Sheer limestone peaks of Biokovo rise almost 2,000 m directly behind red-roofed Makarska — a seaside town where a Franciscan monastery harbours one of the world's finest shell collections and a Skywalk dangles over the Adriatic.
Whether you tender or dock, you step directly onto the Riva — Makarska's palm-lined harbour promenade — with the old town a two-minute stroll away.
💡 Pro move: No need to book transport for the old town — everything of interest in Makarska proper is within a 15-minute flat walk of the landing point.
Makarska's compact harbour accommodates small cruise ships alongside; larger vessels anchor and tender passengers to the central Riva.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Large cruise ships | Anchor in the bay, tender to Riva quay📍 | Tendered |
| Small/expedition ships & coastal cruisers | Osejava pier, east harbour📍 | Docked |
From a glass Skywalk hanging over a 1,200 m cliff to a secluded nudist beach, Makarska punches above its size for shore-day options.
A horseshoe-shaped glass viewing platform suspended at 1,228 m offers dizzying views of the islands of Hvar, Brač and Korčula. The narrow mountain road requires a guided tour, taxi or rental car — allow 2–3 hours return. Book ahead in peak season; the park caps visitor numbers.
Find Biokovo Skywalk tours →A 16th-century Franciscan monastery in the heart of the old town houses one of the most scientifically significant shell collections in the world — over 3,000 Adriatic and global specimens. Small, quirky and genuinely impressive.
Find Makarska guided town tours →A 2 km stretch of fine pebbles backed by pine trees, 10–15 min on foot from the pier. Crystal-clear water, sun-bed rentals, beach bars and water-sports hire make it ideal for a straightforward beach day.
Find beach & water-sports excursions →A 40-minute trail through Osejava Forest leads to a dramatic, cliff-framed pebble cove. No facilities — bring water and snacks. Nugal is a clothing-optional beach open to all, with stunning scenery and zero crowds.
Find guided hiking tours →Several operators run day trips to Hvar town or the beaches of Brač. Book through your ship for guaranteed return timing, or use a local operator if you're confident about the schedule.
Find island boat excursions →Makarska's flat, compact centre and forested peninsulas on either side of the harbour make for excellent self-guided exploration.
From the tender landing on the Riva, walk west along the promenade past the statue of poet Andrija Kačić Miošić in Kačić Square. Duck into St. Mark's Church for its baroque interior, then continue to the Franciscan Monastery. Return via the narrow Kalalarga street for konoba (tavern) lunch.
Head west from the harbour along the Riva and enter the forested Sveti Petar peninsula. Follow the loop path past the 1884 lighthouse, the St. Peter statue overlooking the sea, and the cliffside love-lock fence before returning to the harbour.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Makarska, Dalmatia, Croatia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 51°F / 11°C | 38°F / 3°C | 12 | 7:21 AM | 4:41 PM |
| Feb | 55°F / 13°C | 41°F / 5°C | 10 | 6:50 AM | 5:22 PM |
| Mar | 58°F / 14°C | 44°F / 7°C | 10 | 6:04 AM | 5:58 PM |
| Apr | 65°F / 18°C | 50°F / 10°C | 11 | 6:09 AM | 7:34 PM |
| May | 72°F / 22°C | 58°F / 14°C | 13 | 5:28 AM | 8:09 PM |
| Jun | 82°F / 28°C | 67°F / 19°C | 7 | 5:11 AM | 8:33 PM |
| Jul | 88°F / 31°C | 71°F / 22°C | 4 | 5:25 AM | 8:29 PM |
| Aug | 88°F / 31°C | 71°F / 22°C | 6 | 5:57 AM | 7:54 PM |
| Sep | 78°F / 26°C | 64°F / 18°C | 9 | 6:31 AM | 7:01 PM |
| Oct | 70°F / 21°C | 56°F / 13°C | 9 | 7:06 AM | 6:08 PM |
| Nov | 62°F / 17°C | 49°F / 9°C | 14 | 6:45 AM | 4:27 PM |
| Dec | 54°F / 12°C | 42°F / 6°C | 11 | 7:17 AM | 4:16 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)