About the ride from Korcula to Makarska
A trip to Croatia without visiting a few islands is like eating peanut butter without jelly — it's just not right!
Korcula is an excellent island destination, packed with old cobblestone streets, gorgeous sea views, and many delicious restaurants.
When you're ready to wave island life goodbye (will you ever be?), Makarska is the natural next stop. It's a Dalmatian Coast staple, known for its sandy beaches, sublime seafront promenades, and exciting nightlife.
As the crow flies, the distance between these two destinations is 24 miles (40 km). The primary way to bridge the gap is by ferry, which takes just over an hour.
Sail the seas like a pirate. Here's everything you need to know before you travel from Korcula to Makarska to avoid hiccups.
Five things you must see and do in Makarska
So, you've arrived in Makarska. What's on your plan?
No stress if you have a blank schedule. That means anything is possible.
To help you pack your days chock-full of fun, we've rounded up the five best things to do in Makarska. Let's jump in:
Go beach hopping. It's not a trip to Makarska without sunbathing on golden sands. North of the town is Ramova Beach, a stretch known for incredibly clear waters. If you go south of the town, you'll find Nugal Beach, a more secluded spot accessible by foot or boat.
Stroll the promenade. Makarska's central promenade stretches 2.4 miles (4 km) along the coastline. Grab your sunnies and get walking.
Enjoy the nightlife. As the largest town between Split and Dubrovnik, Makarska has a decent nightlife scene. There are plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs for a tipple or two.
Visit Biokovo Nature Park. The Biokovo Nature Park is home to a dramatic mountain that's half in the sea. Here, you can hike, wildlife spot, or walk on the fear-inducing glass floor Skywalk. You can book half or full-day tours from Makarska online.
Sip local wine. Did you know the Dalmatian region is well-known for wines? Most Makarska restaurants carry lots of local wines. But if you want a premium experience, head to one of the regional vineyards for a tasting tour.
Is Makarska a touristy place?
Yes and no. Makarska receives millions of tourists yearly, but it's still very unknown compared to other Croatian destinations (*cough* Dubrovnik). If you're looking for a lesser-known spot with plenty of things to do and see, now is the time to visit before Makarska is on the main tourist route.
How to get from Korcula to Makarska
Ferries are the main way to jump from Korcula to Makarska. They also provide pretty incredible views.
By ferry
Ferries to Makarska take a little over one hour to arrive and depart three times a day. You should book in advance in the summer months.
The price of ferry tickets starts at $27 per person and comes with free cancellation.
Passengers leave Korcula from Kapetan Luka (the main ferry port) and arrive in Makarska via the Makarska Ferry Terminal. Note the locations before you travel to make your onward journey easier!
Amenities on the ferry include bathrooms, A/C and 44 lbs/20 kg of luggage per passenger.
Pets are allowed on the ferry but must be booked during the checkout process. There's an extra fee, and they must be inside a carrier while on the boat.
Likewise, you can add a bicycle to your booking at checkout. Bike prices are the same as passenger tickets ($27).
The ferry may be canceled in the rare event of severe weather conditions. This is very unlikely to happen outside the winter months. However, if it does happen, passengers can get a full refund or seats on the next available ferry.
Details about the journey from Korcula to Makarska
The ferry ride from Korcula to Makarska takes you north from Korcula Island to Makarska, a coastal town on the mainland. The journey is approximately 24 miles (40 km) and takes one hour and ten minutes via ferry.
Ferries are a great transportation option in Croatia, as they provide panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the country's many islands.
As you sail to Makarska, prepare to see lush green hills, azure waters, and glimpses of rural life. On the way, you'll pass the islands of Scedro, Hvar, and Brac.
You'll spot the famous Nugal and Solaric beaches as you approach Makarska. The main ferry arrival point is situated within Makarska's main harbor area. As you drift to land, you'll also see some stunning views of the port and nearby lush hills.
Ferries in Croatia are very safe for all travelers. Whether solo or in a group, you'll feel comfortable on this ride.
There's no guarantee the staff will speak English. However, it's likely they will, as English is the most common second language in Croatia.
The best time to travel from Korcula to Makarska
May to October are the best months in the region, with temperatures ranging from 62°F to 80°F (17°C to 27°C). The hottest months are July and August, with highs of 86°F/30°C.
November to April are cooler, with temperatures between 44°F and 59°F (7°C to 15°C). The coldest months are December, January, and February when you might experience extreme lows of 37°F/3°C. This is still a pleasant time to visit, but you'll need to pack warm layers.
There's an average of 9.8 inches (250 mm) of rain per month from November to March. It's not too heavy, but you might want to keep a pocket umbrella on hand.
Where to visit after Makarska?
Keep your travels going with a visit to Split.
Located one hour northwest of Makarska, Split is a famous coastal city that boasts golden beaches, an incredible old town, and a few iconic dive sites (Pajo Wreck and Island Ciovo Wall).
You can get from Makarska to Split in under two hours by bus or ferry.