Eva and I stayed in Markaska, Croatia for 10 days from at the end of November. We had a tiny but cute and comfortable apartment where we played tons of backgammon. Sadly, we didn’t make it up to the Skydeck, but as you’ll see, we both absolutely loved Makarska. Our last two days were crazy windy, but overall, it was a great time to be here.
What was the most surprising thing about Makarska?
Eva: The trail that goes off the peninsula makes you feel like you’re out of the city quickly.
Ehren: The giant mountains so close to the city & sea are awesome and a huge surprise to me. Shows how much research I put into this trip.
What would you change about this trip?
Eva: I would’ve spent longer in Makarska.
Ehren: I agree. Makarska is my favorite place in Croatia.
Scale of 1-10, how easy is it for a US Citizen visiting for the first time to communicate and find the things you need?
Eva: 10, super easy.
Ehren: 7, there are fewer people who speak English here, and we never found a large grocery store. There’s also no public transportation or Uber or food delivery that we found. These can be good points if you live here, but less so when you’re visiting. Also, very few experiences available on AirBnB. However, there are more available/accessible restaurants. It’s small, quaint, quiet and beautiful. And the Skydeck seems like it would’ve been rad.
How long would you optimally stay there (+/- how long we stayed)?
Eva: This leads my retirement plan. For visiting, because it’s a slower pace, it’s not as much for vacationers. I think it’s better to have an entire summer planned: like 2 months or more.
Ehren: I think 3 months would’ve been great. If we’d stuck to our original plan of living places as a lifestyle, this is where I’d choose to live in Croatia.
Could you move/live here?
Eva: Yes. It’s definitely on my retirement options list.
Ehren: Absolutely. It’s so laid back, chill, cool and quiet. And picturesque!
What did you learn about travel?
Eva: Double check the bus schedules.
Ehren: Yeah, I booked a 03:45 (am) bus thinking it was in the afternoon. Definitely need to pay more attention to AM/PM. It cost us a day in Dubrovnik, but thankfully, it was spent in our beloved Makarska!
Anything else you want to add?
Eva: It’s a very well-rounded place. Good grocery options, fishermen selling directly from their boats. Everything has a very local feel.
Ehren: We only spent a week and a half in Makarska, but it’s small enough that we got to know it pretty well just by wandering the alleyways. It’s safe and it’s clean. The peninsula was really an amazing place to go for a walk (and apparently a skinny dip). And the available restaurant selections were better than in some of the much bigger cities we visited.
Quick Fire Favorites:
Restaurant:
Eva: Konoba Kalarga
Ehren: Hops Beer & Food Factory
Hang out Joint:
Eva: Mr. Wok
Ehren: Bura (restaurant)
Best Shopping:
Eva: Just general convenience marts
Ehren: Studenac Markets
Point of Interest:
Eva: Statue of St. Peter in St. Peter Forest Park
Ehren: St. Peter Forest Park