5 Reasons To Visit Makarska Riviera Off-Season

Makarska Riviera stretches at the foot of the mountain Biokovo, and at about 60 kilometers, settled several beautiful small towns. The heart of the Riviera is the town of Makarska, and other places are Brela, Baska Voda, Promajna, Bratus, Krvavica, Tucepi, Podgora, Drasnice, Igrane, Zivogosce, Blato, Drvenik, Zaostrog, Gradac, Brist and Podaca.

Historical sources say that the first tourists arrived in this area as early as 1905 and 1906. Makarska was then a tiny port frequented by people along the way or by adventurers and curious people. It is also recorded that the first organized trip to Biokovo was as early as 1838, and the excursionist was no less and no more than the Saxon king Augustus Federico.

The first hotel in Makarska was built before the First World War in 1914, and that is the hotel Osejava. Since then, visitors’ number and accommodation capacities have slowly increased, but historical circumstances have greatly influenced it. After the Second World War, the faster development of the Makarska Riviera began, and since the 1960s, tourism has flourished. Hotels, Camps, resorts are being built, and private accommodation is being developed. Numerous awards are coming for the city of Makarska and the Makarska Riviera.

This area is a favorite choice of many tourists and a symbol of vacation in Croatia.

And yet, despite the long tradition and development, vacation on the Makarska Riviera is closely linked to the summer months, beach, sea, and sun.

What to do on the Makarska Riviera during the winter, and is it worth visiting?

Although there are more, we bring you five great reasons to visit Makarska Riviera and why it is worth coming out of season.

1. No traffic jams

As in many other destinations worldwide, the tourist season on the Makarska Riviera means traffic jams. Croatia is known as a car destination, and many guests from Europe choose this way to travel to their resorts. They reach the Makarska Riviera by highway, where crowds are less frequent, and they are much more often at the approach to certain places, especially the city of Makarska. This phenomenon is most pronounced on weekends when guests shift or on rainy days when many guests from other sites on the Riviera decide to visit Makarska. It is similar to Omis or Split. No one likes to spend time in the car and columns, and coming out of season guarantees you won’t even need to. Out of season, traffic is lower, there are significantly fewer cars on the roads, and you get from one place to another much faster.

Also, there is less crowd in Makarska, so you will find it easier to find parking, which can be a lottery in the season.

Precisely because of this, you have more time left to enjoy, relax and explore.

2. Pleasant climate

Makarska Riviera is part of Dalmatia, which means that it belongs to the Mediterranean. The main features of the climate are long warm summers and mild winters. On average, almost 3000 hours of sunshine a year guarantees that you will feel comfortable on the Makarska Riviera at any time of the year. Even in the winter months, the average temperature is around 9 C °. Makarska is often one of the warmest cities in Croatia.

The exceptions are when the characteristic north wind “bora” blows, which intensifies the feeling of cold. However, many visitors are not a little surprised when they discover that they can enjoy their coffee or lunch outdoors, even in the middle of winter on the Makarska Riviera.

3. Excellent position

If you take a map of Dalmatia and look at the position of Makarska Riviera, you will easily conclude why its location is ideal. It is an hour’s drive from Split and Trogir, and just a little more drive you need to reach Dubrovnik, the Krka National Park, or nearby Bosnia and Herzegovina if you want to visit, for example, Mostar or Medjugorje.

From Makarska, there is a direct ferry connection with the island of Brač, and from Drvenik with Hvar, so the islands are within easy reach. Even closer are exciting destinations such as Omis and the beautiful river Cetina or the town of Imotski, where be sure to taste great wines. Almost all the sights and natural beauties of Dalmatia are very close to the Makarska Riviera and thus ideal for a day trip from anywhere on the Riviera.

4. Nature and air

The most recognizable symbols of this area are the beautiful beaches of the Makarska Riviera. The shade of century-old pine trees, crystal clear sea, and numerous hidden beaches ideal for vacation are for many a long-term choice for holidays and why they choose to visit Makarska Riviera. There is also the inevitable mountain Biokovo which stretches along the Riviera. Biokovo is an ideal choice for those who want an active vacation, hiking, and walking. The good news is that you can experience all these natural beauties outside of the summer months.

Bicycle and hiking trails, long promenades along the sea and beaches, all this, and with much fewer crowds, awaits you out of season. They are a winning combination of a pleasant climate to enjoy the sea and greenery even in summer.

It should not be forgotten that the combination of nature and clean sea air is excellent for health. The sea air has negative ions and ozone, and when we inhale it, it fills us with positive energy and encourages deep breathing.

5. Local customs and traditions

During the summer season, numerous events are held, such as concerts, plays, and performances of historical events. It is a great way to bring guests closer to a part of Croatian history and heritage and to learn more about the way of life. At any time of the year, you travel on the Croatian and Makarska Riviera to meet local people, customs, culture, and gastronomy. Outside the high season, without the big crowds and rushes, you have the opportunity to experience first-hand the traditions, talk to the locals, taste local products, and even see the preparation of the same. Harvesting mandarins and olives, wine production, traditional weddings, preparing meals for some holidays, and customs around the holidays, such as the famous Hvar procession on Easter Eve … There are a handful of exciting traditions!

In addition to these five, there are many other reasons why the visit to Makarska Riviera can charm you beyond the period in which most tourists come. Whether you want to break the monotony of winter a bit, or you are looking for a destination where you can work, or you are looking for a weekend destination for your family, you will indeed find something for yourself in the warm south.