Makarska Riviera Road Trip: Best Routes and Scenic Stops | Cro Car Hire
Why the Makarska Riviera Belongs on Your Croatia Road Trip List
Most visitors to Croatia stick to the well-worn Split-to-Dubrovnik highway and never realise what they are missing. The Makarska Riviera — a 60-kilometre stretch of Dalmatian coastline between the two cities — is where the Dinaric Alps meet the Adriatic in dramatic fashion. Think steep limestone cliffs dropping straight into turquoise water, hidden pebble coves, and mountain roads that reward every hairpin with a new postcard view.
If you have already sorted your car hire in Split, the Riviera is the obvious next chapter. A compact car or crossover handles the coastal road easily, and the D8 highway (also known as the Jadranska magistrala) runs the full length. You do not need four-wheel drive for the main route, though you will want something comfortable for the Biokovo Mountain detour.
The Classic Route: Split to Dubrovnik via the Makarska Riviera
The most popular approach is to treat the Riviera as a midpoint on a longer Split to Dubrovnik drive. The coastal road (D8) from Split to Dubrovnik is roughly 230 kilometres and takes about four hours without stops. But the whole point of having a rental car is that you do not drive it without stops.
Split to Omiš (25 km, ~30 minutes)
Leave Split on the D8 heading southeast. The road hugs the coast past Stobreč and Kaštela, then narrows as it enters the Cetina River canyon near Omiš. This is your first taste of the dramatic scenery that defines the Riviera. If you have time, the zip-line over the Cetina canyon is worth a morning detour. Otherwise, stop at Omiš old town for a coffee and a walk along the riverfront before the road climbs again.
Omiš to Makarska (38 km, ~45 minutes)
The stretch from Omiš to Makarska is the heart of the Riviera. The road winds between the sea and the steep foothills of Biokovo Mountain, passing through a string of small resorts. Brela is the standout here — specifically Punta Rata beach, often ranked among the best beaches in Croatia. Parking is limited in summer, so arrive before 10:00 or after 16:00. There is a paid lot above the beach (about €2 per hour in peak season) and a smaller free area further north near Berulija.
Baška Voda, five minutes south of Brela, is a slightly larger town with more parking options and a pleasant seafront promenade. Both towns are excellent for a lunch stop.
Makarska to Gradac (55 km, ~1 hour)
Makarska itself is the Riviera’s hub — a working town with a busy harbour, a long beachfront, and plenty of cafés. The old town centre around St. Mark’s Cathedral is worth a short walk. If you are staying overnight, Makarska has the widest choice of accommodation along this stretch.
Heading south from Makarska, the road becomes quieter. Tučepi and Podgora are smaller, more relaxed alternatives to Brela. Drvenik has a car ferry to Sućuraj on Hvar island (summer only, roughly hourly), which is a useful option if you want to extend your trip with an island day.
The road continues through Igrane, Živogošće, and Podaca before reaching Gradac, the last significant town before the border with the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Gradac has a long pebble beach and a handful of decent seafood restaurants. It is a good place to refuel before the final push to Dubrovnik.
Gradac to Dubrovnik (85 km, ~1 hour 45 minutes)
The final stretch to Dubrovnik is the most demanding part of the drive. The D8 climbs steeply inland after Klek, then rejoins the coast near the Neum Corridor — a 20-kilometre stretch of Bosnian coastline that you must cross. You will need your passport or ID card for the border checkpoints, and during peak season (July–August) queues can add 30–60 minutes to your journey.
After the Neum crossing, the road climbs again toward Ston, famous for its medieval walls and fresh oysters. From Ston to Dubrovnik is another 50 kilometres of winding coastal road. If you are ending your trip here, drop your car at Dubrovnik or the airport. One-way rentals between Split and Dubrovnik are widely available.
The Biokovo Skywalk Detour
The single best detour on this route is the Biokovo Mountain road, which climbs from Makarska to the Skywalk viewpoint at 1,228 metres above sea level. The road is narrow, steep, and unforgiving — not recommended for nervous drivers or large vehicles. But the view from the top is extraordinary: on a clear day you can see the islands of Brač, Hvar, and Korčula, plus the full sweep of the Riviera coastline.
The Skywalk itself is a glass-floored observation platform extending over the cliff edge. Entry costs roughly €10 per person in summer. The road from Makarska to the Skywalk takes about 45 minutes one way. Combine it with a morning start from Split for a full-day itinerary.
Practical note: the Biokovo road is sometimes closed in winter or during high winds. Check conditions at the entrance gate near Makarska before committing to the climb.
