About the ride from Dubrovnik to Makarska
Exchange one incredible Croatian city for another by heading to Makarska, just over 97 miles (156 kilometers) from Dubrovnik.
You're spoiled for choice when booking this journey.
You can book a ticket on a public bus to save money and experience a little slice of local life.
You might want to pay a premium for privacy by booking a private car or minivan transfer that fits around your schedule.
Or, you'll no doubt be attracted to sailing all the way there on a ferry, past numerous islands, and over the Adriatic Sea.
Whatever you choose, you'll see why Makarska is attracting more and more tourists to its borders.
What is Makarska like?
Makarska is in the center of the Dalmatian coast along the Makarska Riviera.
Despite mainly being used as a stopover to reach the surrounding islands, Makarska is a beautiful city with a laid-back atmosphere. You'll discover stunning views around every corner and be overwhelmed by the delicious food options.
The Biokovo National Park surrounds the city, creating a stunning facade when entering the city from the sea. A shelf of mountains looms over the city's skyline and falls into the spectacular blue waters of the Adriatic.
Discover paradisiacal beaches, explore thriving natural beauty, and fall in love with Croatia's rich culture.
Unforgettable activities in Makarska
Visitors to Makarska may be overwhelmed by the options when planning their days out.
But never fear; this hit list will narrow down your choices:
Discover the Old Town. Makarska's historic center is littered with Dalmatian stone houses and squares. You'll adore its old-school charm and find yourself snapping dozens of pictures while walking down the picturesque Kalalarga Street.
Remember to stop by the Cathedral of St. Mark, too. Grab some souvenirs and sample local delicacies at Pijaca, the local market.
Visit Biokovo National Park. The Biokovo mountain landscape looms over Makarska's skyline, enticing visitors with the promise of spectacular views.
Book a trekking trip to see if you can reach the peak, or drive up the 14-mile (23-kilometer) road to the park. The winding road offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and leads up to the 5780ot/1762-meter peak of Sveti Jure.
Explore the Sveti Petar Forest Park. You can easily reach this beautiful forest on foot because it's close to the Old Town. Spend a day exploring, sampling food and drinks at the local cafes, and bathing in the wild. Don't forget to visit the Sveti Petar lighthouse along the way.
Walk along the seafront promenade. Head to the seafront to walk along the city's promenade, enjoying the sea breeze after a long day of exploration.
Wander the city's coastline, stopping at boutique shops and stalls as you enjoy the views. Pick the restaurant with the best view and watch the sun dip beneath the horizon while you dig into some fresh seafood.
Take a trip to Brela. This coastal town is famous for its Punta Rata Beach and spectacular views. It's a little quieter than Makarska, so it's a great spot to visit if you're in need of a little peace.
How do I get from Dubrovnik to Makarska?
If you want to get from Dubrovnik to Makarska, you have four options: bus, car, minivan, and ferry.
It's important to note that traveling by road will mean crossing a land border because Makrska is separated from Dubrovnik by a small piece of land owned by Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Ensure you have all the documents prepped and ready to go before departure.
By bus
One of the most affordable ways to travel between Dubrovnik and Makarska is to take an air-conditioned bus.
You'll pick between three operators: Autotrans by Arriva, Promet Makarska, and Nomago, which is wheelchair accessible.
All buses are standard, so upgrading to a more luxurious bus class is impossible. Some, but not all, buses have a bathroom, WiFi, and charger sockets.
Services run all day, so finding the ideal time for your journey is simple. Buses depart from Dubrovnik Central Bus Station and arrive at Makarska Central Bus Station.
The drive takes around three hours to reach Makarska, and tickets start at $19.
Luggage allowances vary between operators. Typically, you can take one cabin bag and one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 55 lbs/25 kg.
By car
A private car between Dubrovnik and Makarska is ideal for small groups or solo luxury travelers.
Operated by Croatia Shuttle, this private air-conditioned car transfer costs around $285 and has room for up to three passengers.
The driver will pick you up at your hotel or the airport (DBV) in Dubrovnik at the time you requested and drop you off at your hotel in Makarska.
You'll get a luggage allowance of one 44 lb/20 kg bag and one piece of hand luggage weighing 15 lbs/7 kg. You'll also be provided with water and bathroom breaks upon request.
The ride takes around two to three hours to reach Makarska.
By minivan
Hire a minivan from Dubrovnik to Makarska if you are traveling with a bigger group of up to eight people.
Not only do you get to pick a departure time that suits your group's itinerary, but you'll also have air conditioning, WiFi (subject to availability), English-speaking staff, and bathroom stops on request.
Croatia Shuffle also operates this option, which takes two to three hours to arrive and costs around $305 per vehicle.
The driver picks you up from the Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) or your hotel and drops you off at your chosen hotel in Makarska.
You'll also have a luggage allowance of one 44 lb/20 kg bag and one piece of hand luggage weighing 15 lbs/7 kg.
By ferry
To take in the best views on the way to Makarska, hop on a ferry to reach your next destination.
The ferry departs from Dubrovnik Ferry Terminal and arrives at Makarska Port. It takes about three-ish hours.
Tickets cost around $50 per passenger. The ferry is passenger-only and makes several stops on the way.
Most ferries have an air-conditioned cabin, some outdoor seating, bathrooms, and a luggage allowance of 44 lb/20 kg per passenger.
Ferries cannot sail in severe weather. If your service gets canceled, you can take the next ferry or request a full refund to rebook elsewhere.
Pets must be transported in carriers and cannot travel if they pose a danger or nuisance to other passengers. Dogs must be muzzled and kept on a leash, cats in boxes, and birds in cages. You must pay for an additional ticket to transport your pet. Large animals incur a higher ticket price.
You can transport a bicycle on the ferry for the cost of an additional ticket and must book a space in advance.
The best things about the ride from Dubrovnik to Makarska
Take one last look at Dubrovnik's marvelous architecture before looking ahead to Makarska.
On this journey, you'll quickly understand why people praise Croatia's beauty, with stunning coastal views almost the entire way. Most of the drive follows main roads that overlook the dazzling Adriatic Sea. Grab a window seat to make the most of the free tour.
As you get closer to Makarska's borders, you'll see mountains rising out of the horizon, enclosing the vibrant city and the beach.
When is the best time to visit Makarska?
Visit Makarska between May and October for the best weather and to avoid losing vacation days to rain or cold.
Croatia enjoys a relatively mild climate year-round, but the summer months bring the best weather, with a maximum daily temperature of 82°F (28°C) and an average low of 66°F (19°C).
If you want to avoid the tourist crowds in high season, plan your trip for the shoulder months of May, October, or November. The city is still beautiful, but fewer crowds will be in the background of your photos.
How many days should I spend in Makarska?
Two to three days is more than enough to explore Makarska. A few days is enough time to take in the city's sights and book a day trip to one of the islands or coastal towns nearby.
However, if you want a slower-paced vacation, consider booking a few extra days to really immerse yourself in the city.
Where should I go after Makarska?
After mining the delights of Makarska, you should go island-hopping, using the city as your base.
Dozens of islands are scattered across the Adriatic Sea, waiting for you to discover them. Highlights include Hvar and Korčula.
To continue the city vibes, book a visit to the stunning city of Split. You'll fall in love with its winding streets and spectacular views.
