Makarska
Makarska, Travel Guide with travel tips for holidays in Makarska, Croatia
Located on the shores of the Adriatic Sea is the small town of Makarska. Makarska is located in southern Dalmatia, part of Croatia. This small community enjoys a prime location, a harbor town set on a horseshoe-shaped bay, flanked by the Adriatic Sea on one side and the Biokovo Mountain on the other. For these reasons, this seaside town is home to a wealth of tourist attractions. From great views to cultural sights, there is plenty to put this town at the top of any vacationer's wish list. Ever since the first hotel was built here in the early 20th century, this town has been a popular draw for tourists worldwide.
History
Like most seaside communities in this region, Makarska has a long history and has seen the rise and fall of many rulers and kingdoms. The oldest known inhabitants were the Illyrians, but they would be far from the last to make their mark on this town. Throughout history, Makarska fell under Slavic rule as well as Venetian rule and even had Austrian government for quite some time. Despite these changes in power, the commerce in Makarska has always stayed much the same, rooted in fishing and trade due to its ideal harbor location.
Culture
Many of the cultural draws in Makarska can be found in the historical buildings, which serve as museums in their own right. Of these buildings, of special interest may be St. Mark's cathedral, a beautiful structure from the 17th century located on the Main Square of town. For an even more ancient piece of history, there is St. Peter's church and a 16th century Franciscan monastery. This monastery has an expansive library and is even home to a Malacological Museum with one of the world's most famous collection of shells.
Other places of interest may include the Ivanisevic Palace, which is a beautiful display of baroque design, as well as the Town Museum, known locally as the Villa Tonolli.
In addition to these cultural attractions, Makarska also can boast of fantastic outdoor recreation. Due to its proximity to Biokovo Mountain, Makarska benefits from a pleasant climate, making this an ideal destination for active tourists. With the Adriatic Sea being so close, there are a number of gorgeous beaches for travelers to enjoy and a visit to the famous beaches of Brela is an easy day trip. Biokovo Mountain also affords travelers with numerous hikes and trails that take advantage of the spectacular views this city has to offer.
Things to do
Of particular note, the Holy Shrine of Vepric is a common destination for hikers. This shrine, nestled in a scenic and remote locale, has been a spot of pilgrimage for tourists and spiritual travelers alike for many years. Designated days for pilgrimage are February 11th, March 25th, August 15th, and September 7th and 8th.
Visitors can also enjoy various day trips to nearby islands to view historical boats and get a glimpse of the fishing culture. Some trips also include a "fish picnic" which is a grill out using fish caught on the tour.
Back in town, Makarska's is all old world charm, complete with bistros and casual dining along a famed promenade. On the edges of town, modern luxury can be found with a variety of four star hotels and other tourist spots. For tourists looking to spend less money, there is also a wide range of hotels throughout the city and even places for camping.
Makarska is easily accessible from larger nearby cities such as Dubrovnik and Split, with buses traveling there hourly. It is also possible to rent a car and make the short drive.
