Makarska Beach/City Beach
Makarska Beach (City Beach)
Makarska Beach, often referred to as Makarska City Beach, is the most famous and most accessible beach in Makarska. It is located right next to the town promenade, close to hotels, restaurants, cafés, and the town center, which makes it one of the most common choices for anyone looking for a practical beach in Makarska without complicated access. Unlike more secluded beaches such as Nugal or Kraljev gaj, the focus here is on easy accessibility, amenities, and a livelier summer atmosphere.
The beach is mostly pebbled, with clean sea and a long coastal area suitable for swimming, sunbathing, and spending the whole day by the sea. Makarska Beach is a good choice for families, couples, and anyone who wants to stay close to accommodation, the promenade, and town amenities. During summer, it can get very crowded, especially around midday, so the best time to arrive is in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you are looking for a central, well-maintained, and easily accessible beach on the Makarska Riviera, the City Beach is the most logical place to start.
At Makarska Beach, also known as Makarska City Beach, you will find most of the amenities visitors expect from a central town beach: cafés, restaurants, sun loungers, parasols, showers, proximity to the promenade, and easy access from the town center. That is exactly why this beach is one of the most common choices for those looking for a practical beach in Makarska without long walks or special planning.
Activities: swimming, sunbathing, seaside walks, relaxing in cafés and restaurants, family beach outings, and evening strolls along the promenade. The beach is mostly pebbled, the sea is clean, and thanks to its proximity to accommodation and town amenities, it is especially practical for families, couples, and anyone who wants to stay close to the center.
Makarska Beach is the best choice if you are looking for a well-maintained, accessible, and livelier beach on the Makarska Riviera. During summer, it can get very crowded, especially around noon and in the early afternoon, so for a more peaceful experience it is better to arrive earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you prefer a beach with more nature and fewer people, then Nugal, Kraljev gaj, or Ramova are better choices, but for a classic day at the town beach, Makarska Beach is the most logical option.
Beaches Near Makarska Beach
Near Makarska Beach, also known as Makarska City Beach, there are several popular beaches that make up the most famous coastal area of the town. This zone is especially practical because the beach is lined with a promenade, hotels, restaurants, cafés, and accommodation, making it a great choice if you want an easily accessible beach in Makarska without additional planning.
Towards the western part of Makarska, the coastline continues with beaches such as Ratac, Biloševac, and Cvitačka. These are good options if you want to stay close to the town while still having a bit more space than on the busiest part of the city beach. This part of the coast is mostly pebbled, with clean sea, easy access, and enough amenities for a longer stay by the sea.
If you prefer a quieter and more natural alternative, good options are Ramova, Kraljev gaj, and Nugal. These beaches offer a different experience compared to Makarska Beach: less urban crowds, more nature, and a more secluded atmosphere. Nugal and Kraljev gaj are especially interesting for visitors looking for more natural beaches in Makarska and who are willing to walk a bit more or accept simpler conditions.
The best combination for exploring beaches in Makarska is Makarska Beach for a classic town beach day, Biloševac and Cvitačka for a more spacious coastal area, Ramova for a calmer atmosphere, and Nugal and Kraljev gaj for a more natural and secluded seaside experience.
Beach Photos
Where to stay:
If you want to visit Makarska Beach, also known as Makarska City Beach, the best choice is accommodation in Makarska near the sea and promenade. This beach is located along one of the liveliest parts of the town, close to hotels, apartments, restaurants, cafés, and the center, so it is especially practical if you want a beach just a few minutes’ walk from your accommodation.
For families, the best choice is an apartment in Makarska near the beach, ideally with parking, a kitchen, and easy access to the promenade. Couples and guests who want more amenities will prefer accommodation by the coast or near the center, because Makarska Beach, the evening promenade, restaurants, and town facilities are then easily accessible without a car. If you want a quieter stay, choose accommodation slightly farther from the busiest part of the beach, but still close enough to the sea.
The easiest way: on adriatic.hr, filter Makarska and check the distance from the sea, promenade, and center on the map. This way, you can quickly find accommodation in Makarska near Makarska Beach that best suits your travel style.
Where to eat:
One of the biggest advantages of Makarska Beach, also known as Makarska City Beach, is that restaurants, cafés, and beach bars are located very close to the beach. The most practical options are along the beach itself, the promenade, and the center of Makarska, so you do not have to plan food and drinks in advance as you would for more secluded beaches.
- Bounty Steakhouse & Restaurant (Makarska Beach) – one of the most practical options because it is located directly by Makarska’s pebbled beach. A good choice for steak, Mediterranean dishes, cocktails, and lunch or dinner without leaving the beach area.
- Restaurant Bruschetta (central beach) – located on the central beach, just a few meters from the sea. A good option for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner while staying within the Makarska Beach area.
- Cvit Soli (Makarska promenade) – a more modern Mediterranean restaurant on the Makarska promenade, good for breakfast, a light lunch, or dinner by the sea.
- Restaurant Hrpina (Makarska) – a classic choice for Dalmatian cuisine, fish, seafood specialties, and a more traditional lunch or dinner after a day at the beach.
