Nugal Beach
Nugal Beach (Makarska)
Nugal Beach Makarska is one of the most well-known natural beaches on the Makarska Riviera, located south of the town, between Makarska and Tučepi. Unlike the city beach in Makarska, Nugal is not a beach you can reach by car directly to the shore. It is most often accessed on foot through the Osejava area or by sea, which is exactly why it has retained a more hidden, natural, and peaceful character.
Nugal is surrounded by high cliffs, pine forest, and clear sea, making it the best choice for those who want to experience Makarska outside the typical city crowds. The beach is especially known for its wild setting and naturist tradition, but it is not the best option if you are looking for sunbeds, cafés, showers, and full comfort. If you plan to visit, bring water, sun protection, and suitable walking shoes, because the beauty of Nugal is best experienced when you know you are not going to a typical arranged beach, but to one of the most special swimming spots near Makarska.
There is no classic tourist infrastructure at Nugal Beach such as beach bars, showers, changing cabins, sunbeds, or umbrellas. That is exactly why Nugal Beach has a special character: you come here for the nature, clear sea, high cliffs, and the feeling of seclusion, not for the comfort of arranged city beaches.
Activities: swimming, sunbathing, photography, light snorkeling, and walking through the Osejava Forest Park. The beach is most often reached on foot or by sea, so it is a good idea to bring water, sun protection, and suitable walking shoes.
Nugal Makarska is also known for its naturist tradition, which is why it is often referred to as an FKK beach or clothing-optional beach. If you are looking for one of the most special natural beaches near Makarska, Nugal is an excellent choice — but only if you are prepared for simpler conditions and a bit more walking.
Beaches near Nugal
Near Nugal Beach, there are several natural beaches and coves that belong to one of the most beautiful coastal stretches between Makarska and Tučepi. The most well-known among them is Kraljev gaj, a beach located toward Tučepi, known for its calmer atmosphere, clear sea, and more natural surroundings compared to city beaches.
From Nugal, you can easily connect to the Osejava Forest Park area, where along the coast there are smaller rocky coves and swimming spots for those seeking more privacy and fewer facilities. Toward the south, the coastline continues toward Tučepi, where you will find more arranged beaches with additional amenities, a promenade, and easier access.
If you want an alternative to Nugal with more comfort, the best contrast is Makarska City Beach, often recognized as Makarska Beach. It is located closer to the center, along the promenade, restaurants, cafés, and accommodation, making it a more practical choice for families, short swims, and visitors who do not want to walk to natural coves.
The best combination for exploring this part of the coast is Nugal for a natural experience, Kraljev gaj for a calmer atmosphere toward Tučepi, Osejava for walking and hidden parts of the coast, and Makarska City Beach if you want a classic city beach with more amenities and easier access.
Amenities and features
Beach photos
Where to stay:
If you want to visit Nugal Beach, the best choice is accommodation in Makarska, especially in areas closer to Osejava, the city port, and the southern exit of the town. This way, you are close enough to the center, restaurants, and promenade, while also having a more practical starting point for walking toward Nugal. Nugal is not a beach with hotels and apartments right by the shore, so it is important to choose a location that makes access easier.
A good alternative is apartments in Tučepi, especially if you want a quieter stay and easier access to beaches in the southern part of the Makarska Riviera. For those who want more amenities, evening walks, and better connectivity, Makarska is the more practical choice. If you are traveling with family, choose an apartment with parking and a kitchen, while couples and more active guests will prefer accommodation close to the center or Osejava.
The easiest way: on adriatic.hr, filter Makarska and check the distance from the sea, the center, and Osejava on the map. This way, you can quickly find accommodation in Makarska near Nugal Beach that best suits your way of traveling.
Where to eat:
There are no restaurants, beach bars, or kiosks at Nugal Beach itself, so it’s best to bring water and something light for the beach, and plan lunch or dinner in Makarska or Tučepi. Here are a few practical options after swimming:
- Restaurant Hrpina (Makarska) – a good choice for Dalmatian cuisine, fish, seafood specialties, and a classic lunch or dinner after returning from Nugal.
