Makarska in July: Cultural Highlights & the Most Hidden Dream Beaches Away from the Crowds

July in Makarska means pure summer: the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea sparkles, the cafés along the Riva buzz with life, and the Biokovo mountain range casts its majestic afternoon shadows over the coast. But if you think spending July here means being squeezed between towels on the packed main beach, think again.

We’ll show you how to experience Makarska in July like a local—featuring the month's best events and secret coves where you can still find some peace and quiet.

In July, the city transforms into a massive open-air stage as part of the "Cultural Summer" (Lito u gradu) festival. Once the daytime heat subsides, Makarska truly comes alive. Here are three highlights you absolutely cannot miss this month:

If you want to taste and feel the authentic Dalmatia, you have to head to the city promenade (Riva). The air smells of freshly grilled fish, local wine is flowing, and traditional music fills the night. A wonderfully laid-back folk festival right by the harbor.

For the ultimate romance factor: The band Etceteral will be performing at the Sveti Petar lighthouse (located right on the peninsula). Enjoy live music right on the cliffside while the waves crash behind the stage. It doesn't get more "summer vibe" than this.

1. Makarska's open-air cinema (Ljetno kino) is legendary. Throughout the month, they screen current blockbusters and classics in a cozy, outdoor location surrounded by pine trees.

Yes, Makarska's main beach gets busy in July. But the beauty of the Riviera is that the steep cliffs hide tiny, paradisiacal coves that are often only accessible on foot or by boat. Pack plenty of water and your snorkeling gear—these beaches let you escape the hustle and bustle:

Nugal is world-famous yet remains pleasantly isolated. The beach is located about 2 kilometers south of the harbor, right on the edge of the Osejava forest park.

1. The Route: You can only reach it via a shaded, roughly 30-minute walk through the forest (sturdy shoes recommended!).
2. What Awaits You: A bay framed by gigantic cliffs, featuring fine pebbles and incredibly clear water. Note: The beach is traditionally clothing-optional (naturist-friendly), but clothed beachgoers are equally welcome.

If even Nugal Beach feels a bit too busy for you in July, just hike a little further southeast through the forest. Here you'll find the mini-coves of Kraljev Gaj and Solarić. They are tiny (often just 50 meters wide), heavily shaded by pine trees, and offer maximum privacy. If you are looking for adventure, you'll find great cliffs here to dive straight into the deep blue.

At the western end of Makarska, past Biloševac beach, the coastline gets wilder. The coves of Ramova and Cvitačka form a series of small, interconnected pebble oases.

1. What Makes It Special: There are no beach bars or loud music here. Instead, the pine trees provide perfect, natural shade. Additionally, a section of Ramova beach is officially designated as a dog beach—ideal if you are traveling with your four-legged friend.

Timing is everything: If you want these secluded beaches truly to yourself, start early. Between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM, you will often have coves like Nugal completely to yourself. The midday heat is best endured in the deep shade of the pine forests right by the beach, or with an ice-cold iced coffee in the narrow alleys of the old town.