Makarska has always been the center of the surrounding region known as Makarska Riviera, both in an administrative, political and economic sense, as well as a center of culture, education, and since the mid twentieth century, tourism. Today, it is a city of more than 15 thousand inhabitants that encompasses picturesque villages at the foot of the Biokovo Mountain, including Veliko Brdo, Puharići, Kotišina and Makar (which is where the name of Makarska comes from). Makarska is a port town and beach resort with a spectacular natural setting, backed by the glorious Biokovo mountain range. While the outskirts are a little shabby, there's a lovely long waterfront promenade and a pretty limestone centre that turns peachy orange at sunset. Active types base themselves here to take advantage of the nearby hiking, climbing, paragliding, mountain biking, windsurfing and swimming opportunities, and the good transport connections.

Makarska is one of the most famous tourist destinations on the Croatian coast, attractive for its nature and good climate, rich in tourist attractions and full of hospitable hosts. To this day, Makarska is known for its pebble beach, which is almost 2 kilometers long. The walkways are lined with pine trees and surrounded by luxury hotels, tourist facilities, and gastronomical havens, and there is plenty of fun for both adults and children. Makarska is located below the mountain of Biokovo (1762 m), which protects it from the harsh continental climate and is responsible for its rich Mediterranean vegetation, mild winters, long, warm summers cooled by a refreshing breeze called maestral. The city of Makarska grew around a natural harbor protected by a picturesque peninsula of Sveti Petar (St. Peter) and the cape Osejava. In the past it provided protection and safe harbor during stormy weather to sailors, pirates and merchants, and nowadays it does the same for yachts, sailing boats and tourist ships. During the summer months the harbor fills up with yachts and tourist ships, while young people crowd the main Kačić square enjoying entertain¬ment and cultural performances. As the night goes on, Makarska be comes livelier and livelier, and its caffes, restaurants and discotheques fill up.The high season is pretty raucous, with many buzzing nightlife spots, but also a lot of fun for those with children. If you’re interested in hanging around beach bars and clubs, playing volleyball and generally lounging about, you’ll like Makarska. Outside the high season, things are pretty quiet. The best way to become familiar with the history of this city is by visiting the Franciscan monastery which recently celebrated its 500th anniversary. The monastery boasts a picture gallery, library, one-of-a-kind Malaco-logical museum (dedicated to the study and preservation of mollusks) and the Institute of Mountains and Sea. The church of St. Marko is located on the Kacic square.