Best Scenic Stops (South to North)
Punta Rata, Brela
The most photographed beach on the Riviera. The rock formation just offshore — known locally as the Brela Stone — is a natural landmark. Arrive early for parking and bring water shoes; the pebbles are smooth but hard underfoot.
Nugal Beach, near Makarska
A secluded cove accessible by a 20-minute forest trail from Makarska’s northern suburbs. It is clothing-optional and rarely crowded even in peak season. The trailhead is poorly signposted; park near the Hotel Osejava and walk north along the coast path.
Vepric Shrine, Makarska
A small botanical garden and shrine built into a limestone gorge just above the town centre. Easy to reach on foot from the old town, and a peaceful escape from the beach crowds.
Drvenik Ferry to Hvar
Not a scenic stop in the traditional sense, but a gateway to one of Croatia’s best islands. The ferry crossing takes about 35 minutes. Sućuraj on Hvar is quiet and undeveloped compared to Hvar Town, which is part of its appeal.
Ston and the Mali Ston Bay
Just before the Dubrovnik approach, Ston is famous for the second-longest defensive wall in Europe (after Hadrian’s Wall) and for oysters farmed in the protected bay. Several waterfront restaurants serve them raw with lemon for roughly €1.50 each.
Driving Tips for the Makarska Riviera
- Fuel up in Split or Makarska. Petrol stations are sparse between Makarska and Dubrovnik. There is one in Ploče and another near Neum, but do not risk running low.
- Toll roads: The D8 coastal road is toll-free. The A1 motorway (inland) has tolls but skips the Riviera entirely. For this trip, stick to the coast.
- Parking: Expect to pay €1.50–€3 per hour in Brela, Makarska, and Dubrovnik. Free street parking exists in smaller villages like Igrane and Živogošće, but spaces fill by mid-morning in July and August.
- Border crossings: The Neum Corridor requires you to enter and exit Bosnia and Herzegovina. EU citizens need only an ID card; non-EU visitors need a passport. Green card insurance is recommended.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on the open coastal road. The D8 is heavily policed in summer — speed cameras are common near Omiš and Makarska.
- Best time to drive: Late May, June, and September offer the best balance of weather, daylight, and traffic. July and August are stunning but congested.
Where to Stay Along the Route
If you are breaking the journey into two days, Makarska is the most practical base. It has the widest range of hotels and apartments, plus restaurants that stay open late. Brela is quieter and more upscale. For a budget option, the villages between Makarska and Gradac (Tučepi, Podgora, Igrane) have family-run guesthouses at lower prices.
One-way car hire from Split to Dubrovnik means you do not need to backtrack. Collect at Split Airport or city centre, drive the Riviera at your own pace, and drop the car at Dubrovnik Airport for your flight home.
Sample Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Split to Makarska
Morning: collect your rental car in Split, drive to Omiš for coffee and a riverside walk (30 minutes). Continue to Brela for a swim at Punta Rata. Afternoon: check into Makarska, walk the old town, dinner on the harbour. Total driving: ~65 km.
Day 2: Makarska to Dubrovnik
Morning: drive the Biokovo Skywalk (allow 2.5 hours round trip from Makarska). Lunch in Makarska. Afternoon: drive south via Drvenik, cross the Neum Corridor, stop in Ston for oysters. Evening: arrive in Dubrovnik. Total driving: ~140 km.
Related Destinations
Looking for more road trip inspiration along the Croatian coast? Also explore our guides to the Split to Dubrovnik drive, the Split to Makarska coastal route, and our tips for driving in Croatia. If you are starting from further north, the Zadar to Split drive is another excellent coastal route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive the Makarska Riviera?
Non-stop from Split to Dubrovnik via the coastal road is roughly four hours. With scenic stops, photography breaks, and lunch, budget a full day. A two-day itinerary with an overnight in Makarska or Brela is more relaxed.
Do I need a special car for the Biokovo Mountain road?
No, a standard compact or crossover is fine. The road is paved but narrow and steep. Avoid the route in bad weather or if you are uncomfortable with cliff-edge driving. Motorhomes and large vans are prohibited.
Is the Neum border crossing difficult?
Usually straightforward, but summer queues can reach 30–60 minutes. Have your passport or ID ready. The border is open 24 hours. If you want to avoid it entirely, take the ferry from Ploče to Trpanj on the Pelješac peninsula, then drive to Dubrovnik.
When is the best time to visit the Makarska Riviera?
June and September offer the best weather with fewer crowds. July and August are peak season — stunning but busy. May and October are quieter still, though some restaurants and ferry services may have reduced hours.
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