Makarska, sport and 2024? How are they connected? Makarska is the European city of sports for 2024! Did you know that information? At a ceremony held in Brussels in December 2023, Makarska was declared the European City of Sports in 2024 in the category of cities with up to 25,000 inhabitants.

The criteria for receiving this flattering title were sports infrastructure, recreation and sports programs intended for citizens of all ages, encouragement to practice sports, experience in organizing prestigious international sports competitions, organization of competitive sports and clubs, and financing of sports.

Makarska is a small town in the Split-Dalmatia County, approximately an hour’s drive from Split, and is the center of the popular tourist destination Makarska Riviera, which is visited by tens of thousands of tourists every summer. The beginning of tourism in Makarska dates back to 1906. The reason for its popularity should certainly be found in its good location, proximity to all the islands and other famous destinations such as Dubrovnik, Split, Šibenik, but also in the extremely favorable Mediterranean climate. Outdoor life exists all year round, the weather is pleasant, and there are plenty of sunny hours.

Are there better holiday invitations here?

Let’s get back to sports and Makarska as a city of sports, but also a place where various sports competitions, events and athletes’ preparations take place. Due to the aforementioned good climate and pleasant stay, Makarska is increasingly the choice of many sports teams and individuals as an ideal oasis for preparing both body and spirit for sports competitions.

Of course, sports facilities attract recreationists as well as many who want to enjoy nature or try a new activity.

If you are planning to explore Makarska as a sports destination soon, here is a brief overview of the most important sports hotspots where everyone can find something for themselves.

Makarska Sport: Tennis Center

Lovers of tennis and the sea come here to enjoy themselves! The tennis courts are located almost next to the beach, in a pleasant pine forest, so the experience of training and playing is unique.

Tennis center Makarska has a total of 10 courts (7 outdoor clay courts, 2 indoor courts, 1 hard court). In addition to excellent infrastructure, equipment and a wonderful location, there are also additional courts for volleyball, badminton, mini golf, basketball and football. A true paradise for an active vacation!

Makarska Sport: Sport Center and Stadium

The city’s sports center is actually a recreational complex that offers various opportunities and gathers numerous athletes, professionals and recreationists, who play various sports. The sports center was built in 1960, and there is continuous work on new contents and its renovation. It is also the home of the local football club, local rugby club and local water polo players, as well as many athletes, basketball players, bowlers and many others.

At the sports center, there is a city stadium, i.e. a soccer field with natural grass, the dimensions of which are 105 m x 66 meters, and the main field is also equipped with lighting. There is also an auxiliary field, an athletics track and a bowling alley.

In the sports hall, in addition to the main hall, there is also a swimming pool, a gym, halls for martial arts and boxing, and a multipurpose hall. In the open part of the sports center, there are also courts for basketball, bocce, tennis and mini football.

Makarska Sport: Apfel Arena

This newly opened complex has become one of the favorite places in the city in a short time! In addition to various facilities such as a children’s playroom, cinema and catering area, there is also a rich offer of sports activities for a wide range of sports. It is therefore not surprising that Apfel Arena is the choice of many recreationists, as well as top athletes who choose it for preparations and for the organization of various competitions, seminars and trainings.

There are 3 indoor sports fields within the Apfel Arena. One of the halls is multifunctional and can be used for futsal, basketball, handball or badminton, and the other is intended for mini football with artificial grass.

For fans of innovations and racket games, there is a padel court. Padel is a fast-growing sport played by more and more people, and this court is the first in Dalmatia outside of Split. If you have not yet tried the sport that is adored by Messi and Ronaldo as well as many other famous athletes, it is the right time to enrich your visit to Makarska with that experience.

Apfel Arena in Makarska also has 3 other outdoor courts for tennis, mini football and bocce.

Also, on more than 500 m2, there is the largest and most equipped gym on the Makarska Riviera. Modern, equipped according to the most modern standards, it is a great place for recreational people, but also the choice of many professionals.

To conclude, Makarska has everything you need for an active holiday, sports preparations and the organization of competitions in various sports. There is a pleasant climate with many sunny days, beautiful nature and cultural sights, good transport connections, but also infrastructure for various activities.