Famed for its crystal clear waters, buzzing nightlife and natural beauty, the pretty port town of Makarska is a Croatian holiday hotspot. You’ll be treated to warm waters at the dazzling Riviera beaches before stepping back in time in the historic Old Town.
Our collection of luxury villas in Makarska offer the perfect base for a relaxing family holiday, group getaway or romantic couples retreat. With our hand-picked properties that are close to the beach and within walking distance to the town, you’ll have everything you need right at your fingertips on your Makarska villa holiday.
Style and character are everything at Oliver’s Travels, and our collection of handpicked villas in Makarska have this in spades.
We have destination experts who know the ins and outs of all our regions, picking villas in Makarska that aren’t only unique, but also in the best locations. What's more, our villas are 100% family-friendly, and have the ‘wow’ factor.
Our helpful concierge team are on-hand to make your stay extra special. Whether you want a fully-stocked fridge, a local in-house chef to cook your meals, housekeeping or any other extra service – consider them your holiday genie, who will happily grant your wishes.
Found on the popular Dalmatian Coast between Split and Dubrovnik, Makarska is quickly becoming a sought-after destination in its own right. Offering you the best of both worlds - and by that we mean crystal-clear sea and staggering mountains - this Croatian favourite encourages you to spend your much-deserved break out in the great outdoors.
However, while it may look serenely picturesque when the sun's shining, come evening the club scene comes to life, with locals spilling out onto the promenade and partying until sunrise. Daytime adventurer or nighttime dancer? There's something for everyone in Makarska.
With our luxury Makarska villas, you'll be at the heart of it all. But if you're hoping to explore more of this beautiful country, you can check out our full collection of holiday homes in Croatia.
Beaches, beaches, beaches. Locals and tourists alike flock to Makarska for the chance to unwind on some enviable shoreline. The main town beach is lined with plenty of cafes and restaurants to hop in and out of when the sun gets too hot, but if you want to get away from the crowds, head north to Ramova Beach.
If you prefer staying on the move, head to Biokovo Nature Park. This mountain range offers various trail options with increasing difficulty, allowing you to explore the wildlife while taking in mesmerising panoramic views. And if you're not confident enough to wander alone, guided tours are also available.
Then it's back to the town to admire everything you've seen from above up close. The Old Town is somewhere you could easily spend hours ambling around, with Venetian architecture aplenty. Andrija Kačić Miošić Square acts as the centre of it all, named after the famous Croatian friar - you'll even find his statue there.
Visiting in July and August? Every week, Makarska's Fishermen's night is held along the waterfront. This celebration of local culture sees everyone dress up in traditional costumes, with plenty of fresh seafood available to sample between the fun-filled games.
Traditional Croatian food combines fish, vegetables, and liberal amounts of olive oil. The result? Tantalisingly fresh food that's perfect for those long summer nights. Typically the seafood served in Makarska restaurants will have been taken from the water that day. It's then expertly seasoned for an utterly delicious result.
Prefer your meats? There are still plenty of options, but we'd recommend trying peka. This warming dish bakes meat and vegetables under a bell-like lid that's covered with hot ash.
For a vegetarian-friendly option that you can enjoy on the go, sample soparnik. A Croatian alternative to pizza, this thin, savoury dough is filled with Swiss chard, and typically potatoes. It's traditionally prepared over an open fire - a fascinating process that only adds to the eating experience.
And when you're looking to satisfy that sweet tooth, you can't go wrong with rozata. Likened to a creme brulee or flan, this medieval dessert is lovingly topped with caramel sauce - no wonder it continues to prove popular today!
Great for kids: Allow them to let off some steam as they soar across the Cetina river on a zip line - an experience they'll never forget!
Great for teens: Croatian cuisine is varied and interesting, but not completely unfamiliar - ideal for gradually widening the palates of older kids.
Self-catering: If you choose to cook back at your luxury villa in Makarska, source your produce from local markets for the cheapest and freshest goods.
This seaside town is great for families and large groups who all want slightly different things out of their visit - expect everything from hiking paths and beaches to a buzzing nightlife!
Makarska is abounding with natural beauty and history to uncover, but it's also perfectly placed for exploring more of Croatia throughout your villa holiday. Along the Dalmatian Coast, you'll find plenty of picture-perfect villages, beaches and resort towns, all with their own story to tell.
Want to extend your trip further? We offer holiday homes to rent across Croatia, covering areas including Split, Trogir and Istria.
Home to around 2000 residents, Jesenice invites you to embrace traditional Croatian life. Once known for building wooden sailing ships, today you'll find stunning beaches and secluded coves here.
Split is one of the most popular places to stay in Croatia, and it's not hard to see why when you take in its pretty shingle beaches, ancient old town and historic monuments. While here, enjoy traditional Dalmatian dishes, visit some Game of Thrones filming locations, and then dance the night away.
Bol is undoubtedly the most popular spot on Brac island, and for one specific reason: Zlatni Rat. Also known as Golden Beach, this triangular formation stretches out into the sea and shape-shifts with the wind. That makes it particularly popular with windsurfers and anyone looking to get active in the water.
Encapsulating the traditional Mediterranean town, Mimice is quickly increasing in popularity among day-trippers. While here, you can enjoy the car-free promenade, take in the old town's original stone houses, and stop in various coffee shops and cafes as you explore. Save time for a dip in the crystal-clear waters!
Due to its remote location, you won't be able to travel directly to Makarska. However, many airlines from across the UK fly can get you to Split, with an average journey time of under 3 hours.
From Split airport, you can either get the bus, hire a taxi or drive yourself to Makarska, taking a little over an hour.
Due to the lack of public transport options, we'd suggest hiring a car. While it may be tempting to stay in your luxury Makarska villa 24/7, there are so many day trip possibilities along the Dalmatian Coast, and this is only really possible with your own wheels.
Be sure to hire your car ahead of time to pick up at Split airport - during the summer, there may not be one available if you wait until you land.
Want a ride down to the beach? You can call a taxi to pick you up from the villa and also drop you back. Airport transfers are available too, but we'd suggest booking in advance.
Buses run regularly from the Split local bus station to Makarska throughout the day, taking approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. A one-way ticket costs around 40 Kunas, with special prices for children and students. You can also use the other inter-city buses to reach further destinations.
Walking is an excellent way to get around this small Croatian town, allowing you to stumble across its notable landmarks by accident. Pack supportive but breathable shoes to avoid overheating in summer while staying comfortable.
