The only bigger town and the centre of Makarska Riviera is Makarska - one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Croatian coast. Besides its enchanting and mesmerising natural beauty, it offers diverse tourist attractions for all ages. Various types of tourism have been developed in Makarska such as economic, health, sports and recreation, and cultural tourism, and the quality and range of services offered is continuously improving. For those who like action and do not want to just laze in the sun, there is a wide range of activities that will fill their time, whether on beautiful kilometres-long beaches, or at the sports centre and tennis courts. Since the town of Makarska is located at the foot of Biokovo mountain, in a very short period of time one can get from the beach to the fresh and clean mountain air of the Nature Park "Biokovo" where you can take a walk through different plant species in its botanical garden. Those who are fortunate can come across the endemic plant occurring in that area – it is called ‘Biokovo bell’ (Edraianthus pumilio), a plant that you will not see anywhere else in the world. Those who wish to find spiritual peace can look it up in the shade of pine trees in the sanctuary Vepric. Makarska offers numerous possibilities of cultural growth. An absolute ‘must see’ for culture lovers is the Malacological Museum, which preserves one of the largest collections of shells that hide deep in the sea. Every year the town of Makarska organizes "Makarska Cultural Summer" where visitors can get acquainted with Croatian dances, songs, etc. Those who enjoy listening to the Dalmatian song can attend concerts of traditional Croatian a cappella singing performed by Dalmatian vocal groups called “klape”, while younger generations, who prefer a different form of entertainment, can bogey the night away in one of the numerous nightclubs. Makarska is also known for a unique football match “the Fat against the Thin” and a spectacular summer carnival. Those who are scientifically oriented can visit the observatory and enjoy the magic of the universe. For all of those who prefer peace and quiet, there are pine forests on peninsulas St. Peter and Osejava, and one of the rare oasis with preserved nature - beach Nugal. Entertainment is not just restricted to the town centre. Makarska offers a good time in surrounding hamlets as well, where guests can enjoy Dalmatian songs and homemade food in various taverns.
