima? A traditional Dalmatian drink made of egg yolks, fresh milk and a splash of local liqueur, said to be linked to St. Jerome.
What is Bikla? A traditional Dalmatian mountain drink made from equal parts fresh goat’s milk and new red wine, best tried at the Biklijada festival in Podaca.
What is Rožulin? A liqueur made from old rose varieties that bloom once a year, used as the secret flavouring behind the Makarana cake.
What is Blitvijada? An annual festival held in Podgora on the Makarska Riviera, dedicated to blitva, Swiss chard, with special menus, competitions and a full weekend programme every October.
Events, sport and traditions
What are fishermen’s nights on the Makarska Riviera? Traditional summer evenings of grilled fish, local music and handcrafted souvenirs, held on a rotating basis in towns from Brela to Gradac.
What is the biggest annual festival in Makarska? Dan grada Makarske (Town Day) on 24 October, with a full month of cultural, sporting and entertainment events leading up to it.
What is Black and White, Dalmatian Dog Night? A festival dedicated to the Dalmatian dog on the Riviera, held every year on 26 August, International Dog Day, in towns from Brela to Gradac.
Does every town on the Makarska Riviera have its own local festival? Yes, each town celebrates a pučka fešta on its own patron saint’s feast day, from Sv. Juraj in Drvenik on 23 April to Sv. Nikola in Baška Voda on 6 December. See the full list here.
Why is water polo important on the Makarska Riviera? It’s woven into the coast’s identity as much as fishing or sailing. Clubs like VK Gradac, VK Galeb MR, VK Zale and VK Podgora keep a tradition alive that runs through generations of local families, produced an Olympic champion in Ivan Buljubašić, and turns towns from Makarska to Gradac into a genuine summer sporting community every year.
Who is the most famous water polo player from the Makarska Riviera? Ivan Buljubašić, born in Makarska in 1987, started at VK Galeb and went on to win Olympic gold with Croatia at London 2012.
Origin stories
Is the Zaostrog painting really the oldest picture of a Dalmatian dog? Not quite. The FCI’s own breed standard cites an older image in Veli Lošinj, dated to around 1600–1630. Zaostrog’s painting is better described as the earliest known depiction of a complete Dalmatian dog.
Why is the Dalmatian breed named after this region? Written descriptions appear in 1719 in the Đakovo diocese chronicles under the Latin name Canis Dalmaticus, and British naturalist Thomas Pennant gave it the English name “Dalmatian” in 1771.
Why is Biokovo’s highest peak called Sveti Jure? It is named after St. George, the dragon slayer, following a local legend of a soldier who tamed a monstrous dragon threatening a city.
Where was Game of Thrones filmed on the Makarska Riviera? At two sites above Baška Voda: the ruins of Dvori, a 17th-century stone settlement used for Season 4 scenes, and Greben, a rocky ridge near the hillside hamlet of Topići that also served as a filming location.
What did the Kačić family’s coat of arms feature? A dragon, symbolising the power and maritime authority of the medieval noble family that shaped Makarska.
What is Vepric? A Marian shrine near Makarska, founded in 1908 by Bishop Juraj Carić and modelled on the grotto at Lourdes in France.
Why is Vepric called “Little Lourdes”? Because Bishop Carić shaped a natural cave here into a shrine after visiting Lourdes, and the wooded, hillside setting closely echoes the original.
