A Walk through Hidden Makarska: Things to Do and See
Makarska is a charming seaside town with stunning sea views, situated at the foot of the impressive Biokovo mountain. The beaches of Makarska are known for their beauty and charm, and the Biokovo mountain is ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities. Among other things to do and see, you can explore the old town where every corner, square and street hides a secret or an intriguing story from the past or the present. This is what we did in Makarska in the span of a day, also featuring the stories and customs we discovered. Perhaps you will be inspired to follow the same or a similar itinerary.
Take a Photo with Makarska’s “Seagull” Šime on the Waterfront

Monument to the Makarska Seagull
Strolling along the Makarska waterfront without taking a picture with the “Monument to the Tourist” (also known as the “Monument to the Makarska Seagull”) just wouldn’t be the same experience. The bronze monument, about two metres tall, represents a “seagull” Šime and a female tourist who just arrived in town. The story behind it emerged from the famous “seagulling” practice of local young men, i.e. the art of seducing foreign women. It was made in 2006 by Nikola Šanjek, a sculptor from Varaždin living in Vienna, to mark the 100th anniversary of tourism on the Makarska Riviera. Imaginative tourists have turned the Makarska seagull into a legend, and allegedly, good luck will bless the love lives of those who touch the breast of Šime’s lady.
Explore Art Galleries in the Old Town
Among other interesting things to do and see in Makarska is certainly a stroll through the small cobblestone streets, where you can enjoy galleries, cute handicrafts, cafes and restaurants.
We were impressed by the works of art that we found in Galerija 10, owned by Vice Glibota, Master of Sculpture, and his wife Silvija Prusina, Master of Painting. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, we will let the art speak for itself.

Art gallery Galerija 10 in Makarska
You can also explore the vibrant blue and green colours of the sea world in the portfolio of another talented artist Tina Divić, found in the gallery RinTinTina. Tina has been designing, painting, drawing and making unique jewellery for years and you can admire her work in her small and charming gallery. The paintings she does of beaches of Makarska and nearby areas are the perfect souvenir from this picturesque town.

RinTinTina gallery
Relax and Have a Coffee or Lunch in the Old Town

Sunny terrace of Gastro Diva in Makarska
At this point, you will likely want to take a little break. So, why not have a coffee, a matcha latte or a Lillet spritz (Lillet, rosé and pomegranate, meets Prosecco) in the Drop café? You’ll be amazed by the peace and quiet offered here. Another café brought to our attention was Fyaka, a very cool place selling handbags with the Fyaka brand. If you didn’t know, the word “fjaka” (stylised as “fyaka”) means “laziness” in Croatian, or in other words, a detachment from worries and anxiety, which is a relaxing state of mind to adopt when on holidays. So, why not get a bag that will remind you of that tantalising “dolce far niente” in Dalmatia? You can also stop for a lunch at Gastro Diva, which offers exquisite local and international cuisine, or try authentic Thai food at Pana Thai Street Food. Either way, you cannot go wrong.
Take the Makarana Cake
The Makarana cake was named after Makarska, and according to a legend, it was Frederick Augustus II who gave the cake its present-day name in 1838. It was a delicacy served only on special occasions and reserved for nobility. The cake is made with a pastry base, a filling of ground almonds, eggs and sugar, flavourings such as citrus juice and zest, nutmeg, cinnamon and a maraschino or a rose liqueur. If you want to try it yourself, we have been told the best Makarana cake can be found at the Škatula pastry shop, where you can also find the best ice cream in town. Among other flavours, we recommend salty caramel! The Makarana cake is also often represented as a traditional souvenir of the town of Makarska and the region.
Visit the Exhibition Dedicated to the History of Tourism in Makarska

Rivijerolucija exibition
We highly recommend you visit an interesting exhibition called “Rivijerolucija”, which will take you on a journey through the past and the rise of tourism on the Makarska Riviera. You can literally feel the daily atmosphere of bustling beaches and the ambiance of nights under the stars on hotel terraces in the 70s and the 80s, when numerous newly opened hotels attracted many tourists. Discover some typical drinks of the period and learn interesting facts about the development of FKK camping.
The exhibition was organised by professors and students of the Department of Art History and the Department of Archaeology of the University of Zadar. It will be open until the end of July in Umjetnička rezidencija (Andrija Kačić Miošić Square).
Discover Maestrale Tours
In the evening, discover even more history and art, and dive into the town’s tourist offer in the form of Maestrale tours. The “Maestrale” project is part of the “Summer in the City” events programme. Its main goal is to offer a unique experience of the town by revitalising the cultural heritage and charm of Dalmatian streets in an interactive way and to foster the sense of ease of living in the Mediterranean region, to which Makarska belongs.
From July through September, this will enrich Makarska’s tourist offer through three projects: DETOUR, COOLTOUR and ARTE.
Maestrale DETOUR
The Maestrale DETOUR offers tourists a new experience of Makarska, with the opportunity to participate in guided costumed tours of the old town centre. The experience is enhanced by storytelling, along with performances by local klapa groups, choirs and folklore ensembles.
Maestrale COOLTOUR
The Maestrale COOLTOUR provides both locals and tourists with musical, scenic and artistic performances in the authentic Dalmatian ambiance of attractive and hidden town locations, such as small squares and courtyards in the old town centre.
Maestrale ARTE
The Maestrale ARTE features exhibitions of artistic installations by renowned young Croatian artists, which change on a monthly basis from July through September. With this project, Makarska has become an official “Around the Sea” destination.
Makarska Offers More

Stunning Makarska
We hope you will enjoy exploring the hidden corners of Makarska like we did. And there are certainly more things to do and see in Makarska that we didn’t have the chance to discover during our latest visit. But we made a promise to return because this town definitely offers more – from its art, history and cuisine to outdoor activities and of course, stunning beaches.

Streets of Makarska
Don’t forget to choose the accommodation that suits your needs at Valamar’s seafront hotels in Makarska: cool & funky, budget-friendly or family hotels by the sea are waiting for you.