If you drive the coastal road south from Split, there is a stretch where the sea turns almost Caribbean-blue and a wall of mountains rises sharply behind the towns. That is the Makarska Riviera – a line of beaches and villages between Omiš and Gradac, with Biokovo mountain standing guard above. For sailors, it is a mainland side-step from the usual island routes, with long beaches, busy promenades and a different angle on the central Dalmatian islands.
This page looks at Makarska Riviera as part of a yacht charter route. It complements the main Split and Trogir guides, where most boats start, and the broader itineraries hub at Croatia sailing itineraries. Here we stay close to this one piece of coast.
The Makarska Riviera lies on the mainland shore opposite Brač and Hvar. From a charter point of view it sits between the central Dalmatian island routes to the west and the routes towards Pelješac and Dubrovnik to the south.
Most charter boats that visit come from marinas around Split and Trogir, sometimes combining Makarska with Brač and Hvar in one week. Some longer itineraries use the Riviera as a stepping stone when linking Split with Korčula, Pelješac or Dubrovnik.
There are three main reasons skippers deliberately include the Makarska stretch in their plan:
For some crews this region becomes a one-night “beach break” from the islands. Others build a whole day around it – especially if somebody in the crew wants to go paragliding, visit the Skywalk viewpoint or just walk a long promenade in the evening.
The Riviera is essentially a chain of small resort towns and villages. Exact facilities for visiting yachts change over time, but a few names appear on many routes:
In most of these places you will moor stern-to on a quay or short pier, sometimes alongside local fishing boats and excursion vessels. In summer it is worth arriving earlier in the afternoon, as places fill quickly with a mix of charter and local traffic.
On a standard seven-day charter from Split or Trogir it rarely makes sense to spend many nights on the Makarska side – there is simply too much to see on Brač, Hvar and Šolta. But including one stop on the Riviera can balance the week nicely.
A typical pattern might look like this:
This way, the Makarska stop becomes a deliberate change of pace rather than a long detour that squeezes the rest of the route. Our itineraries hub and the Split / Trogir pages include specific one-week examples that do this.
With two weeks you can be more generous. Makarska Riviera can become a natural mainland segment between central Dalmatia and the southern regions.
Examples include:
We treat these longer trips as custom projects: once you have a boat selected from our Boat Search, we help you shape a route that uses Makarska without over-extending daily legs.
The Makarska coast faces broadly south-southwest, with the Biokovo mountains rising steeply behind it. In summer you usually feel the same daily sea breeze pattern as in the surrounding area – a gentle maestral in the afternoon, calmer mornings and evenings.
When the bora (north-easterly) blows strongly, the mountains can funnel gusts down across parts of the Riviera, making certain anchorages and approaches uncomfortable or unsafe. On such days many crews prefer island bays on the lee side of Brač or Hvar instead. Checking the forecast and talking with local harbour staff pays off here.
Most harbours on the Riviera are well protected from normal summer chop but can be lively during special weather situations. Arriving early gives you more choice of position along the quay.
You will normally approach Makarska Riviera in the same boat you use for the rest of your central Dalmatia route. Still, different boat types feel a little different here:
Whichever boat you choose, think about how comfortable you are with busy town quays and med-mooring – these skills matter more on the mainland coast than in quiet island bays.
The Makarska Riviera is very much about life ashore. Long waterfront promenades are lined with pines, cafes, restaurants and stalls selling everything from local sweets to snorkelling gear. In the evenings people stroll up and down with ice creams while children ride bikes or play on small playgrounds.
In the background, the Biokovo mountains catch the late light. On lay days or before/after the charter it is possible to take a road or organised trip up the mountain, including the Skywalk glass platform and hiking routes with big views over the islands.
Food follows the standard Dalmatian pattern – grilled fish, simple seafood, pizza, pasta – with some places catering more to classic holidaymakers and others feeling more local. Ask harbour staff or your skipper for recommendations away from the busiest front rows if you prefer quieter dinners.
A few small details make a Makarska stop smoother:
In most cases no – the main charter bases with large fleets are around Split and Trogir. Makarska is better treated as a stop within a route, not as the starting point. You will reach it easily from the standard bases if it fits your week.
From the southern side of Brač or the western side of Hvar, Makarska is typically a medium-length day sail in normal conditions. Your exact timing depends on the specific bay or town you start from and the wind on the day. For family crews we usually pair the Makarska leg with shorter days before and after.
On land, towns can be lively in July and August, with plenty of visitors on the promenades. On the water, there are fewer charter boats than in the most famous island towns, but harbours still fill quickly. If you prefer quieter nights, plan a single Makarska stop and spend the rest of the week in calmer bays.
There are some anchorages and buoy fields along the Riviera, but depths, exposure and local rules vary. In practice many visiting yachts use town quays or marinas for at least one night when they come here. Local knowledge from your skipper or base is valuable when choosing specific spots.
The easiest way is to tell us about your crew, dates and whether you want a “classic islands” week or a trip that deliberately includes this mainland stretch. You can also browse boats that fit your group size in the Boat Search. Once a boat and base are clear, we will suggest one or two realistic itineraries – including or skipping Makarska – so you can choose what feels right.
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