Makarska, Makarska Riviera. Croatia with kids. Family travel guide
Makarska is a small town (with around 15 thousand inhabitants) on the Adriatic coastline of Croatia, located at the foot of the Biokovo mountain range, between Spit and Dubrovnik. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Croatian coast and it’s known for its Makarska Riviera beaches and for having more than 2750 hours of sun a year ?. We choose Makarska for one of our stops during our first big Balkan trip with our 8-months old daughter, because it was rated as one of best beaches for family with kids. And indeed, it is. Small stones, turquoise water, and trees at the beach to give you some shadow (still, remember to take a beach tent to make sure you have protection against the sun and wind).
We were visiting Makarska at the end of May and although the water was still too cold to bath with a few months old baby (it is said the sea temperature is above 20 °C from June to October), it was an ideal time for us, as we were able to avoid the crowds and have lots of space at the beach.
What to do and see in Makarska
- Makarska harbor. It is the largest harbor in this area. From here you can catch a ferry to the island Brač (known for its white-pebble beach Zlatni Rat). In the harbor you can see yachts and excursion boats. It is a very beautiful place to take a walk. We were visiting Makarska during one of the strongest winds (80km/h) at Makarska Riviera, in case you are confused seeing me almost flying away with Zofia ;P
- Sv. Petar peninsula at the entrance of port of Makarska. On the peninsula you’ll find a naturist beach and the Sv. Petar lighthouse from 1884.
- The Kačić Square and the town center. If you are looking for cafes and bars, or simply enjoy your evening, that’s the place you should check out. Just continue your walk from the harbor and voila you are there. If you are visiting the town center during day you can visit some of the churches located here and check out the statues.
- Beach. We are not gonna lie, we didn’t come to Makarska to see statues or churches, we came here to enjoy beaches and the Makarska Riviera. And so we did.
Sunset
This was my first trip after giving birth to our first daughter. After becoming a mother, I was notoriously exhausted, constantly breastfeeding, waking up more than ten times every night. And it took months. At some point I realized I can’t change it, but what I can change is where this all happens and believe me, it’s much better to go through all of this while standing in the sun. To be precise, standing in the sunset.
Where to stay
If you want to have more real travel experiences, don’t stay in a hotel but with some Croatian family. All Balkan nations are very hospitable. We rented an apartment from a lovely couple: Boro and his wife. They always made us laugh as they asked our 8-months old daughter why she isn’t sleeping at all 😀 Lovely and very helpful people. Their house is on the hill and you can admire amazing sunsets from there.
Apartments Nora
Slikara Gojaka 19
21300 Makarska, Croatia
00385995705665
bororavlc@hotmail.com
