Makarska Day Trips Experience: Everything About Tours from Makarska Riviera to Historic Cities, Nature Parks and Activities - Complete Travel Guide
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Tours from Makarska: why it's a convenient and popular starting point for Day Trips around Central Dalmatia
Makarska is an ideal starting point for exploring Central Dalmatia. The city is located in the heart of the Dalmatian coast, approximately midway between the region’s two largest cities – Split (60 km) and Dubrovnik (140 km). This allows for easy route planning both north and south without spending extra time on the road. This location makes Makarska a true transportation hub.
The city has high transport accessibility thanks to various types of connections:
- Air connections: The proximity of Split International Airport SPU (just 60 km away) provides convenient access for travelers. From the airport to Makarska, you can get by taxi, rental car, or bus in 1-1.5 hours.
- Road connections: The Adriatic Highway (Jadranska magistrala) passes through Makarska and offers scenic views, while proximity to the A1 motorway allows quick access to inland areas and neighboring countries.
- Sea connections: Regular ferries connect Makarska with the islands of Brač and Hvar, making it easy to plan day trips to the islands (30-45 minutes by speedboat).
- Bus connections: A developed network of bus routes links Makarska with major regional cities such as Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar, offering an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Makarska is an excellent starting point for Tours, offering diverse natural and cultural landmarks.
Biokovo Nature Park allows you to enjoy hiking trails and stunning panoramas, while Krka waterfalls and Plitvice Lakes National Park captivate with their beauty. Unique mandarin plantations in the Neretva River valley offer unforgettable aromas.
Near Makarska are historical gems such as Trogir and Split with its Diocletian’s Palace, as well as charming Omiš and mountain villages of Dalmatinska Zagora. The pilgrimage site of Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina is accessible for day trips.
Additionally, Makarska offers convenient sea routes to the islands of Brač and Hvar, as well as various Tours, including combined tours and private charters. Numerous sea and land Tours with different routes and durations satisfy the demands of the most discerning tourists.
Sea Tours from Makarska: popular destinations and why it's a convenient starting point for Day Mini-Cruises
Makarska is not just a beautiful resort on the Adriatic coast, but an ideal starting point for sea tours of Croatia’s picturesque islands. Its central location in the heart of Dalmatia allows you to reach the most popular islands faster and cheaper than from large cities like Split or Dubrovnik. Moreover, in Makarska you can avoid tourist crowds, which is especially important during peak season when many popular destinations become overcrowded.
We’ve compiled our own top popular places that can be visited from Makarska:
- First on our route is the island of Brač, which can be reached in just 45 minutes by boat. This island is famous for its beautiful beaches. Its main pearl is the famous Zlatni Rat. It’s unique because its shape changes depending on wind direction and currents, making this natural location even more attractive for photographers. Our lifehack for those who want to enjoy the beauty of this place without crowds: arrive here early in the morning before tourists have time to fill the beach. At this time, you’ll be able to take incredible photos without extra people.
- Next in line is the island of Hvar, which takes about an hour to reach. It’s famous for its lavender fields, which bloom in June and July. To capture these picturesque landscapes in photos, you should plan your trip for this time of year. Additionally, Hvar is a true paradise for history and architecture lovers. Here stands a Venetian fortress, ancient squares spread out, and Gothic architecture samples are everywhere, telling the rich past of this place. Special attention should be paid to the Blue Cave, which has a striking appearance at noon when sunlight penetrates inside and creates magical blue illumination.
Now let’s talk about budget. I’ve tested various tour options and can say that group tours costing 40 to 80 euros are a good way for a first introduction to the islands. However, it should be noted that such groups are usually quite large (15 to 50 people), and tourists have limited time to see landmarks.
My personal favorite is small group tours, which cost 80 to 120 euros. These groups have about 12 people, which allows more time swimming in secluded bays and adequate communication with the guide. Often these tours also include snorkeling equipment, allowing you to enjoy the underwater world.
