5 Amazing Things to Do in Baška Voda – Personal Experience

Baška Voda sits just a few kilometers west of Makarska along the stunning Makarska Riviera, and honestly, it's become one of my absolute favorite spots on the entire Dalmatian coast. The town has that classic Mediterranean charm, it's a bit more relaxed than bustling Makarska, yet there's still plenty to keep you busy. Here are five things I absolutely loved doing during my visits.

The main beach in Baška Voda is genuinely beautiful. It's a long stretch of fine pebbles running along the waterfront promenade, and the water is crystal clear and pleasantly warm during summer. What I really appreciated was that it never felt as crowded as some other places on the Riviera. Even when I arrived a bit later in the morning, I always found a decent spot.

I often just grabbed my towel, found some shade under the pine trees, and let the day unfold slowly. If you're into more action, there are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, plus various watersports like jet skiing, paddleboarding, and banana boat rides. The beach slopes gently into the water, making it ideal for families with kids too.

The promenade in Baška Voda is probably my favorite place in the whole town. It runs right along the sea, connecting the harbor on the eastern side with the western beaches. Especially in the evening, when the sun starts setting and the light turns golden over the water, a stroll here is simply magical.

I've also jogged this route in the early morning – roughly 2–3 km back and forth. The path is paved and completely flat, so it's really pleasant to run. Along the way, there are benches where you can sit and enjoy the view of the sea and Brač island in the distance. The smell of fresh fish and grilled meat wafting from the restaurants along the promenade always makes me hungry!

The harbor in Baška Voda isn't huge, but it has a really authentic charm. Small fishing boats sit next to modern yachts, and the atmosphere is pure Dalmatia. I spent quite some time just watching the local fishermen unload their catch – it's an experience in itself.

Above the harbor lies the small old town with narrow streets and traditional stone houses. Wandering through these alleys is absolutely worth it. There are a few souvenir shops and galleries showcasing work by local artists. I especially loved the little square with the Church of St. Nikola – the view from there over the harbor and the sea is fantastic.

If you're like me and don't want to spend the whole day at the main beach, there are some really lovely smaller bays around Baška Voda. My personal favorite is Nikolina Beach just west of town. It's a bit more secluded, much quieter, and feels more natural. The path there involves some narrow coastal trails, so bring decent shoes!

Another beautiful spot is Ikovac Bay east of the center. Both are reachable by bike or on foot and offer a welcome change from the main beach. The water there often feels even clearer because fewer people swim there. I've spent hours just floating in the water and enjoying the peace.

Baška Voda is the perfect base for exploring the area. Makarska is only about 10–15 minutes by car (roughly 10 km), or about 8–10 km by bike along the coastal promenade – a gorgeous, completely flat ride right by the sea. I've cycled this route multiple times and highly recommend it.

From the harbor in Baška Voda or nearby Makarska, you can also catch a ferry to Brač island. The crossing takes about 45–60 minutes. On Brač, definitely visit Bol with the famous Zlatni Rat beach. I did this as a day trip and was back in Baška Voda by evening – perfect for a full day out.

've found a few really great spots for coffee in Baška Voda where you can just sit back and enjoy the moment:

Along the promenade right by the sea, there are several bars and cafés with outdoor seating. My personal favorite is a small café right on the harbor promenade – I believe it's called something like "More" or similar. You sit under large umbrellas with a view of the sea and passing boats, and the cappuccino is genuinely good. Prices are absolutely fair for the location, around €2–3 for a coffee.

Another lovely spot is the café directly on the main beach, where you sit in the shade of the pine trees overlooking the beach and turquoise water. Especially in the late afternoon when the sun isn't burning as strong, it's just perfect.

If you prefer something quieter, head into the narrow streets of the old town. There are a few hidden cafés that feel less touristy, where you sit among locals. I once had an excellent espresso there for just €1.70 at Basca Bar