Split to Makarska Drive | From €28/day | Car Hire Croatia
Split to Makarska is a 60 km coastal drive that takes roughly an hour and a half if you take your time — which you should. The road clings to the Dalmatian coast the whole way, passing through small fishing towns, cliff-hanging villages, and some of the most reliably beautiful beach scenery in Croatia. If you’re based in Split and have a single day to spare, this is the drive to do.
Why Drive Split to Makarska?
The Makarska Riviera is the most scenic stretch of Croatia’s central coast. Unlike the islands (which require ferries), everything here is accessible by road — beaches, mountain viewpoints, village restaurants, and the Biokovo nature reserve that looms over the whole coast from inland. The D8 Adriatic Magistral highway runs the entire route, and it’s a road that rewards going slowly.
Makarska town itself is a proper working town, not just a resort. The waterfront runs for 2 km, backed by a pedestrianised old town, a market, and restaurants that cater to locals as much as tourists. In summer it gets busy, but it never feels as manicured and tourist-ready as Dubrovnik or Hvar.
Route Overview: Split to Makarska
The route covers 60 km along the D8 coastal road, taking approximately 1.5 hours of driving time with a couple of short stops. You leave Split heading south-east on the D8, immediately into the coastal scenery — the road runs along the base of the Dalmatian karst mountains with the sea on your right.
There’s no toll required on this route — the D8 is a local road, not a motorway. The only border is the one at the entrance to Makarska itself (biometric stamps for non-EU visitors).
Key Stops Along the Way
Omiš (25 km from Split): At the mouth of the Cetina River canyon, Omiš is the first reason to stop. The river cuts a dramatic gorge through the mountains before meeting the sea here. There’s a small fortress above the town (Fortress Fortress) with views up the canyon. Good for a coffee before you continue.
Baška Voda (45 km from Split): A small beach town with a sheltered harbour, stone beaches, and a promenade backed by pine trees. It’s one of the prettier stops on the Riviera and rarely as crowded as Makarska itself. Good for a swim if you’ve brought your beach gear.
Brela and Tučepi (50-55 km from Split): These two villages have some of the most-photographed beaches on the Dalmatian coast — long stretches of smooth stone sand backed by karst cliffs. The water is clear, and the Biokovo mountain wall behind you makes the scenery complete.
Makarska: Your destination. Park near the harbour (there’s a large public car park on the waterfront — about €8-€10/day in summer) and walk into the old town. The main beach is central, wide, and backed by the waterfront restaurants. For something quieter, walk north along the coast toward the interpretive centre at Makarska Lake — a natural lake separated from the sea by a thin strip of beach.
The Biokovo Detour
Before you reach Makarska, there’s a turning for the Biokovo mountain road — the D512 up into the Biokovo Nature Reserve. The road climbs steeply (switchbacks the whole way) to about 1,200 metres, and the views from the top on a clear day extend across to the islands of Hvar, Brač, and Korčula. It’s a rough road in places, and some sections are gravel, but any hire car with decent ground clearance can manage it. Allow 2 hours return for the detour if you’re doing it properly.
Driving Rules Along the D8
Croatia drives on the right. The D8 coastal road has an 80-90 km/h limit through open sections, dropping to 50 km/h through village centres. There are speed cameras through several of the town sections — particularly Omiš and Baška Voda. The road is two lanes with one lane in each direction for most of its length, so passing is only possible at designated overtaking sections.
Road quality is generally good on the main route, though the surface has some patched sections around Baška Voda where winter weather has cracked the road. Drive carefully through those. In peak summer, the road gets very busy between 10am and 3pm — the Makarska Riviera is popular with Croatian domestic tourists as well as international visitors, and they come by car.
What to Budget
Car hire in Split starts from around €28 per day for a compact vehicle in shoulder season (April-June, September-October). In July-August, expect €40-€65 per day for the same car. No tolls on the D8, so your only costs are fuel — approximately €15 each way at local fuel prices (around €1.55/litre for petrol). Parking in Makarska is around €8-€12 per day in summer.
Extras worth having: a GPS with offline maps (signal can be patchy on the mountain roads), and an umbrella or beach shade if you’re visiting in July-August (the beaches have very little natural shade).
FAQ: Split to Makarska by Car
How far is the Split to Makarska drive?
The coastal D8 road covers 60 km from Split to Makarska, taking approximately 1.5 hours of driving time without stops. With stops at Omiš and Baška Voda, allow 2-2.5 hours.
Do I need a toll vignette for the Split to Makarska drive?
No — the D8 coastal road is a local highway, not a toll road. No vignette is required. Tolls are only required on Croatia’s A1 motorway and select tunnel sections.
What stops should I make between Split and Makarska?
Omiš at the Cetina River mouth (25 km from Split), Baška Voda for a beach stop (45 km), and Brela/Tučepi for the most photographed beaches on the Riviera (50-55 km). Each is a 5-10 minute detour from the main road.
Can I drive up into Biokovo from the Makarska Riviera?
Yes — the D512 road climbs from the coast up into Biokovo Nature Reserve to around 1,200 metres. Views on clear days extend across to Hvar, Brač, and Korčula. Allow 2 hours return for the detour. The road is rough in places; any hire car with decent clearance can manage it.
Is it easy to park in Makarska?
There’s a large public car park on the seafront near the harbour. In summer, arrive before 10am to get a spot. Daily rate is approximately €8-€12. Street parking near the old town is limited to resident permits.
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