For those seeking something special, I recommend considering private yacht rental. The cost of such tours ranges from 300 to 1000 euros per boat, but this is a great opportunity to create your own route and enjoy time in your favorite bays. I especially recommend evening cruises with sunset watching — it’s simply an unforgettable experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. It allows you to immerse yourself in a romantic atmosphere and take many stunning photos against the sunset backdrop.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that Makarska offers a wide selection of places for leisure and entertainment, including restaurants with local cuisine where you can taste fresh seafood and traditional dishes. I also recommend visiting local markets where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs. In the evening, the city comes alive with numerous cafes and bars where you can enjoy live music and a friendly atmosphere.
By the way, if you want to learn more specifically about sea travels from Makarska, read our article dedicated to this topic. In it, we’ve analyzed in detail what sea tour destinations are available departing from Makarska, how much they cost, which ones are worth attention, and much other useful information that will help you plan and organize an unforgettable vacation on the water.
One-Day Tours from Makarska
One-day tours from Makarska offer exciting journeys to Croatia’s pearls. Let’s start with tours to the historic cities of Split and Trogir, both proudly bearing UNESCO World Heritage status.
1. Tours to Split, with its magnificent Diocletian’s Palace, is a truly unique city. Walking through the palace is a journey through time where you can imagine life in ancient Rome and feel the grandeur of the Empire. Today, the palace is a living, dynamic city within a city, an excellent example of harmonious coexistence of history and modernity. We carefully analyzed this route and want to advise visiting St. Dominic’s Cathedral, St. Duje’s Cathedral, and numerous museums preserving rich cultural heritage.
Panoramic view of Split city
2. Trogir is quite a small town. It impresses with well-preserved Venetian architecture.
Narrow streets, stone houses, Romanesque churches, and beautiful palaces – all this creates a feeling of immersion in the Middle Ages. Walking through Trogir is like walking through pages of an ancient book, where each house is a chapter full of stories and legends. You shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see St. Lawrence Cathedral with its beautiful portal, fortress walls, and the city museum preserving the history of this amazing settlement. The optimal time to visit both cities is spring or autumn, when the temperature is comfortable and there are fewer tourists.
Waterfront with a quiet harbor in Trogir city
3. Let’s move to Dubrovnik – the pearl of Croatian tourism. This is a city whose importance to Croatia is hard to overestimate. The fortress walls, stretching over two kilometers, offer stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and ancient landmarks. Walking these walls is an unforgettable adventure. Dubrovnik’s famous Old Town, with its narrow streets, ancient buildings, and endless cafes and restaurants, attracts millions of tourists annually. Dubrovnik is also famous for its connection to the popular series “Game of Thrones,” many scenes of which were filmed here. From our own experience, we want to say that visiting Dubrovnik requires good physical fitness, as the city is located on hilly terrain. Comfortable shoes are a must. It’s best to visit Dubrovnik from April to October.
This is Dubrovnik harbor, where many boats and yachts are moored
4. Among natural landmarks accessible through day tours, you should visit Biokovo Park and its unique Skywalk – a glass observation platform suspended above a cliff. The view from there is simply breathtaking. There are quite a few interesting day tours from Makarska to Biokovo Park, so everyone can find something for themselves.
During a walk through Biokovo Park, many beautiful natural landscapes open up. From here you can see both the sea with islands and mountain slopes
Biokovo Park itself, with diverse flora and fauna, caves, and beautiful mountain landscapes, is a paradise for nature lovers.
5. Krka waterfalls, located much closer to Makarska, can be an alternative to Plitvice Lakes (for those limited in time). Accordingly, finding a tour to Krka National Park from Makarska won’t be difficult. By the way, we’ve already gone on such a journey ourselves and wrote about how our Tour to Krka Park went in a separate article.
Although Plitvice Lakes represent a unique cascade system of waterfalls and emerald lakes, Krka also impresses with the beauty of its water flows and rich nature.
For comparison, the first photo shows waterfalls and nature of Plitvice Lakes, and the second photo shows Krka Park
6. If you have the desire and readiness for cross-border travel, then a day tour to Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is an excellent choice.
