Welcome to Makarska !
Getting There
Our Canadian loved ones will have to fly in order to join us for our special day. We recommend you to keep the following tips & tricks in mind while booking your travel!
Airports
When we travel, we typically arrive in to the Split Airport (SPU). That said, there are nine international airports in Croatia.
The Split Airport is a 1 hour & 15 min commute to Makarska, but is the second largest airport in the country, making it more flexible flight-wise.
There are also airports in Dubrovnik (DBV) and on the nearby island of Brač (BWK). Depending on your plans leading up to and/or following the wedding, these may be more logical options for you. Either way, you've got options!
Dubrovnik Airport is approx. 2.5 hours from Makarska, and the travel time by boat from Brač to Makarska is 1 hr and 45 min.
Flights
As our frequent flyers know, getting to Europe can cost an arm and a leg. Here are a few ideas to navigate this expense and arrive, limbs intact!
Skip the Direct Flight
While the convenience of taking off and
landing directly where you need to be is nice,
sometimes the wallet prefers a layover. Currently,
West Jet offers a flight direct from Halifax to
Amsterdam (AMS) or Dublin (DUB), while
Lufthansa covers direct to Frankfurt (FRA).
Hack the Round Trip & Double Up
An economical option is to book two separate
flights: one round trip to a relatively close
destination (think British Isles; UK, Scotland,
Ireland...) for your very first and very last day of
travel. Then, within the same day or the days just
before/after, book a round trip flight to Croatia
from that destination.
Transfers
Each of the airports is still not going to get you directly into the beautiful, coastal Makarska. With that in mind, there are a number of transfers available! Consider Cheap Ride Transfers, which offer vehicles for up to 16 passengers or for as few as just you! Splitting one transfer can help curb costs.
Note: Split Transfers are less pricey than Dubrovnik to/from Makarska.
If flying into Brač, there is also a ferry that comes to Makarska 6 times a day in the peak season.
If you'd really rather take the wheel, there are also options to rent cars/vehicles during your stay. However, unless you see yourself travelling a great deal, arranging transfers will likely be cheaper overall. Parking can also be tricky in Makarska proper - double check parking availability with your accommodations.
Where to Stay
Once you've landed, there are a number of fabulous options for places to stay!
Rentals (AirBnB, Vrbo)
Our personal recommendation is to secure yourself a private apartment or villa (depending on the number in your party or if you are looking to double up with other guests).
Both AirBnB and Vrbo offer a host of options for a vast range of budgets.
NOTE: Due to the topography of the area, even a rental a few minutes from the beach can mean walking up and down a steep hill. For this reason, we highly recommend you book somewhere closest to the sea, or at least below the highway (labelled Vukovarska Ul./Dubrovačka Ul.) on the map, to ensure as painless a beach day as possible!
Hotel Osejava
Our actual reception venue, Hotel Osejava, itself offers 45 rooms where guests can opt to stay!
The rooms are beautiful, with many having ocean-view amenities, as well as wonderful dining options right on your doorstep.
We are still negotiating final venue details with the hotel and therefore do not as of yet have any block bookings or special rates to share with you - however we will be sure to update this ASAP once we can confirm one way or the other.
Other hotels & lodgings
If rentals are not really your thing and you are curious about other options, feel free to also check out some of the alternative and highly-rated hotels in Makarska.
From the luxurious PLACES Dalmacija to a steal at Hotel Biokovo, there are options for all needs and price points!
Perhaps you are particularly low-maintenance, a solo traveler looking simply for somewhere to lay your head at night. If that sounds like you, you may even be interested in the extremely affordable Hostel Makarska SUBTUB.
You've Made It! Now What?
Makarska has a ton of fun things to do and sights to see to make the most out of your stay! Here are some of our personal recommendations:
For our Foodies...
Makarska has a vast array of dining options, from traditional coastal cuisine of the Dalmatian area to international favourites like pasta and pizza.
Some of our local favourites:
Bonaca, Lemon Garden, Lavander, Herc, Bruschetta, Bounty, and more!
Valamar: Makarska Wine & Gourmet
If you are a gourmande-type looking for a fine dining experience, try the Michelin-recognized restaurant Jeny.
For our Adventurers...
There are some of us that like to lounge on the beach, but we know there are some of you that love to be on the go! Makarska and the surrounding area offers a ton of options for the adventurers and sight-seers among you.
From water sports to boat tours, parasailing and biking, museums and cultural centers, as well as events like Fishermans Nights; the area has it all!
For a real authentic cultural experience, be sure to visit Veliki Godinj - the nationally-recognized hamlet near the Church venue of our ceremony.
For our Night Owls...
While Hvar may be more known for its nightlife than Makarska, there are still plenty of options for those who like to rev up rather than wind down after dark.
There are options for people who are really seeking a club vibe (like Makarana or Providenca), or options that feel closer to the local pub, such as Lištun or Rooster's Pub.
Day-Trips
If you want to make the most of your time in Croatia to check off multiple places from your must-see list, consider starting with these prime locations: all within a day trip's distance to Makarska!
Split
The second most populous city after the northern capital - Zagreb - Split offers a variety of experiences:, ranging from historical, to cultural and to natural.
This area is an easy day trip from Makarska, only approx. 1 hour drive away. You can easily venture to Split by bus, ferry, or taxi; or you may opt to book a private charter or transfer.
Check out some of the links below to Split's most famous attractions!
Dubrovnik
Famous for its walled city and Game of Thrones filming locations, this former city state is by far one of Croatia's number one tourist stops!
Dubrovnik's walled city feels like stepping into a time machine. The steep stairs, medieval architecture and bomb damage remind you of various points in history; from its origins in the 7th century through to its siege in the 1990's.
Farther than Split - a little over 2 hour's drive - Dubrovnik is still easily accessible by similar methods. Check out some of its most famous attractions!
The Islands (Brač, Hvar, Korčula...)
By ferry or private charter, you can explore several of the various islands off Croatia's Mediterranean coast.
Hvar features a historic Old Town, in addition to various places to treat the foodies and partygoers among you! You can take the ferry from Split.
Brač is accessible by ferry directly from Makarska, and features the resort town Bol. This is a prime swimming destination, as well as display of traditional architecture.
Korčula is a family favourite. Try Grk, its wine made only on the island, where residents are 95% ethnic Croats. Proof of residence on the island dates back to pre-historic times, and the town museum features artifacts of an ancient Greek colony.