- Konoba Kalalarga (Makarska) – a small Dalmatian tavern in the center of Makarska; a practical option if you want a local atmosphere, fish, meat, and a more authentic experience after the beach.
- Tempera Streetfood & Bar (Makarska) – a more modern and relaxed option for those who want something informal after Nugal: street food, cocktails, and a livelier atmosphere in Makarska.
- Konoba Ranč (Tučepi) – a restaurant and steakhouse in an old Tučepi olive grove; a good option if you continue toward Tučepi after Nugal and want a calmer setting outside the city crowds.
- Restaurant Jeny (Tučepi) – a fine dining option in Gornji Tučepi, known for its tasting menu and views; a better choice for a special dinner than a quick meal after the beach.
- Restaurant Kamena (Tučepi) – an option along the Tučepi coast, practical if you head toward Tučepi after Nugal and want a simpler meal near the sea.
What to see:
Osejava Forest Park: the most logical stop when visiting Nugal. The beach is most often reached through Osejava, and along the way you get pine forest, sea views, and a more natural stretch of coastline between Makarska and Tučepi.
Rocky coves toward Tučepi: if you enjoy quieter swimming and a more natural setting, continue exploring the coast toward Tučepi. Along this stretch, you will find smaller coves, rocks, and parts of the coast that are better for those who want to avoid typical city beaches.
St. Peter Peninsula: a great choice for a short walk, with views of Makarska, the sea, and Biokovo. The Makarska Tourist Board describes it as one of the natural beauties of Dalmatia, with Mediterranean vegetation, promenades, viewpoints, and a lighthouse. More information.
Malacological Museum in Makarska: a good option if you want something cultural and light after the beach. The museum is located in a Franciscan monastery and is known for its valuable collection of shells 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.
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 about 350–500 meters, and is part of Biokovo Nature Park.
Biokovo Nature Park: the best choice for a trip above Makarska, especially if you want panoramic views of the Riviera. Biokovo is a natural contrast to Nugal: from the beach you see the sea and cliffs, while from the mountain you get a wider view of the entire coastline.
Bonus “quick and easy”: after swimming at Nugal, return through Osejava toward Makarska and stay for a seaside walk until sunset. It’s the simplest way to combine the natural part of the coast with the atmosphere of the town.
What to do:
Swimming and sunbathing on a natural pebble beach below the cliffs. Arrive early if you want a quieter spot, especially during the summer season.
Snorkeling along the edges of the beach and rocky parts of the coast. The sea is often very clear, making Nugal a great choice for simple underwater exploration.
Photography of the high cliffs, pine forest, and sea views. Nugal is one of the most visually recognizable beaches near Makarska.
Walking through Osejava Forest Park – the most common way to reach Nugal and one of the best parts of the entire trip. The route is not meant for rushing, so bring water and suitable walking shoes.
Exploring the coast toward Tučepi – nearby you will find natural coves and quieter parts of the coastline, including the area toward Kraljev gaj.
Relaxing away from city crowds – Nugal is best experienced as a natural beach without beach bars, sunbeds, and loud music.
Evening walk in Makarska – after returning from the beach, you can continue toward the waterfront, city port, or seaside promenade.
Other information:
Nugal Beach is at its best when visited early in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially in July and August when even the more natural beaches around Makarska can be busier. The beach is most often reached on foot through Osejava Forest Park or by sea, so it is not the best choice for those looking for quick car access, sunbeds, showers, and beach bars. It is recommended to bring enough water, sun protection, walking shoes, and basic beach essentials.
Nugal is known as an FKK / clothing-optional beach, so it is important to respect the privacy of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography. If you have your own photos or useful information from Nugal Beach, feel free to share them – we would be happy to publish them.