Mostar’s cultural diversity is impressive: Eastern and Western architecture harmoniously combine. The Old Bridge, the city’s symbol, restored after the war, is truly a charming spectacle. At Eastern bazaars, you can find many souvenirs and taste traditional Bosnian dishes. A combined tour to Mostar with a visit to Kravica waterfalls is also possible.
Crossing the border usually goes without particular problems, but you must have a passport or ID card with you. However, it’s important to consider travel time, as it takes a significant part of the day.
The main landmark and symbol of Mostar city is the magnificent ancient bridge
Tour prices from Makarska in 2025
The city of Makarska, located on the picturesque Dalmatian coast, offers tourists a wide selection of Tours throughout Croatia and neighboring countries. Prices and available options significantly depend on group size and chosen direction.
I’ll note right away that prices given here are only for mainland Tours, as we wrote about sea Tour prices earlier in a separate article.
We, for our part, carefully analyzed each route, studied Tour formats in detail and current prices for 2025 (considering seasonal fluctuations and additional factors), and are ready to share our observations.
- Group Tours (30-45 people): An economical option. Popular destinations: Split + Trogir (45-60 euros), Mostar (55-75 euros), Dubrovnik (65-85 euros). Advantages — affordable price, fixed schedule. Disadvantage — strict schedule and delays when gathering participants.
- Small groups (8-15 people): A comfortable option with a personalized approach. Destinations: Plitvice Lakes (90-120 euros), Biokovo National Park (50-70 euros), wine tours (60-80 euros).
- Private Tours (1-4 people): Complete freedom of choice. Individual tours of Dalmatia (from 150 euros), complex routes (from 180 euros), photo sessions (from 120 euros).
Additional factors to consider:
- In summer, prices increase by 20-30%.
- Early booking offers a 10-15% discount.
- Children’s tickets also have a 20-30% discount.
- When ordering multiple Tours, tourists also receive a discount.
It’s important to consider personal time, budget, and preferences when choosing an Tour format. We recommend booking tours in advance, especially during peak season. You need to carefully read tour descriptions, clarify included services, and possible additional costs.
Biokovo National Park
Biokovo National Park in Croatia offers incredible opportunities for active outdoor recreation, from leisurely walks to extreme mountain biking. Tourists can see more than 1,500 plant species, as well as rare animal species that live only here. For extreme activities enthusiasts, there’s an opportunity to climb the park’s highest peak, Sveti Jure (1,762 m).
Biokovo Park landscapes, in the second photo, as the guide explained – funnel-shaped depressions in the mountains called “vrtače”
All tours to Biokovo Park offer a visit to the unique Skywalk observation platform with panoramic views of the sea and mountains. Its height is 1,228 meters. The glass floor extends forward 12 meters and seems to hang over an abyss. The sight is eye-catching and nerve-tickling. Entrance costs 10-14 euros.
Biokovo Skywalk – observation platform on cliff tops
We personally noted the following tours:
- Sunrise at Biokovo Peak: Leisurely walk with a guide, stories about the park, and photo stops. Such a tour costs adult tourists 58 euros and 29 euros for children up to 7 years old. Tour duration is 5 hours.
- Tour to Biokovo Skywalk with transfer: A three-hour tour costs 45 euros for adults, 20 euros for children aged 3 to 7, and children under three travel free.
- Tour to Skywalk by electric tuk-tuk: The purchased entrance ticket allows entry to the observation platform without queuing. Tourists also receive drinks and snacks. The tour lasts 2.5 hours. Ticket price for adults is 69 euros, for children aged 3 to 12 — 49 euros, for children under 3 (accompanied by parents) the tour is free.
- Evening at Biokovo Peak: The tour includes a drive along the scenic park road and a hike up a small mountain peak with beautiful views. The Tour lasts 5 hours and costs 58 euros for adults. For children up to 7 years old, you’ll have to pay 49 euros.
Biokovo Skywalk is simply an incredible place, the air here is very clean, and the views are breathtaking
Our opinion: when to take Tours to Biokovo Park from Makarska, and when to go independently
Should you go to Biokovo Park from Makarska independently or use organized Tour services? This question concerns many tourists, and the answer depends on several factors: budget, physical fitness, interests, and available time.
