Makarska Beach
Makarska Beach is a long pebble beach on the Dalmatian coast, backed by pine-tree shade and the dramatic Biokovo mountains. Reviewers consistently praise the clear, calm water and the lively promenade lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. It's well-equipped with rentable sunbeds and kids' activities, though it gets very crowded in high season and some visitors note maintenance and hygiene issues in spots.
- Best time:
- Late spring or early morning (before 10am) to secure shade and a spot; summer months are warmest but very crowded, especially August.
- Who it's for:
- Families and relaxed swimmers wanting clear water, shade and plenty of nearby food and amenities.
The facts
- Sand / surface
- pebble
“covered with smooth white pebbles”
- Water quality
- clear, clean
“crystal clear water, great visibility”
- Family friendly
- yes
“perfect for families with kids, older travelers”
- Bar
- yes
“there are many bars”
- Restaurant
- yes
“many restaurants and food points with pretty adequate prices”
- Showers
- yes
“showers are not for free (1€/30 sec)”
- Toilets
- yes
“toilets as well 2€”
- Parking
- difficult, frustrating
“parking in Makarska is a very frustrating process”
- Sunbeds
- yes, paid (~60 kuna/day)
“The price for a beach chair per day is 60 Croatioan kuna”
- Snorkeling
- yes
“excellent for snorkelling. we saw many different fishes”
- Surfing
- no
“The waves are calm”
- Cleanliness
- mostly clean, but disputed
“the beach is badly maintained… trash bins are not common”
- Crowd level
- crowded in high season
“Can be overcrowded during high season”
- Water sports
- pedal boats
“Pedals boats are available as well”
- Changing facilities
- yes
“Showers and changing cabins every few meters”
- Beach size
- large
“Makarska Beach stretches for a long distance”
Good to know
- Sea urchins — “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 leak near Hotel Park — “there is a sewage pipe that leaks onto the beach... terrible smell”
Pros
- +Crystal-clear, calm water good for swimming and snorkeling
- +Natural pine-tree shade along the beach
- +Long shoreline with a lively promenade of cafés and restaurants
- +Family-friendly with kids' slides, aquaparks and playgrounds
- +Sunbeds, umbrellas and lockers available for rent
Cons
- −Very crowded in high season; spots reserved with towels early
- −Sea urchins and pebbles make water shoes advisable
- −Paid showers and toilets; some cabins reported closed
- −Parking in Makarska is difficult
- −Isolated reports of poor bin maintenance and a sewage leak near Hotel Park
FAQ
- Is Makarska Beach sandy or pebble?
- It is a pebble beach with smooth white stones; water shoes are recommended.
- Are sunbeds free?
- No, deck chairs are paid (around 60 kuna/day); free public areas exist but fill up early.
- Is it good for families?
- Yes, the water is calm and shallow, with kids' slides, playgrounds and aquaparks nearby.
- Are there showers and toilets?
- Yes, but they are paid (roughly 1€ for showers and 2€ for toilets).
- Is snorkeling worthwhile?
- Yes, the clear water offers good visibility and fish, though watch for sea urchins.
Location
Šetalište Dr. Franje Tuđmana 11, 21300, Makarska, Croatia
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