A Charming Town On Croatia's Dalmatian Coast Offers Scenic Mountains & Adriatic Sea Views

When you think of Croatia, you may imagine popular Game of Thrones filming locations such as Dubrovnik and Split, or perhaps the posh and luxurious island of Hvar. While those hotspots are beautiful and worth the visit, this captivating coastal country has much more to see off the beaten track. Along the Adriatic Sea, you'll find the charming town of Makarska offering mountain views, fewer crowds, and fantastic hiking opportunities.

As someone with Croatian roots and citizenship, I recently spent one month in Croatia, including eight days soaking up everything that Makarska had to offer. The sleepy town sits at the bottom of the towering Biokovo Mountain, which depending on the time of day, takes on many different hues from grey to a golden pink during sunset. Grabbing a morning coffee and sipping on it for over an hour (as Croatians do) then taking a walk around its small and inviting streets was one of the simple pleasures of staying in a town with fewer tourist crowds for an extended amount of time.

Located roughly a 1.5-hour drive from the Split airport, Makarska is easily reached via the D8 highway that snakes along the Dalmatian Coast, eventually leading to the stunning Makarska Riviera. You'll be treated to vistas of the Adriatic Sea shifting from turquoise to dark navy blue hues as you drive along steep cliffs while the towering mountains come into full view. It's hard to believe that this area of the country rarely makes the list of the most beautiful places in Croatia.

The Croatian terms "pomalo" (take it easy), and "fjaka" (the art of doing nothing), are staples to how Dalmatians live their lives. Life in Makarska moves slowly and nobody is in a rush, including the restaurant servers. Have the desire to laze around all day with a deadline approaching? Nema problema (no problem) as Croats will say. 

A walk through Makarska's limestone and marble-clad streets, which have been polished over the centuries by foot traffic, will have you feeling as though you are back in Medieval times. Grab a handcrafted drink, kick back, and relax at Fyaka Coffee, tucked away in a tiny street within Makarska's picturesque Old Town. Then make your way to the daily farmer's market where locals happily hand out (or lovingly force feed you) samples of juicy figs from their garden, homemade honey, and even some smoky Dalmatinski pršut, a salty dried ham.

One thing for certain is you'll never leave a restaurant in Makarska hungry. In fact, you may be leaving with leftovers. On the Adriatic Sea, fresh seafood is a must while dining at a konobas, a traditional no-frills restaurant with a simple menu made of regional dishes. You can expect large portions and endlessly flowing wine. Try some crni rižot (black risotto with cuttlefish ink), pašticada (red wine-braised beef with prunes and served with gnocchi), and finish the meal with some fritule (deep fried dough puffs sprinkled with sugar). After dinner, take a stroll to the main square, Trg fra Andrije Kačića Miošića, to admire the sheer size of Biokovo Mountain and to see the small charming stone Cathedral of St. Mark.

With numerous beaches such as Osejava Beach, Makarska Beach, City Beach, and Sveti Petar Beach just steps away from Makarska's old town, it's easy to see why a soothing and scenic beach vacation awaits you here. Like most of the Croatian coast, crowds can build up in Makarska during the peak summer months of June through to August. However, a visit during September when the crowds go home still offers warm weather and swimmable temperatures in the crystal clear Adriatic Sea.

Since Makarska is nestled on a small bay and surrounded by a wooded area, the hiking trails offer incredible views of Biokovo and the town itself. A walk along the Makarska Promenade to watch the boats flow in and out of the harbor all day long makes for a relaxing evening stroll, while those looking to get their steps in can head up to St. Peter's Forest Park on St. Peter's Peninsula. A short walk along the trail will take you to Lover's Lane, filled with locks placed by couples over time, and one of the best views of Makarska and Biokovo.

Croatians love to party, and Makarska holds a traditional Dalmatian event called the Fishermen's Nights, which typically run late into the evening. You will find live music and stalls lining the promenade, selling everything from fresh cooked seafood and cold drinks to homemade crafts, alcohol, and baked goods. To get your heart rate up and test your nerves, navigate the tight hairpin turns to the top of the mountain to visit the Biokovo Skywalk, which protrudes 36-feet over the cliff. The glass Skywalk is open seasonally and you can buy tickets in-person or on the official website.