Nugal Beach
Split-Dalmatia4.5 ★ (1189)
Nugal is a small, secluded pebble cove near Makarska reached only on foot via a scenic 15–30 minute pine-forest and cliffside trail. It offers dramatic cliffs, plenty of tree shade and exceptionally clear turquoise water, but has zero facilities — no bar, toilets, showers or shops. Historically a nudist (FKK) beach, it has become increasingly mixed/textile, and litter and midday crowds are recurring complaints.
- Best time:
- Late spring (May) or early morning before 9–10am to beat crowds; visit earlier in the day since cliffs shade the beach well before sunset.
- Who it's for:
- Active travelers and nature lovers who don't mind a hike and bringing their own supplies for a wild, secluded swim.
The facts
- Sand / surface
- pebble
“small and made up of fine pebbles”
- Water quality
- crystal clear, turquoise
“crystal clear sea”
- Family friendly
- partial
“even with small kids”
- Bar
- no
“no bar”
- Restaurant
- no
“There are no cafes on site”
- Showers
- no
“no shower”
- Toilets
- no
“no toilet”
- Parking
- Kaufland parking (free per some; expensive per others); road parking risks €30 ticket
“left the car on Kaufland parking, it is free”
- Sunbeds
- no
“totaly natural”
- Cleanliness
- mixed
“Lots of trash, large pebbles”
- Crowd level
- varies; empty early morning, crowded after 10am and weekends
“It starts to get full after 10”
- Changing facilities
- no
“totaly natural”
- Beach size
- small
“The beach itself is small”
Good to know
- Steep, slippery cliffside trail requiring proper shoes — “The road is beautiful, but not the easiest, and slippery”
- No shade in parts and no water/food available on site — “no facilities, shops, or shade, so bring everything you need”
- Cliffs block the sun early, causing a noticeable temperature drop — “sun goes behind clifs an hour or two sooner... drop in air temperarure is noticeable”
- Road parking may result in fines — “got a ticket €30”
Pros
- +Beautiful scenic forest-and-cliff trail to reach it
- +Crystal-clear turquoise water, easy to swim
- +Secluded, natural setting with dramatic cliffs
- +Plenty of tree shade in parts
- +Quiet and uncrowded early in the morning
Cons
- −No facilities at all — no toilets, showers, bar or shops
- −Only reachable via a moderate hike; not car- or mobility-accessible
- −Recurring reports of trash under the trees
- −Gets crowded after 10am and on weekends
- −Uncertain nudist/textile status may confuse visitors
FAQ
- How do you get to Nugal Beach?
- It's reachable only on foot — roughly a 15–30 minute walk on a forest and cliffside trail from Makarska/Kaufland. Wear sturdy shoes as the path is rocky and can be slippery.
- Are there any facilities at the beach?
- No. There are no toilets, showers, bars or shops, so bring your own water (about 2 litres per person), snacks and sun protection.
- Is Nugal a nudist beach?
- It was historically a clothing-optional/FKK beach, but reviewers report it has become largely textile/mixed, with only a few nudists remaining.
- Where can I park?
- Many visitors park at the nearby Kaufland (reported as free by some, expensive by others) and walk. Avoid parking on the road, as one visitor received a €30 fine.
- Is it sandy?
- No, it's a pebble beach with smaller and larger stones both on shore and entering the water.
Location
21300, Croatia
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