It’s better to go to the park from May to October when the observation platform is open. Unfortunately, there’s no direct bus connection between Makarska and Biokovo Park. The nearest point accessible by public transport is the village of Tučepi. Buses run every 2 hours. The first departs at 8 AM. One-way ticket price is about 5-7 euros, children under 12 pay 2-3 euros, travel time is approximately 45 minutes. Note that transportation is limited during high season — it’s better to book in advance. A small lifehack: if you buy a round-trip ticket, you can save a couple of euros.
From Tučepi to the park entrance, you’ll need to overcome an ascent that can be quite difficult, especially in hot weather or for people with limited physical abilities. The distance from Tučepi to the park’s most popular tourist points ranges from several to tens of kilometers, depending on the chosen route. So, in our opinion, for a person without adequate physical fitness, it’s better to order an Tour or rent transportation.
By car from Makarska, it’s about an hour drive along a serpentine road. The park operates a car pass system — no more than 120 per day, so online reservation is necessary. Car rental costs 40 euros plus fuel. Taking a taxi to the entrance will cost approximately the same amount, so it’s completely unprofitable, rental is better.
Entry to Biokovo for cars costs 40 euros, for a person — 8 euros.
Here are our thoughts on comparing tours and independent travel:
The choice between organized Tour and independent travel to Biokovo Park depends on individual preferences and possibilities.
- For those who value comfort, safety, and want to get maximum information about the park, it’s better to use professional guide services.
- For those with good physical fitness who love adventure and aren’t afraid of difficulties, independent travel will provide an unforgettable experience.
Personally, in our opinion, in most cases organized tours will be a better (and often economically more profitable) option, especially for deep acquaintance with the park.
Regardless of choice, you need to remember safety and plan your route in advance.
Tours to Krka Park
An Tour to Krka National Park is an unforgettable journey into the heart of Dalmatia, where nature and history are woven into an amazing pattern. The central pearl of the park is the cascade of Krka River waterfalls, impressive in their power and beauty.
Waterfalls of Krka National Park
The most impressive of them is Skradinski Buk, wide and multi-tiered. Its majestic streams plunge from a height of 45 meters, creating an incredible spectacle. Another attraction is Visovac Island in the middle of the river, where a Franciscan monastery is located, surrounded by quiet, peaceful nature. Its history goes deep into centuries, preserving numerous legends and secrets within its walls.
This is the Krka River, around whose riverbed the national park spreads
Besides waterfalls and the monastery, Krka Park is rich in other historical artifacts, living witnesses of past eras. Visitors can see old water mills operating on river energy and fragments of Roman ruins reminiscent of this region’s rich heritage.
Even a walk along eco-paths laid along the river will be an unforgettable adventure, allowing you to enjoy the unique beauty of the park’s flora and fauna. Here you’ll encounter rare bird species, and if you’re lucky, you can see other animals inhabiting this unique ecosystem reserve.
Now about the practical side of the journey. The most convenient route is through Split. From there, you can reach Krka Park by bus. Travel time is approximately 1.5-2 hours, depending on the chosen route and traffic. Round-trip cost ranges from 15 to 25 euros, depending on season and carrier company.
The option of getting there by rental car provides more freedom and flexibility in planning. However, you need to consider rental costs, fuel, and parking on park territory.
Regarding finances, entrance ticket price to Krka Park depends on season. During high season (July-August), tickets will be more expensive than in low season. Usually, the price varies from 10 to 20 euros. You should also plan expenses for food.
There are several cafes and restaurants on park territory, but prices there may be higher than in the city. Therefore, I advise considering the possibility of bringing your own snacks or water.
Overall, the trip budget per person can range from 50 to 100 euros, depending on chosen comfort level and preferences. The most economical option is traveling in low season and using public transport.
When we planned such tours to Krka for ourselves, I saved several interesting options I want to share:
- Tour to Krka Waterfall and Day Trip to Šibenik: This is a comfortable transport tour with free time for independent city exploration (1.5 hours) and the park (3 hours). Tour cost is 45 euros for adults and 30 euros for children up to 7 years old.
