Under its present name Makarska is mentioned for the first time in 1502. During the Turkish occupation, Makarska became part of their province Primorje and was fortified with three keeps. Makarska became a part of Venetian republic in 1684. Under the hundred-year rule of the Venetian lion, the foundations of the future city were built. In the following hundred or so years, during the French and Austrian rule, the city experiences increased cultural and economic development.
Makarska is a picturesque town of impressive beauty which lives off tourism and for tourism; a town of youth, culture, sports and entertainment. It was built around a natural port protected by the charming peninsula of Saint Peter and cape Osejava, and it is the biggest and only such port between the Cetina and Neretva estuaries. The town’s history is best discovered in the Franciscan Monastery as well as through the works of art kept in the sacral buildings of the Makarska Littoral and whose authors are famous Croatian painters originating from this region.

The Biokovo Mountain, a majestic gift of nature, emerges from the pearly sea. If you are craving for adventure and attractive sports challenges, Makarska offers an abundance of sports facilities (paragliding, mountain biking, descending into caves and water sports). The beautiful pebble beach stretches for 2 km along the entire town.

Numerous accommodation facilities with indoor and outdoor pools, including the medical rehabilitation centre “Biokovka” with the most up-to-date fitness centre and complete physical therapy, make Makarska the favourite tourist destination.