Makarska between Culture and the Adriatic Coast

Makarska draws attention both to its historic townscape and its coastal landscape. When choosing a hotel, it may help to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: museums and architectural history, paths along the peninsulas, or time by the sea. The following places show the different sides of the city that shape your stay.

Historic Places and Collections

The cultural heritage preserved at the Makarska City Museum ranges from archaeological finds to contemporary artworks. The museum is housed in the historic Baroque Tonoli Palace. Here, the focus shifts from finds from the past to art from the present.

The Malacological Museum of the Franciscan Monastery displays shell collections from the Adriatic as well as from tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The exhibits include more than 3,000 shells. This makes it a very different subject from the city museum: the diversity of shell collections.

The Cathedral of St. Mark also brings together architectural history and art. It was built in several phases between 1700 and 1766. The interior contains a rich artistic heritage, while the cathedral offers expansive views from the outside. Kalalarga, the oldest and most important street in the historic center, stands out for its stone paving and Dalmatian architecture. Together, these places form a historic focus that ranges from sacred art to the streetscape.

Peninsulas and Coastal Landscape

The landscape of the Sveti Petar Peninsula features Mediterranean vegetation, winding paths and views of the Adriatic and the Biokovo Mountains. Osejava offers a different setting: it has a pine forest, paths to secluded beaches and viewpoints, and opportunities for relaxation, hiking and cycling.

Nugal Beach is a smaller cove south of Makarska, surrounded by cliffs and pine forest. It can be reached on foot or by boat. This gives you different options when planning your time on the coast: views and paths on Sveti Petar, forest, beaches and activities in Osejava, or the smaller cove at Nugal. The details about access on foot and by boat refer to Nugal Beach.

Maestrale, the Observatory and Astro Park

The seasonal Maestrale program includes guided, costumed tours of the old town, with storytelling and performances by local vocal and folklore groups. Check current dates and availability before including the program in your travel plans.

The Makarska Observatory is located on a small hill in the city center near the sea and is considered Croatia’s youngest observatory. Astro Park Makarska features a scientific playground for children inspired by the solar system. Both places have an astronomical focus, but with different emphases: the observatory as an astronomical observatory, and Astro Park as a playground themed around the solar system.

Getting Your Bearings

Makarska’s bus station is in the city center, next to the town harbor. If you arrive by bus, its location is a useful reference point when planning your stay. Check current timetables separately, as transport details may change.

Discover more destinations: Veliko Brdo.

Go to the overview of the wider travel area: Općina Makarska.