Travel information
Due to Makarska's coastal location, you can do many of the typical beach activities (e.g., parasailing). If you plan to sunbathe on the beach, be aware that the beach consists of pebble, not sand, so you may want to bring or buy a mat.
The mountains directly behind the city have decent hiking trails. The area is scenic and not too crowded, and you can get a good view of Makarska if you hike high enough. Be sure to stay on the trail, as there is one species of poisonous snake that lives in the area.
About a half-hour drive from Makarska, you can go rafting or kayaking along the Cetina River. The river is generally calm, although there are a few fast places, and one section is particularly dangerous. There is a tour agency that offers guided trips down the river. If you decide to go, look for the cave that was used by Marshal Tito's Partisans during World War 2 to hide from the Nazis.
Also near Makarska, you can visit Biokovo National Park, the mountainous area behind Makarska. Although you can walk on foot into the mountains behind Makarska, if you want to reach the best mountainous areas, you'll need to drive to the official park itself. There are excellent hiking opportunities in the park, although sometimes the fog makes it difficult to have a good view of the surroundings.
You can take a scenic walk around the peninsula, the marina, and the main square. The peninsula area in particular is scenic, relaxing, and some parts are not too crowded. Be warned that nude sunbathers like to relax on the southern side of the peninsula.
The city is best explored on foot. All the major areas of interest are within a short walk of each other. There is an online city map if you need it.
At the southern end of the beach (near the peninsula), there is an outdoor market area. There you can buy souvenirs, beach gear, and food. In this area are other simple but fun attractions such as trampolines to jump on.
There are two major internet cafes in town. They're both very close to the main town square and are within a 45-second walk of each other. Internet Club Flex is directly on Kalelarga Street, while Matrix is on a small street off of Kalelarga (Look for a sign saying internet). Both charge 20 kuna per hour, although Matrix seems to be more willing to sometimes spontaneously charge you less than what you owe.
There are various restaurants along the beach and in the main square area.
- Roma, at the corner of Meštroviča and Molizanskih Hrvata, +385(0)21 690 900. A good restaurant to visit if you're tired of the atmosphere along the beach and in the main square. Relaxed but still classy enough for a decent dinner or a date.
There are bars and cafes along the main strip of the beach. Most of the best dance clubs are concentrated around the marina.
During the high tourist season (July to September), the Grotta and the Deep are two popular dance bars that have been built into a natural cave along the sea. Unfortunately, they are closed during the off-season.
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