Talking about a beach secret well kept!
Traveling with my family has been one of the things I enjoy the most, particularly when the place is new. That is why I was so excited when our family planned a special trip to Makarska, Croatia this summer.
After the pandemic, and not having seen our families for so long, we decided that 2021 should be dedicated to making reunions with the family memorable, and this trip didn’t disappoint. Two weeks in this spectacular place convinced me that this is one of the best destinations for families.
If you are thinking about visiting Europe, and Croatia is not the first place that pops up in your head, you really need to think twice because oh my you are up for a seafront treat if you decide to go there.
Located on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, Makarska is the center of a 38 miles long riviera. To get there you can travel to Split, and from there, there is a one-and-a-half-hour drive that will give you a glimpse of what you are signed for.
Spectacular views, a perfect climate, and a great number of things to do are waiting for you. To make things easier for you let me just break it down and tell you the 5 reasons why you should make a decision and just get there if you have the chance, trust me you will not regret it!
1. It’s Breathtaking Nature.
As soon as you arrive you can see the pebble-covered beach and the clear blue and greenish waters that are just there inviting you to jump in, particularly after enjoying a few hours taking the sun in or simply relaxing under a palm cove tree.
There is nothing like the refreshing feeling in the water while looking at the promenade where you can find a perfect blend of cozy hotels, beachfront restaurants, ice cream parlors, beach shops, and fresh fruit vendors.
Also, there is the impressive Biokovo Mountain Range. If you want to up the ante, go for a hike climbing to the majestic Vošac Peak. It can take you regularly 4 hours (5 and a half for me) but the experience and the views are worth it. You don’t need to climb it down (although you can if you are up for it). We had a taxi meeting us near the peak point who took us later to the Biokovo Skywalk.
If an anxious mom like me did it, you can do it too! Climbing that mountain and then standing on the Skyview has been one of the most difficult things I have ever done, but the rewards after I did it were remarkable, probably a subject for a future blog post. (Isn’t “Conquering the Vošac” a nice title?)
Oh, I almost forgot to mention that sunsets are simply spectacular EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
2. The Food
Particularly the fruits from the sea if you know what I mean! But there is a little everything for everyone’s taste.
The promenade has a lot of restaurants from street food to upscale dining. Even if you are relaxing at the beach there are tasty treats for snacks that locals sell right there, like grilled corn-cob (Kukuruza), fresh fruit, or delicious pastries.
Some dishes are really good regardless of where you decide to eat. Like grilled fish accompanied with a cabbage salad, seafood pasta, or an octopus salad. A very nice local treat if you go for the street food places (Big Mama is a very good one btw) is Girice, little tiny fried fishes that are delicious with a cold local beer. Or if you want some meat in your system you can get the ćevapčići (che-vahp-chi-chi) a grilled dish of minced meat, a type of skinless sausage, usually accompanied by french fries or a local potato and spinach side dish.
Go to Providenca Restaurant with a beautiful ocean view and try the tomato fish soup. Trust me we tried fish soup in a lot of other places and nothing compared to this one. If you want a meaty and succulent local dish, go to Libertas Restaurant and order Peka, a combination of meat, vegetables, or seafood that are seasoned and cooked together with olive oil, other types of fat, herbs, and occasionally wine, mixed with potato and other greens. Peka refers to the technique used for its preparation that takes around 3 hours. So you have to order in advance.
If you want to have a more upscale dinner you definitely have to go to Riva and please order local white wine to accompany your fish dishes. You will thank me later.
Speaking of wine, don’t be surprised when they put an ice cube or some sparkling water on it. It is refreshing. And be careful with Rakija, a local spirited drink that is so nice and tasty similar to brandy or schnapps. Don’t overdo it tho, you have been warned!
3. Location, Location, Location
Makarska is so strategically placed to make wonderful day trips and experience a little bit more about Croatia, which is a very beautiful and wonderful country.
You can go on a boat trip to the surrounding islands and submerge in the clearest waters you have ever seen. There are private and group tours available. When you go toward the city center you will see the marina and a lot of places and vendors that offer those opportunities. It all depends on your budget.
You can spend a day in Split, visit some museums and do some sightseeing among the historical-cultural places that the city has to offer.
Do yourself a favor and visit Dubrovnik. It is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever been to. And considering I am a HUGE Game of Thrones fan, this one was one of the peak moments of my entire trip. I would recommend tho to stay there for a couple of days because the city is worth it. If you are interested I have a couple of links that can help you with tours, with wonderful people that manage those. Our guide Robert was phenomenal! (I haven’t forgotten Robert, season 7, episode 1, minute 26!)
4. Great Hospitality
Speaking of people, hospitality in Makarska, and Croatia in general, is amazing. They make you feel welcomed and wherever you go people will treat you nice.
From vendors and waiters to hotel staff, everyone is cordial. I found that Croatians are truly happy and relaxed people. Even when they lost the game against Spain during the Euro, they were finding ways to keep their spirits up and continue celebrating!
People understand that Makarska lives from tourism so they are really conscious about treating customers with respect, offering you a smile or a casual joke. They also understand when you just don’t want conversation or buy something.
5. Day and Night Action and Relaxation for All Ages
This place has it all. From thrilling adventures to chill-out opportunities.
Parasailing, kayaking, rafting, tubing, scuba diving, and zip lines are some of the most popular things people like to do there.
You can rent scooters or bikes, or walk or run on the promenade. Since very early in the morning you can find people already awake and looking for that perfect spot on the beach.
There are public playgrounds for kids and you feel safe with them being in the water. You can rent floaties and they have water trampolines where kids can have a lot of fun!
Lifeguards are along the coast to make sure everyone feels safe. Most of the places are kid-friendly, and everyone feels relaxed. You can show up in comfortable clothes or if you prefer to dress up you can do that too and no one will judge you.
There are also a lot of places for nightlife, a floating casino vessel, party boats, and very nice places for cocktails and fun. Again, don’t overdo the Rakija…
Other tips and suggestions:
-There are almost no places to rent beach chairs. The best thing to do is to buy your own beach mattresses (there are tons of places along the beach for you to purchase them). And like in the movie Hitchhiking Guide to the Galaxy: Don’t forget your towel!
-The pebbles on the beach can become uncomfortable, so I suggest you buy the water shoes as well.
-June is a less crowded month to travel.
-Don’t forget to tip!
-Plan your tours with anticipation when you can.
-I stayed at Central Beach 9 Hotel and I completely recommend this one! Here is the website: https://centralbeachnine.com/
-You can also fly to Dubrovnik and start your Croatia journey from there.
-Always check the money exchange information so you don’t feel like Kuna is the equivalent of monopoly money. Finances are important when you travel! Particularly when you are not familiar with the local currency.
-Enjoy and immerse in the culture! Try to learn a few simple words like Hvala (thank you), Molim (please), or Zdravo (hello). Although almost everyone speaks English and you can communicate easily.
-Have fun and let me know how it goes! And once again, remember to don’t overdo the Rakija!!!
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