- Ješka Fine Bistro (Makarska center) – a better option for a special dinner than for a quick meal after the beach. A good choice if you want a more creative bistro approach, local ingredients, and a calmer evening atmosphere.
- Marineta Restaurant & Lounge Bar (Makarska center) – a modern option in the center of Makarska for dinner, cocktails, fish, meat, pasta, and a more relaxed lounge atmosphere.
What to see:
Makarska promenade and waterfront: the most logical first stop after swimming at Makarska Beach. Along the promenade, you will find cafés, restaurants, ice cream shops, and sea views, making it the easiest way to combine a beach day with Makarska’s evening atmosphere.
St. Peter Peninsula: an excellent choice for a short walk from the city beach area. The peninsula offers beautiful views of Makarska, the sea, the harbor, and Biokovo, and the area is ideal for an easy walk, photography, and a break from the beach crowds. More information.
Makarska town center and Kačić Square: if you want a short break from the beach, the center of Makarska is easily reachable on foot. Kačić Square, the old stone streets, St. Mark’s Church, restaurants, and cafés provide a nice contrast to the livelier atmosphere around Makarska City Beach.
Malacological Museum in Makarska: a good option if you want something cultural and relaxing after the beach. The museum is located in a Franciscan monastery and is known for its valuable shell collection from the Adriatic and around the world. More information.
Makarska Observatory: an interesting evening option after a day at the beach. It is located near the center of Makarska, on a small hill not far from the waterfront and city beach, making it easy to include in an evening walk.
Osejava Forest Park: a good option if you want a quieter and more natural part of Makarska after the city beach. Osejava is ideal for walking, sea views, and escaping the crowds, while the southern coastal paths lead towards more natural beaches and coves such as Nugal.
Kotišina Botanical Garden: a good choice if you want nature and views above Makarska. It is located on the slopes of Biokovo above the village of Kotišina, at an altitude of around 350–500 meters, and is part of Biokovo Nature Park.
Biokovo Nature Park: the best choice for an excursion above Makarska, especially if you want panoramic views of the Riviera. After a day at Makarska Beach, Biokovo offers a perfect contrast to the city beach because from above the coast you get a completely different perspective of Makarska and the sea.
Bonus “quick and easy” idea: after swimming at Makarska Beach, stay on the promenade until sunset or take a walk towards the St. Peter Peninsula. It is the easiest way to combine the beach, the sea, Makarska’s center, and the town’s evening atmosphere.
What to do:
Swimming and sunbathing on the central pebbled beach in Makarska. Makarska Beach is the most practical choice if you want the sea, promenade, and amenities just a few minutes from the center.
Walking along the Makarska promenade – one of the main advantages of this beach. Along the coast, you will find cafés, restaurants, ice cream shops, and places to take a short break between swims.
Relaxing in cafés and beach bars by the beach. Unlike more natural beaches such as Nugal or Kraljev gaj, here you do not need to plan food and drinks in advance because most amenities are very close.
Family beach day – Makarska City Beach is suitable for families because it has easy access, nearby amenities, a promenade, and enough options for both shorter and longer stays by the sea.
Water activities and seaside entertainment – during the season, the Makarska Beach area often offers additional facilities for a more active beach day, such as water equipment, entertainment options, and activities along the coast.
Photography with views of Biokovo and the sea. Makarska Beach has a great contrast between the blue sea, promenade, pine trees, and Mount Biokovo in the background, making it a good location for photos during the day and at sunset.
Evening walk to the waterfront and Makarska center – after swimming, you can easily continue towards the town harbor, waterfront, Kačić Square, or the St. Peter Peninsula. It is the easiest way to combine the beach, the town, and Makarska’s evening atmosphere.
Exploring other beaches in Makarska – if you want a change of scenery, from the Makarska Beach area you can continue towards Biloševac, Cvitačka, Ramova, or more natural beaches such as Nugal and Kraljev gaj.
Other information:
Makarska Beach, also known as Makarska City Beach, is most pleasant to visit earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially in July and August when the central part of the beach is the busiest. Thanks to its proximity to the center, hotels, apartments, restaurants, and the promenade, this is one of the most practical beaches in Makarska, but that is also why it can get very crowded during summer.
The beach is easily accessible on foot from the center and most accommodation along the coast, and access is much simpler than at more natural beaches such as Nugal, Kraljev gaj, or Ramova. If you are arriving by car, keep in mind that parking during the season can be limited, so it is best to plan your arrival earlier. For a longer stay, bring sun protection, footwear for the pebbles, and basic beach essentials, although cafés, restaurants, showers, and other amenities are available nearby.
Makarska Beach is a good choice for families, couples, and anyone looking for a classic town beach day with easy access to the sea and amenities. If you prefer a quieter or more natural atmosphere, better alternatives may be Nugal, Kraljev gaj, Ramova, or other beaches on the edges of Makarska. If you have your own photos or useful information from Makarska Beach, feel free to share them – we will be happy to publish them.