Makarska in May: The 7 Best Insider Activities Away from the Crowds

May is arguably the most magical month on the Makarska Riviera. Temperatures regularly push past 20°C, the sun is shining, but the massive wave of summer tourists hasn't arrived yet. It is the perfect window to experience the region authentically and at your own pace.

If you have already ticked off the classic postcard sights like the Biokovo Skywalk or the Osejava Forest Park and want something fresh, here are the absolute best things to do in and around Makarska this May!

May offers absolute perfection for cycling—it is beautifully warm but lacks the suffocating heat of July. Rent an e-bike in Makarska and head up into the old hillside villages like Gornje Tučepi, Kotišina, or Gornja Podgora.

1. The Experience: You will cruise away from traffic through centuries-old olive groves and past ancient stone houses. The panoramic views of the sea here easily rival the Skywalk—except it’s completely free and blissfully quiet.
2. Foodie Tip: Pair your ride with a pitstop at a family-run mountain konoba. A cold pivo or a glass of homemade Prošek tastes twice as good after tackling those coastal hills.

Nestled right at the foot of the Biokovo mountain lies the tiny village of Kotišina. While this botanical garden can look a bit dry and weathered in the scorching peak of August, May is when it completely explodes with color and fragrance.

1. The Highlight: Hundreds of wild herbs, sage, irises, and Mediterranean flora bloom simultaneously. Right in the middle of it all is the striking 17th-century fortification Veliki Kaštel, built directly into the cliffside, which now houses a modern, interactive visitor center.
2. Insider Tip: The scent in the air during May is unforgettable. Give yourself time to just walk the loop and enjoy the silence.

Yes, Sveti Petar is right in the center of Makarska, but in May, it has a completely different energy than in the summer. No armies of beach chairs, no loud crowds.

1. The Experience: Pack a blanket, some local Pag cheese (Paški sir), Dalmatian smoked ham (Pršut), and a chilled bottle of local white wine (like Pošip). Walk out to the lighthouse and the old fortress walls right before dusk.
2. The Moment: The sunsets behind the islands of Brač and Hvar are incredibly vivid in May. Sit on the cliffs and watch the colors change with only the sound of the waves for company.

If you want a change of scenery, head through the Sveti Ilija tunnel into the Dalmatian hinterland to the town of Imotski (about a 40-minute drive).

1. The Natural Wonder: The Blue Lake (Modro Jezero) and Red Lake (Crveno Jezero) are massive, breathtaking karst sinkholes. The magic of May is that following the winter thaw and spring rains, the lakes are completely full of crystal-clear water. By late summer, the Blue Lake often dries up completely—making May the absolute prime time to see them.
2. Bonus: The hinterland temperatures are ideal for exploring the historic Topana fortress overlooking the Blue Lake without breaking a sweat.

For the adrenaline seekers, May is peak season at the Cetina Canyon near Omiš (about 45 minutes north of Makarska).

1. Why May? Fueled by mountain snowmelt, the Cetina River flows much faster and higher in May. This means rafting here is ten times more thrilling right now compared to the calm, lazy river pace of mid-summer.
2. The Alternative: If you prefer to stay dry, book the legendary Omiš Zipline. You will fly on steel cables 150 meters above the emerald canyon floor. In May, you can score slots easily without booking weeks in advance.

May is the month locals take their first dip of the year. Admittedly, the Adriatic is still a bit "bracing" (around 18–20°C), but on a sunny May afternoon, there is nothing more invigorating.

1. The Experience: Head to world-famous spots like Punta Rata in Brela or the sweeping coastline of Tučepi. In July, you can barely find a spot for your towel; in May, these paradise beaches are almost exclusively yours. Plus, the water is at its absolute clearest right after winter.

May is prime harvest time in Dalmatia for wild asparagus (Divlja šparoga) and ultra-sweet local strawberries.

1. Market Tip: Head to the daily open-air market (Pijaca) in Makarska right next to St. Mark’s Church. Look for locals selling small bundles of wild asparagus hand-foraged from the mountainsides.
2. In the Restaurant: Many traditional konobas add special seasonal dishes to their menus in May. Make sure to try a wild asparagus risotto or a classic Dalmatian scramble (Utišenik) with asparagus and pršut. It’s a seasonal delicacy you won't find on menus in July!