- Trip to Krka Waterfalls from Makarska Riviera: Wonderful walk to waterfalls and Stella Croatica ethno-park for a full day. Price for such an Tour tour for adults is 86 euros, while for children aged 2 to 11 — 40 euros. Children under two travel free. Total tour duration is 12 hours.
The optimal time to visit the park is spring or early autumn. At this time, there are fewer tourists, pleasant weather, and nature is in full bloom.
Tours to Imotski Lakes from Makarska
Imotski Lakes are a unique natural phenomenon in Croatia, attracting tourists with their beauty and unusual properties. The most famous of them is Modro jezero (Blue Lake). This karst lake has incredibly bright turquoise-colored water. The lake’s depth reaches 220 meters, and its location in a deep crater creates a stunning landscape.
A hiking trail leads to the lake, laid to an observation platform from which a panoramic view of the lake and surrounding hills opens. The cliffs are covered with Mediterranean vegetation — aromatic herbs, low-growing shrubs, and pines.
In summer, when the water level is quite high, you can swim in the lake, enjoying the coolness and crystal-clear water. However, it’s worth remembering that this is a natural phenomenon, and the lake’s level fluctuates greatly depending on season and precipitation.
I think even explaining why the lake is called “blue” isn’t necessary here
Therefore, the most amazing property of Modro jezero is its periodic disappearance. Usually by the end of summer, water completely disappears, leaving behind a large, leveled surface that local residents often use as a football field. This phenomenon itself is impressive and demonstrates the power of natural processes.
The best time to visit Blue Lake is May and June when the water level is optimal and the heat isn’t too exhausting yet. At this time, the lake appears in all its beauty, and its saturated color is especially bright.
Near Blue Lake is Crveno jezero (Red Lake), another natural phenomenon, though less spectacular. The water body differs with a reddish water tint due to high mineral content in the soil.
Visiting both lakes in one day is quite feasible. Entry to their territory is free, making this journey even more attractive. However, you should take care of comfortable shoes, as paths leading to the lake can be uneven and stony. Comfortable shoes are also important for comfortable exploration of the surroundings.
Now to practical aspects of the trip from Makarska. Direct bus routes Makarska-Imotski-Makarska exist, although their frequency may vary depending on season. It’s recommended to check the schedule in advance on the local bus carrier’s website or at the bus station in Makarska. One-way ticket price is approximately 4.50-5.50 euros, so a round trip will cost 9-11 euros. Travel time is about 1 hour.
From the bus station in Imotski to Blue Lake, you can walk in 20-25 minutes. However, if traveling with heavy luggage or preferring a more comfortable option, you can use taxi services. Taxi cost will depend on distance and waiting time.
In Imotski, there are many small restaurants and cafes where you can eat deliciously and inexpensively. Average check per person will be about 12-17 euros, including main course, drink, and possibly dessert. I advise tasting traditional Dalmatian dishes — tuna pâté, fresh grilled fish, or meat delicacies.
For ourselves, we liked the Tour to Grabovac with wine tasting. Such a tour costs 69 euros and lasts 4.5 hours. The tour price includes: wine tasting, cheeses, smoked ham, guide services, transfer, insurance.
Medieval cities that can be visited from Makarska: Dubrovnik, Split, Trogir
Makarska, a cozy city on Croatia’s Adriatic coast, serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the region’s rich historical heritage. Within relatively small transport accessibility are three outstanding medieval cities: Dubrovnik, Split, and Trogir, each preserving a unique architectural and cultural appearance. Let’s consider how to get to them from Makarska and what awaits on site.
The most convenient and common way to reach these cities is by bus. Bus routes connect Makarska with all three cities. They’re characterized by high flight frequency, especially during tourist season (from April to October). Flights depart from Makarska bus station several times a day, with intervals varying depending on day of week and time of year.
The trip to Split takes about 1-1.5 hours, to Trogir slightly more (about 2 hours). The journey to Dubrovnik is the longest, taking from 3 to 4 hours, depending on chosen route and road situation.
