Makarska Beach
Makarska Beach is a long, lively pebble beach on the Dalmatian coast, backed by pine-tree shade and the dramatic Biokovo mountains. Reviewers consistently praise its clear, calm water, ideal for swimming and snorkeling, plus an extensive promenade of cafés, restaurants and shops. It gets crowded in peak summer, and some visitors flag limited free facilities and localized cleanliness issues.
- Best time:
- Early morning (before 10 am) to claim shade and a spot; June–September for warm water, though August is very crowded. May water is still cold.
- Who it's for:
- Families, couples, and relaxed travelers wanting clear water plus full promenade amenities.
The facts
- Sand / surface
- pebble
“Nice and clean pebble beach”
- Water quality
- excellent, crystal clear
“crystal-clear water, smooth pebbles”
- Family friendly
- yes
“very family-friendly beach, and the shade from the pine trees”
- Bar
- yes
“there are many bars, restaurants nearby”
- Restaurant
- yes
“there are lots of cafes, restaurants, and snack bars right along the promenade”
- Showers
- yes
“showers are not for free (1€/30 sec)”
- Toilets
- yes
“toilets as well 2€”
- Sunbeds
- yes, paid (~60 kuna/day; free before June 1)
“The price for a beach chair per day is 60 Croatioan kuna”
- Snorkeling
- yes
“excellent for snorkelling. we saw many different fishes!”
- Cleanliness
- mostly clean, but mixed reports
“The great clean water regardless of the number of people”
- Crowd level
- crowded, especially August
“beautiful beach but very crowded”
Good to know
- Sea urchins on the seabed — “there are sea urchins everywhere, make sure to watch where you’re stepping”
- Sharp pebbles underfoot — “you have to wear special shoes if swimming in order not to hurt you feet”
- Sewage pipe leaking near Hotel Park — “there is a sewage pipe that leaks onto the beach. it gives off a terrible smell”
Pros
- +Crystal-clear water with great snorkeling visibility
- +Long beach with pine-tree shade and mountain backdrop
- +Abundant nearby cafés, restaurants and snack stalls
- +Sunbeds, umbrellas and kids' activities available
- +Calm, safe water good for families
Cons
- −Very crowded in peak season; spots reserved with towels early
- −Showers (~1€) and toilets (~2€) are paid
- −Pebbles and sea urchins make water shoes advisable
- −Reports of full trash bins and a leaking sewage pipe near Hotel Park
- −Some food spots are cash-only with big prices
FAQ
- Is Makarska Beach sandy?
- No, it is a pebble beach with smooth stones; water shoes are recommended for comfort.
- Are sunbeds free?
- No. Deck chairs cost around 60 kuna per day, though some reviewers noted they were free before June 1.
- Are there toilets and showers?
- Yes, but they are paid — roughly 1€ for showers and 2€ for toilets.
- Is it good for families?
- Yes, the water is calm and shallow, and there are kids' slides, water parks and playgrounds nearby.
- How do I avoid the crowds?
- Arrive early (before 10 am) to find a spot and shade, especially in August when it gets very busy.
Location
Šetalište Dr. Franje Tuđmana 11, 21300, Makarska, Croatia
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