10 Best Beaches on the Makarska Riviera

Tucepi Beach is a family favourite with its 4 km of white pebbled beach and clear, calm waters. Pine trees offer some shade though sunbeds and parasols are also available to rent. Among the many activities on offer are parasailing, jet ski rental, water-skiing and wakeboarding. A wander along the beachfront promenade leads to several shops, bars, restaurants and cafés.

Found just 5 km south of Makarska city, Tucepi Beach gets busy during the summer months but it’s perfect for those wanting an activity-filled beach escape that’s easy to access.

Punta Rata Beach has a magical setting on a forested cape near Brela town, about 15 km north of Makarska city. Its white pebbled sands and idyllic surrounds have inspired several travel magazines and websites to declare it among the world’s best beaches.

Sun loungers and parasols are available to rent on the beach, and there are several watersports on site, including kayaking and pedalo rentals. Just offshore sits the Brela Stone, a tree-covered rock protruding from the sea – an iconic landmark of the area that’s become an Instagram favourite.

Baksa Voda is a village found 10 km north of Makarska that’s set in the foothills between the pine-forested Biokovo mountains and a string of lovely beaches. It’s an especially enticing area for families, with its blend of natural beauty and a good range of facilities including cafés, toilets and showers, sunbed rentals, playgrounds and paid parking areas.

Those in need of a break from the beach could head to the marina at the centre of town to stroll along the promenade or dine at one of the sea-view restaurants. Linger on into the evening hours to watch the sun go down over the sea.

Nugal Beach is an ideal retreat for those looking for a more isolated stretch of coastline. Found about 2 km south of Makarska city, the beach is hidden away at the base of steep cliffs on a headland and can be accessed only by walking or taking a boat to its pebbly shore. Take care if arriving on foot as the path is stony and steep in places.

Like some other remote beaches along the Dalmatian coast, Nugal has a free and easy vibe that attracts a fair number of nudist bathers. There are no facilities at the beach so if you’re planning to spend the day it’s best to bring your own supply of food and water.

Solaric Beach is a pristine, rocky section of coastline on Cape Osejava about 1 km south of Nugal Beach, which can be seen across the bay. Getting here requires a walk down a path and the stony shoreline is sharp in places, so it might not be the best beach for those with toddlers and young children.

Those who do make it to Solaric are rewarded with clear waters and a rich variety of marine life off the beach – perfect for snorkelling. The sunset views are fantastic as well.

Ramova Beach is perfect for those who want some convenience but not too big a crowd on their day out at the beach. About 300 metres in length with a distinctive sandbar jutting out in the middle, Ramova has rental sun loungers and parasailing, jet skis and other activities available.

There are a few open-air restaurants along the beachfront where you can sit in the shade and enjoy a burger or cocktail while watching the changing colours of the sea as the day turns to dusk. It’s found about 3 km north of Makarska city centre.

The beautiful Velika Duba Beach is great for those who just need the simple pleasures of sun and sea for their beach escape. During the summer months, Velika Duba attracts a variety of beachgoers while the off-season draws small collections of naturists who love to come and relax here.

The beach, also known as Duba Beach, can be reached on foot via a path from the road, with some paid parking available nearby. Aside from a small beach bar, there are no facilities here so bring your own food and umbrella if planning to stay a while.

The wonderful thing about Makarska city is that you don’t need to travel far to find a great beach. One of the best beaches in the region is found within the city limits, stretching for 2 km from the harbour to the western edge of town. Along the beach, there’s a walking promenade lined with shops, cafés, watersports activities and bars.

Makarska Beach gets busy in the summer, so make sure to arrive in the morning if you want to secure a sun lounger or a good spot to lay your towel.

Garma Bay is a pretty cove lined with a string of tiny beaches found about 8 km south of Makarska. The largest beach has an open-air restaurant but there are no facilities in the area. The main lure of this shallow bay is its crystal-clear waters and terrific snorkelling conditions.

Those who prefer to just relax on shore could spread their beach blanket out in the shade under a pine tree for a sea-breezy afternoon snooze. Paid parking is available nearby, with a short pathway leading down to the beach from there.

Biloševac is an easily accessible and fun-filled beach found on the northern fringe of Makarska city. Families and groups who come here will find plenty to do, from snorkelling to kayaking to parasailing or simply relaxing with a refreshing drink at a seaside café. Though it can get extremely busy in summer, Biloševac still offers an exquisite Adriatic coast setting with its pebbled white beach and sapphire waters.

Those who don’t arrive early enough to find a shaded spot under the pine trees could rent a sunbed and parasol or pitch their own umbrella along the ample beach area.