Makarska is a small town on Croatia's Dalmatian coast with pebble beaches and clear sea. It sits below the Biokovo mountains, offering easy access to nature and a relaxed vibe. The town is popular with tourists but has fewer amenities than bigger cities.
Seafood and local dishes like Peka, Pašticada are popular. Italian and European cuisines are available too. Vegan/vegetarian options exist but may be limited. Some places open late in summer.
Active nightlife in summer with bars, clubs, and beach venues.
Strong cafe culture with good espresso spots, though fewer specialty coffee shops.
Tipping is optional but appreciated. Around 5-10% in restaurants, rounding up in taxis.
SIM cards are sold at kiosks and provider stores (HT, A1, Telemach). ID is needed to register. eSIMs are available with some providers.
Streets are clean, especially in tourist areas. Recycling exists but is limited.
Some pharmacies on 24/7 rotation, few minimarts open late, emergency care available at health center.
Supermarkets like Konzum, Lidl, and Tommy offer local & some international products. Fresh markets sell produce and fish. Shops mostly open 7 AM - 9 PM but may close on Sundays.
Card payments work in most places, but it's good to have some cash for markets and small shops.
ATMs are common in town, including banks like Erste, OTP, and Zagrebačka. Watch for fees and avoid dynamic currency conversion.
Schools teach in Croatian. No international schools in Makarska; options are in Split.
Limited nomad community; few meetups or coworking spaces.
Several parks and shaded areas, good for walking and running.
Promenade and parks offer safe, scenic running routes.
Several gyms and sports halls available.
Tennis courts at hotels and sports centers, some equipment rental.
Padel courts are uncommon but interest is growing.
A few yoga studios offer classes, including drop-in options with English-speaking instructors.
Some clubs offer traditional martial arts like karate and taekwondo.
No ski resorts nearby.
Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing rentals available in summer.
Traditional surfing is limited. Windsurfing and kitesurfing are more popular.
Good dive sites with caves, reefs, and wrecks. Suitable for all skill levels.
Local health center covers general and emergency care. KBC Split hospital has English speakers for serious cases. Pharmacies are common, some open 24/7 in rotation.
Tap water is safe to drink here.
There are playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes. Baby supplies are easy to find. Beaches and museums offer family activities.
Generally accepting, but fewer dedicated LGBTQ+ spaces.
Pet-friendly places are growing. Vet clinics and pet supplies available.
Electricity is stable with rare outages.
Long pebble beaches with clear water, close to the town center.
Biokovo mountains rise near town with trail access from outskirts.
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