Travel cost depends on distance and transport company but is generally quite budget-friendly. Tickets can be purchased both directly on the bus and online in advance, which often allows savings. An alternative to the bus is car rental, which provides more flexibility in route planning and visiting landmarks but requires additional expenses for fuel and parking, especially in city historic centers.
Now about the main attractions of each city worth seeing.
Split. The heart of Split is the majestic Diocletian’s Palace, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This isn’t just ruins, but a living city within a city, where shops, cafes, and houses are located within ancient Roman walls. Besides the palace, you should visit St. Duje’s Cathedral, located inside the palace, admire many other churches, medieval houses, and city fountains. In Split, if there’s free time, you can order a group sightseeing tour. It costs 50 euros for adults and 30 euros for children up to 7 years old. The walk lasts 8 hours. The price includes city tour, transfer, and guide services.
Trogir. This charming city, also a UNESCO site, impresses with its compactness and beauty.
St. Lawrence Cathedral, with its Romanesque and Gothic styles, Kamerlengo Fortress, city walls — all this creates an inimitable medieval city atmosphere. Particularly eye-catching are the many sculptures decorating city buildings. From us, we would advise a day Tour through Trogir’s streets. This walk is like immersion in past atmosphere. Such a tour costs 89 euros for adults and 49.50 for children aged 2 to 11.
Dubrovnik. The “Pearl of the Adriatic” — a city that deserves separate detailed description.
Its powerful walls, stretching over two kilometers, offer stunning views of buildings and sea. Sponza Palace, Orlando’s Column, Franciscan Monastery with one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies — just a small part of what Dubrovnik can offer. The settlement’s atmosphere, especially in “Old Town,” is inimitable. We recommend dedicating more time to Dubrovnik than others. To enjoy history and views, we noted such tours:
- Day Tour to Dubrovnik with Free Time: Such a trip costs adults 65 euros, and children up to 7 years old — 40 euros. I liked that besides a timed tour with a guide, there are 3 hours of free time, as well as visiting the market.
- Another tour that caught our attention: Full-Day Tour to Dubrovnik. Interestingly, the route runs along Makarska Riviera, Baćina Lakes, Neretva River valley, so besides touring the Old Town and visiting the Franciscan monastery, you can see many famous locations. And in the city itself after the tour, there’s free time. The tour costs 95 euros for adults and 47.5 for children aged 2 to 11.
Activities: rafting on Cetina River and Quad Bike journey through Makarska Riviera
Croatia is a country ideally suited for activities lovers. The combination of picturesque landscapes and developed infrastructure makes it attractive for tourists of different ages and preparation levels. Particularly popular are rafting on Cetina River and exciting quad bike rides through Makarska Riviera.
Natural landscapes of Cetina River. Here you can both sail through canyon between cliffs and enjoy a calm walk on quiet water outside the canyon
Rafting on Cetina. Rafting on a turbulent mountain river is an unforgettable adventure that will provide plenty of adrenaline and vivid impressions. Rafting routes on Cetina are diverse and designed for different preparation levels.
The most popular routes take from 2 to 4 hours, passing through picturesque canyons and rapids of various difficulty. There are both calm sections, ideal for family activities with children, and extreme ones designed for experienced athletes.
Route duration varies depending on chosen option: there are short introductory rafts for beginners, lasting about 2 hours, and longer ones, up to 4 hours, passing through the most interesting and challenging river sections.
Tour cost depends on duration, included services, and number of participants. On average, from 30 to 80 euros per person. The price usually includes rental of necessary equipment (wetsuit, life jacket, helmet), experienced instructor services, transfer to starting point and back, and sometimes a light lunch.
Some tours also offer photo and video shooting of the entire adventure. It’s important to know that some routes may be temporarily unavailable, depending on water level in the river.
Our attention was drawn to the Split/Omiš/Makarska tour: rafting, cliff jumping, and speleology. It’s rich and diverse. The cost of such an adventure for adults is 40 euros, and for children up to 11 years old — 30 euros. The trip lasts from 4 to 6 hours.
