Sprawling at the foot of the stark grey Biokovo mountain range, the resort town of Makarska stands at the centre of a popular holiday strip known as the Makarska Riviera. Distinguishing feature of Makarska and neighbouring towns is their succession of sweeping pebble beaches, shallow bays and translucent waters.

Makarska

Makarska itself has a quaint historic centre featuring stone houses cut through by narrow alleys, surrounded by extensive suburbs of modern holiday villas. The main town beach stretches northwest for several kilometres, backed by cafés, hotels and seasonal stands renting bikes and sporting equipment. Immediately southeast of town, walking and biking trails stretch across the forested Osejava headland. From here, paths lead down to Nugal Beach, a beautiful secluded cove which nevertheless gets crowded in summer.

Baška Voda & Brela

You can walk, cycle or catch a bus northwest to a pair of attractive settlements up the coast. Baška Voda, 9km out of Makarska, is a bustling resort with lively beach life; while Brela, just beyond, has a more laid-back scene and a succession of picture-perfect coves.

Tučepi