Beachfront apartments on the Makarska Riviera
The Makarska Riviera is built along its beaches, so most of our stays here are within a short walk of the sea. The skill is choosing the right village and the right distance up the slope.
Search beachfront stays on the rivieraBetween the mountain and the sea there is only a narrow strip of land, and the towns have grown along it. Almost every village has a long pebble beach in front of it, often joined to the next by a seaside promenade, so staying within 200 metres of the water is the norm rather than the exception. The beaches are fine to medium white pebble, usually shelving gently, with pine or tamarisk shade on many stretches. That is why the water is so clear, and why water shoes are the one piece of kit everyone ends up buying.
The choice is really about atmosphere. Podgora, Drašnice and Igrane, in the middle and south of the riviera, have a high share of stays right by the water and a calmer evening rhythm. Tučepi's long continuous beach and promenade suit families who like to walk into Makarska. Brela, at the northern end, has pine forest running down to the shore. Makarska town and Baška Voda put you by the beach and the nightlife, which is lively in July and August. Further south, Zaostrog, Brist and Gradac are smaller and quieter.
Because the land rises steeply behind the coast, the last 200 metres can matter. Some stays are on the promenade itself, others a few flights of steps above it. Check the map and photos for the route, and if a sea view matters, confirm it is direct. Stays right on the promenade can also hear evening music and passers-by in high season, especially in Makarska and Baška Voda. On Saturdays in high season, when weekly rentals change over, the coastal road is slow, so a stay close to the beach also saves time on arrival and departure day.
How close to the beach?
- Under 250 m A couple of minutes on foot. Easiest with small children, beach bags and a midday break back at the apartment.
- 250–500 m Roughly a five-minute walk. Still an easy daily routine, often in quieter streets a little back from the shore.
- 500 m – 1 km A ten-to-fifteen-minute walk, or a short drive. The widest choice of places to stay.
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Tips before you book
- Pick Podgora, Drašnice or Igrane for beachfront calm; Makarska town and Baška Voda for beachfront nightlife.
- Check for steps or a steep street between the house and the promenade.
- Make sure parking is included; in Makarska and Baška Voda public spaces are paid and scarce in summer.
- Pack water shoes: the pebbles are comfortable to lie on, less so to walk over.
Frequently asked questions
Which town on the Makarska Riviera has the most beachfront stays?
Beachfront is common all along the riviera, but Podgora, Drašnice, Igrane and Brela stand out, with a large share of stays close to the water. Tučepi and Makarska town also have plenty, though in Makarska many apartments are further back from the beach.
Are the beaches on the Makarska Riviera sandy?
No. They are fine to medium white pebble, which keeps the water very clear. Most shelve gently, so they still suit children, and many have pine shade. Water shoes make getting in and out much easier. If you want sand, the Split area is the nearest option.
Is it noisy to stay right on the beach?
In Makarska town and Baška Voda it can be, with beach bars and promenade life late into the evening in July and August. The smaller villages, such as Drašnice, Igrane or Zaostrog, are much quieter at night while still putting you close to the sea.