Quad Bikes on Makarska Riviera. This is a great way to explore unique landscapes of the Dalmatian coast, ride mountain trails enjoying panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, pine forests, and picturesque villages.
Various routes are offered, both for beginners and experienced quad bike drivers. Route length varies from several to several dozen kilometers, passing roads with different difficulty levels — from flat dirt to complex, rugged terrain.
Quad tour prices vary depending on route duration and quad type. On average, vehicle rental cost per hour is from 30 to 50 euros. Longer tours including lunch or visiting landmarks can cost significantly more.
To participate in a quad tour, usually a driver’s license category “A” or “B” is required, as well as some driving experience. Many organizers offer briefing before the trip.
Quad tour starting points are usually located far from large cities, in picturesque areas of Makarska Riviera, for example, near Omiš or Makarska. We really love such adventures. Therefore, for ourselves, we noted a three-hour quad bike tour. It costs 100 euros per person. During the journey, you can enjoy sweets at the “Smokovina” hunting lodge and stop at the “Game of Thrones” filming location.
Culinary and wine tours that can be visited from Makarska
Makarska is an ideal starting point for unforgettable culinary and wine journeys through Dalmatia. The region offers incredible diversity of flavors and aromas reflecting rich history and unique geographical landscape. We want to share main gastronomic directions accessible from Makarska, where we tasted the most delicious delicacies.
- Neretva River Valley: This fertile region, known as Dalmatia’s “vegetable garden,” delights with abundant fresh produce. Here they grow juicy tomatoes, sweet peppers, aromatic eggplants, greens, and various fruits.
The basis of local cuisine is simple but incredibly tasty dishes prepared according to ancient recipes. We recommend tasting traditional Dalmatian pâtés made from lamb or pork, Pag cheese with special piquant taste, as well as many dishes from fresh fish caught in the river.
Regional wines are predominantly red. They’re characterized by rich taste and tartness, harmoniously combining with local dishes. It’s necessary to note wines from Plavina and Ožljac varieties, which are valley’s visiting cards. Seasonal offerings are early vegetables in spring and juicy fruits in summer. In autumn, you can enjoy preserved products and young wines.
- Pelješac Peninsula. Famous for its vineyards, Pelješac offers acquaintance with high-quality Dalmatian wines. Here thrive Dingač and Postup varieties — red wines with intense aroma and rich taste, obtained from fruits ripening on stony soil under warm Dalmatian sun.
A gastronomic tour of Pelješac necessarily includes seafood tasting, primarily mussels and oysters grown in crystal-clear seawater. You can’t bypass local cheeses either, aged in special conditions that give them unique taste.
Visiting local wineries where you can get acquainted with wine production process will be an unforgettable experience. Peak season is late summer and autumn, harvest time and new wine preparation.
- Imotski Region. This is an area with unique karst landscape where they produce high-quality olive oil and exquisite wines from local grape varieties. The region is famous for traditional lamb dishes cooked over open fire, as well as various homemade cheeses. In winter, you can enjoy warm homemade soups and hot drinks, and in spring — first spring vegetables and young herbs.
- Island of Hvar. Famous for its lavender fields, the island offers a unique combination of gastronomic and aromatic impressions. Besides lavender honey and liqueurs, they prepare exquisite fish and seafood dishes using fresh local ingredients. Hvar island wines are light and refreshing. They perfectly combine with fish and seafood. In summer, you can enjoy fresh fruits, and in spring — luxurious herbs and flowers.
- Biokovo. The Biokovo mountain massif, located not far from Makarska, offers opportunity to taste traditional game and mountain herb dishes. Products here are environmentally clean, and preparation methods are traditional, passed down from generation to generation. Depending on season, tourists are served various mushroom, berry, and nut dishes.
Each region offers its unique gastronomic impressions. And a trip from Makarska will provide opportunity to enjoy Dalmatia’s wealth of flavors and aromas to the fullest. The main thing is choosing tours focused on specific season and own gastronomic preferences.