A little planning goes a long way in Makarska. The town is small and easy to fall into, but choosing where to stay, when to visit and what to book in advance makes a real difference to the trip. This guide brings together everything we recommend — a step-by-step way to plan a holiday you will actually enjoy, with links out to the more detailed guides for each topic.
Last updated · November 2025
Step 1 — Choose the right area to stay
The first real decision is where in Makarska to base yourself. The Old Town, central Makarska near the beach, and the quiet hillsides above the town each offer a completely different holiday.
There is no single right answer — it depends on whether you want to be walking home through stone streets after dinner, five minutes from the sea in the morning, or waking up to olive groves and a private pool.
The full breakdown is here: Where to Stay in Makarska.
Step 2 — Decide what you want to experience
Once you know where to sleep, the rest becomes easier. Makarska works well as a base for slow beach days, for a Biokovo day trip, for evenings on the promenade, and for boat trips out to the islands.
Rather than trying to do everything, pick two or three experiences that matter most to you. A relaxed week here is usually better than an over-packed one.
The detailed guides are here: Things to Do in Makarska, Best Beaches in Makarska, Makarska Old Town Guide, Biokovo Nature Park & Skywalk.
Step 3 — Build your daily itinerary
The rhythm that works best in Makarska follows the locals: a slow morning, an active start to the day, a long break through the hottest hours, and a second wave of energy from about 5pm.
This is not a fixed schedule — just a shape that leaves room for weather, for tiredness, and for the small discoveries that make the best holidays.
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| 7:30 – 10:30 | Beach, morning walk on Osejava, coffee in the Old Town |
| 10:30 – 13:00 | Old Town exploring, a longer walk, or a boat trip out to a cove |
| 13:00 – 17:00 | Lunch, siesta at home, escape the midday heat |
| 17:00 – 20:00 | Second swim, promenade, sunset walk on Osejava or St. Peter's |
| 20:00 onwards | Dinner at a konoba or a promenade restaurant, ice cream, slow evening |
Step 4 — Plan a few experiences in advance
A handful of things are worth booking before you arrive, especially in July and August: accommodation (always), a Biokovo Skywalk ticket if you know when you want to go, and dinner reservations at the best konobas one or two days ahead.
Everything else can wait. Boat trips can usually be booked the day before at the marina, and most restaurants take walk-ins outside peak week.
The rule of thumb: book the things you would be sad to miss, and leave the rest of the trip flexible.
Step 5 — Pack smart
Water shoes for the pebble beaches, reef-safe sun cream, a light layer for the evenings and the mountain, comfortable shoes for the Old Town, a reusable water bottle for walks.
Nothing formal. Makarska is a relaxed coastal town — linen, sandals, sunglasses and a swimsuit cover most evenings.
The full first-visit checklist is here: First Time in Makarska.
Local tips for a better holiday
Follow the local rhythm — beach in the morning and again after 5pm, a long break through the hottest hours. Everything works better that way.
Book dinner in July and August, even at casual places. Two or three days ahead is usually enough.
Park outside the Old Town. Walk in. The centre is pedestrian and much more pleasant on foot.
Try one thing you did not plan for — a small konoba, a beach you had not heard of, a walk you were not sure about. The best memories from Makarska rarely come from the itinerary.
Useful resources before you arrive
This planning guide sits at the centre of everything we have written about Makarska. Each of the guides below goes deeper on one topic — read the ones that fit your trip and skip the rest.
Frequently asked.
How many days should I stay in Makarska?+
Five to seven days is a comfortable stay — enough time for the main beach, the Old Town, a Biokovo day trip, a boat trip and several slow evenings. Shorter stays work well too if you focus on two or three experiences.
What should I book before arriving in Makarska?+
Accommodation always, Biokovo Skywalk tickets in peak summer, and a table at the best konobas one or two days ahead in July and August. Most other things — boat trips, casual restaurants — can be arranged when you arrive.
Is Makarska easy to explore on a first visit?+
Very. The town is small, safe and walkable, English is widely spoken, and everything you need on a daily basis is within fifteen minutes on foot.
Can I visit Makarska without a car?+
Yes. Airport transfers from Split are easy, and once you are in town everything is walkable. A car is only useful for Biokovo and day trips further along the coast.
What is the best way to plan a Makarska holiday?+
Start with where to stay, decide on two or three experiences that matter to you, book the things you would be sad to miss, and leave the rest of the trip flexible.
