Bol to Makarska Trip Overview
Distance 29 km (18.1 miles) | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

About the ride from Bol, Brac Island to Makarska
Strategically located on the southern coast of Brac Island and right next door to beautiful Zlatni Rat Beach, you could easily spend your entire holiday in Bol and not feel like you missed out on anything. But just a short ferry ride away is the Makarska Riviera. And the town of Makarska is the showpiece of this stunning section of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast.
While crowds of tourists descend on popular cruise ports such as Split and Dubrovnik, you're more likely to be rubbing shoulders with locals in this understated town that's high on charm. Whatever Makarska may lack in ancient fortresses and former palaces is more than made up for in beautiful beaches and an authentic vibe.
Best of all, if you've based yourself in Bol, you're less than an hour's ferry ride away from adding this lovely summer destination to your itinerary. And you won't even have to break the bank to do it.
Leaving from a port on the south side of Brac, it's a straight run due east to the harbor of Makarska.
Upon arrival, you'll be right at the doorstep of the Old Town and within walking distance of several beaches and the extensive promenade. There's no need to rent a car to start exploring this lively jewel!
Top four things to see in Makarska
With more famous neighbors, Makarska doesn't get the love it deserves. But when you see the town for yourself, you'll find the top things to see in Makarska are worth adding to your Croatia bucket list.
Walk the streets of Old Town both day and night. Soak up the historic architecture and cobblestone streets. Sit outside a hole-in-the-wall cafe or catch a music performance in the main square. And after dark, the festive ambiance and romantic charm of the discreetly-lit side streets reach another level entirely.
Stroll the seaside promenade. One of the most popular activities in Makarska is strolling along the nearly 2.5 miles (4-kilometers) of walkway that lines the seafront. Duck into any number of boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants that line the route. At the very end, spend some time in the bustling Makarska Market for a souvenir from your time in town.
Find your favorite beach along the Makarska Riviera. For crystal clear water, check out any one of Croatia's gorgeous pebble beaches along this stretch of coastline.
From the popular and convenient Markarska Town Beach and Ramova Beach to remote gems both north and south along the coast, you have your pick of gorgeous waterfront to enjoy with or without the crowds.
Reach new heights at the Biokovo Nature Park. Home to Croatia's second tallest mountain peak — Mount Biokovo — this park offers incredible views of some of the most scenic areas of Dalmatia. Nature lovers can wander its many trails and take in the spectacular beauty from several vantage points.
Conquer your fear of heights by stepping out on the Skywalk — a glass walkway that gives you a bird's eye view of the islands and coastline.
How to get from Bol, Brac Island to Makarska
Since you're on an island, it's safe to assume you'd need a ferry to get between Bol and just about anywhere.
Ferries run seasonally, which means that in the winter and shoulder months, you might have to catch a ferry from one of Brac Island's other ports.
However, during the busy summer months, a high-speed ferry runs daily from Bol Port (a pier on the east side of town). It takes only slightly more than a half hour to cover the 18-mile (29-kilometer) distance.
Passengers are given a luggage allowance of up to 44 lbs (20 kg) and can bring a bicycle and/or pet on board for an extra charge.
Note that these are passenger ferries only, so if you've rented a car and want to take it across with you, you'll have to take a different route.
Also, keep in mind that the ferry does not run in heavy seas, so be prepared for a delay should a severe storm arrive on the same day you plan to travel.
When is the best time to visit Makarska?
June through September is considered peak season in Makarska. During this time, the shops are all open, the beaches are packed, and the nightlife is in full swing.
July and August are the hottest months, with temps reaching highs of 93°F/34°C. This is also when the town is most crowded with families on summer vacation and tourists making their way down the coast.
May and September offer a good compromise. Not only is the weather still warm enough for beach days, but crowds are thinner, and accommodation prices aren't at their highest.
In the off-season, the Old Town still holds its charm, but certain restaurants and shops will not be open.
How much time do I need in Makarska?
With only a half-hour ferry ride needed to reach Makarska from Bol, it is completely feasible to visit Makarska on a day trip. That would be enough to wander the streets of Old Town and enjoy some time at the beach.
But if you really want to enjoy your time there, spend at least one night in town. Tack on another day if you plan to head out to Biokovo Nature Park, as getting there and back will take some time.
Where to go after Makarska
Makarska is centrally located on the coast, so no matter which direction you travel, you'll be in a fantastic Croatian hotspot.
Head north for one hour, and you'll be in Split. Head south for a few hours, and you'll be in Dubrovnik.
You can't go wrong.
Popular stations and stops in Bol and Makarska
Departure stations in Bol
Arrival stations in Makarska
Related blog posts

Out with the old: 5 old travel habits we do not miss at all
From analog cameras to traveler`s checks – nostalgia is great, but we were happy to replace these 5 habits with innovative new technologies.

6 essentials to pack for a long bus ride
Not sure what to pack for the long bus ride you have coming up? Here`s with a short list of things you can`t forget to take with you.

How to fly more sustainably
Air travel remains the most polluting form of transport, but we know that it can`t always be avoided. Learn what to consider when it`s your only option.
Questions & Answers for Traveling from Bol to Makarska
What is the distance between Bol to Makarska?
Who are the service providers on this route?
FERRY: Krilo (Kapetan Luka) | TP Line
Why travel with Bookaway?
Bookaway.com makes it simple and easy to find, compare, and buy city-to-city tickets via bus, train, ferry, and more. We support over 13 languages and 23 currencies worldwide, and we believe that everyone should easily be able to find and purchase what they are looking for. We don’t just want to help you get where you want to go - we want you to enjoy the ride.






