Makarska

An Introduction to...
The Makarska Riviera.....

Arguably the most beautiful stretch of coast on the Adriatic, the seemingly endless sun-soaked white pebble beaches are fringed by centuries-old, sweet-scented pine and olive trees, providing nature's own sunshades. The sheer splendour of the Mount Biokovo range with its dazzling slopes, little villages of stone houses nestling at its feet, provides a perfect setting to the azure-blue sea which surrounds the sentinel islands of Brac and Hvar. This splendid holiday coast, lying between the two famous cities of Split and Dubrovnik, has a great deal to offer. The sea is warm, beautifully clear and slopes gently, making it ideal for children and non-swimmers.

Makarska is a delightful old town sitting in the middle of a pretty horseshoe-shaped bay against a spectacular backdrop of the impressive Biokovo Mountains.
There is a wonderful palm-fringed promenade with a selection of fashionable cafés, bars and boutiques overlooking the pretty harbour where pleasure craft bob jauntily at their moorings. The town is vibrant with a bustling and cosmopolitan atmosphere, particularly in July and August. Most hotels are located just outside the bay with their own curving pine-protected beaches.
Makarska offers the best of both worlds, old and new, and is an ideal resort for those looking for a livelier holiday and a good choice of facilities.

Local Costs - Makarska Riviera (Baska Voda, Brela, Makarska & Tucepi)

The prices shown are approximate and are based on popular locations in the main season. Variations will apply according to location, style of establishment and season.

Large draft beer £2

Glass of wine £2.25

Litre bottle of restaurant house wine  £7.50

Litre Bottle of restaurant branded wine £15

Gin & tonic £2.25

Coca cola £1.60

Cocktail £4.40

Half litre of restaurant bottled water £1.25

Espresso coffee £0.75

Tea £0.75

Cappuccino £1.25

Snack lunch e.g. toasted sandwich or burger  £2.25

Large Pizza  £5

Pasta dish £4.40

Salad £4.40

3 course dinner menu £16.25 per person

Ice cream £0.75p

Taxi £3.10 on the clock and £1 per km

Taxi Makarska - Tucepi £10; Makarska - Baska Voda £16.25; Makarska - Brela £18.75

Bus Makarska - Tucepi £1.40; Makarska - Baska Voda £1.60; Makarska - Brela £2

Bicycle hire £2.50 per hour; £12.50 per day

Pedallo £6.25 per hour

Banana boat per ride £8 for 10-15 minutes

Makarska Riviera Excursions

This is a selection of the most popular excursions available from Makarska, Baska Voda, Tucepi and Brela. The information given below is intended as a guide only. Transportation, guides and entrance fees are normally included. Meals are not included unless specified. Some tours may operate in the peak season and others may depend upon the weather.

Dubrovnik - Full day by bus

This tour will reveal the finest sites of the old walled City as well as give an opportunity to view it from above at a spectacular panoramic spot.

The walking part includes visits to the Dominican Monastery with it's fine collection of medieval paintings and Dubrovnik's Cathedral with its famous Treasury.

Our expert guide will lead you through the narrow streets of the Old Town and introduce you to the history and culture of this magnificent city. Other splendid buildings will be viewed along the way.

Cost approximately Kuna 390 (£49).

Mostar - Full day by bus to where the North meets the South and the West meets the East  

This is a city of poetry, stone and narrow cobbled streets, the city where the traveller from the North feels the first dashes of Mediterranean air, imbued with the scents of citrus and sea whereas the traveller from the South reaches the first glimpses of the continent beyond.

The town is exceptional for its dwellings and monuments assembled harmoniously over the centuries thanks to the favourable geographical conditions and  sound economic climate.

Experience the city sights which include: the Old Bazaar, the Turkish House and one of the many old Mosques.

After the guided tour of the town you will have some free time for strolling around, browsing among the many old craft shops or having lunch (not included) in one of the good value local restaurants.

Cost approximately Kuna 380 (£47).

Omis  & the Cetina River and Canyon - Full day by bus and boat for lovers of nature and good home cooking!

Drive along the Makarska Riviera with its mountain backdrop and climb high above the sea for the first  view of the Cetina River canyon, the coast and the charming town of Omiš. Upon arrival in Omiš embark on small local boats for a sail along the river before arriving at the restaurant located right on the riverbank. Enjoy local specialities such as meat and potaoes made under the iron bell ('peka'), salad and home made cakes (included in the cost).

After lunch and a short rest we sail back to Omiš where you will have the chance to look around individually - maybe visit the fortress or the local church of St. Michael.

Cost approximately Kuna 400 (£49).

Split & Trogir - Full day by bus

Drive along the coast, passing the  islands of Hvar and Brac, and through the town of Omiš, once a pirates' nest situated at the mouth of the Cetina River. Within an hour you are in Split.

