Nugal Beach

Nugal is the beach people talk about after their holiday. Hidden below high cliffs between Makarska and Tučepi, it can only be reached on foot through the Osejava forest park or by boat. There are no bars, no loungers and no road, which is exactly why it feels so special. In 2019 it was voted the third-best beach in Europe.

Nugal is a small cove, about 80 metres long, covered in fine pebbles and framed by sheer cliffs and pine forest. The water is very clear, and the view down onto the cove from the path is one of the best on the Riviera. In wet weather, mostly in winter and after heavy rain, a waterfall runs down the cliff close to the sea.

Go early. Between around 8 and 10 in the morning you can often have the cove almost to yourself, and the walk is much more pleasant before the midday heat. Late spring and September are lovely times for the hike.

There are none. No toilets, no showers, no beach bar and no sunbed hire. Bring everything you need for the day, especially plenty of drinking water. Shade on the pebbles themselves is limited, so a small parasol or hat is worth carrying.

Nugal is about swimming, snorkelling in clear water and simply switching off. The walk itself is part of the experience: a shaded forest trail with glimpses of the sea through the trees.

The beach sits on the edge of the Osejava forest park, about two kilometres from the centre of Makarska. Paths lead in from both Makarska and Tučepi. Further southeast you will find the small, pine-shaded coves of Solarić and Kraljev Gaj, which are even quieter.

Wear sturdy shoes with good grip; the forest path is rocky and has roots, and flip-flops are not a good idea. From the Makarska side, allow roughly 30 to 40 minutes each way. There is no parking at the beach, so walk from town or leave the car in the paid Osejava city car park in Makarska. The walk in from Tučepi takes longer than from Makarska. Take your rubbish back with you.

Want to wake up close to Nugal Beach? Our nearest homes are Apartment Ana (about a 25-minute walk), Villa Tomo (about a 28-minute walk) and Apartments Listun (about a 32-minute walk).

Nugal shows the Makarska Riviera at its most natural: cliffs, forest and clear sea, with nothing built in between. If you want one adventurous beach day on your holiday, make it this one.