The old part of the town in and around the Palace of the Roman Emperor Diokletian dates back to the beginning of the 4th century and is not far from the Roman colony of Salona. On a guided walking tour visit the well- preserved Roman cellars and the remains of the Roman culture and one of the oldest cathedrals in the world - the Cathedral of St. Duje.

After the guided tour there is  the opportunity to visit one of Dalmatia's largest open markets located just next to the Palace.

Continue with a drive along the coast to the ancient town of Trogir. This wonderful Venetian town is like an open-air museum set in a maze of narrow streets.

Cost approximately Kuna 330 (£41).

Nature Park Biokovo - Half day by minibus with a walking tour in the mountains

Join an experienced and very competent team on a panoramic tour of the Biokovo mountain to discover its natural beauty, including its highest peak Sv. Jure (1762m). At first sight Mount Biokovo appears a mass of naked rock, but it is actually very rich in unique plant life and numerous animal species as well as enjoying spectacular views of the coastline and islands. Slow walking with an expert guide is suitable for all ages. You will also have the opportunity to try some delicious Dalmatian food specialities typical to this region (included).

Cost approximately Kuna 340 (£42)

Sibernik & Krka National Park - Full day by bus

Drive along the coast through Omiš, Split and Solin with a short stop at Skradin at the mouth of the Krka river to enjoy the beautiful views. Continue towards Krka National Park. Krka is the most amazing and impressive river of the Croatian karst with the largest gypsum barrier in Europe, Skradinski Buk, where the water of the river forms small lakes, falls and creeks. There is the possibility to walk along the waterfalls as well as visit the old mill and the ethnographic exhibition.

On the way back a stop is made at Šibenik to visit one of the most interesting cathedrals in Croatia, unique for it's construction with large flat stones.

Cost approximately Kuna 440 (£55).

The Town of Hvar, Hvar Island - Full day by hydrofoil

Hvar is the second largest island in the Adriatic and in 1997 was voted one of the ten most beautiful islands in the world by Traveller Magazine. It is known in turn as ‘the Madeira or the Mykonos or the St. Tropez of the Adriatic'. Cosmopolitan and lively, it certainly attracts the celebrities and the super yachts!

Its splendid climate boasts an average of 2,715 hours of sunshine a year. The island is noted for its lush vegetation, pinewoods, olive trees and various aromatic plants that perfume the crystal-clear unpolluted air.

This is an island with a rich cultural heritage and architecture, hosting many beautiful resorts and picturesque villages in peaceful, idyllic settings.

Hvar Town is a handsome fortified town built of honey-coloured stone. It is one of the most architecturally beautiful in the world with its Venetian Palace and a perfect, centuries-old theatre, the first to be built in Europe and still in use today. There is a white polished stone square in front of the Cathedral, which looks out over the pretty harbour with a backdrop of islets.

A guided tour of the town is included and there is free time for individual exploration, a pleasant walk uphill to the famous fortress and lunch in one of the many restaurants along the quayside or imposingly set on the rooftops (not included).

Cost approximately Kuna 505 (£68).

Rafting - Full day

Rafting is one of the most exciting ways to experience river courses and their picturesque surroundings. Our river adventure starts on the banks of the Cetina River in the Biokovo Mountain region. Short instructions will be followed by a 3 hours white-water descent to the Radman's Millls, where we shall leave our rafts to enjoy swimming in the clear mountain river, or a stroll through the woods.

There will be a possibility for lunch, which is not included in the approximate cost of                 Kuna 480 (£59).

Mljet National Park and Korčula by catamaran

The island of Mljet is almost completely covered with thick forest and is a paradise for those who enjoy untouched nature and absolute tranquility. The main attractions of the National Park are two saltwater lakes. You can enjoy a boat ride on the larger one and visit the small islet of St Mary with a Benedictine monastery dating from the 12^th century. There is also time for swimming in the crystal clear sea.

The island of Korčula offers something different - splendid historical and cultural monuments, a mixture of various European civilisations. Most of the monuments are concentrated in the Old Town, built on a small fish-bone shaped peninsula where everything is within walking distance.

Cost approximately Kuna 650 (£81).

The Island of Brač

This is a charming tour that starts by ferry from Makarska to Sumartin and will show you the beauty of the island of Brač. A pleasant drive through the olive groves and vineyards towards Pučišća will take you to the only high school for stonemasons in this part of Europe. Their works and sculptures are unique and impressive. Further on, you will stop at the oldest settlement on Brač, the charming village of Škrip. There you will have the opportunity to visit the archaeological and ethnographical museum. Lastly, you will stop in the popular and beautiful town of Bol, where you will have time to visit the old Franciscan Monastery or take a mini-train to the famous Golden Horn (Zlatni Rat) beach that stretches for a mile into the sea, enjoy a refreshing cold drink at one of the pavement cafés or sample one of the good local restaurants for lunch.

Cost approximately Kuna 340 (£43).