The Ultimate Makarska Guide for June: Sun, Hidden Bays, and the Best Peka of Your Life

At eight in the morning, the air is still pleasantly cool, perfect for a first coffee on the Riva. By noon, the thermometer reliably climbs to 26°C to 30°C. It is hot enough for the beach, but the air remains fresh, lacking the heavy oppressiveness of August.

The Maestral wind kicks in right on cue around midday, bringing a perfect sea breeze. In the evening, it cools down just a fraction—you won't need a heavy jacket, but a light shirt or a summer dress is perfect for sitting outside late into the night. In short: June weather is the jackpot.

The true luxury of June lies in the space you are given to breathe, both under the sun and under the stars.

Wide-Open Beaches (No Towel Wars)

If you have ever visited the Riviera in July or August, you know that finding a spot on the main beach requires strategy. In June, that pressure completely vanishes. You can walk down to the sea at 11:00 AM and still pick a prime spot right under the shade of the pine trees. The pebble shores are quiet, meaning you can actually hear the gentle roll of the waves rather than beachside chatter. It feels like the coastline is putting on a private show just for you.

Lovely Nighttime Walks

When the sun dips below the horizon, the Riviera transitions into something deeply romantic. The heavy heat of the day lifts, replaced by a perfect, balmy breeze. Walking along the illuminated Riva or the coastal paths at night is an absolute dream.

The stone-paved alleys of the Old Town retain the day's warmth, while the scent of pine and saltwater carries heavily in the air. Whether you are walking the peninsula of St. Peter or strolling from Makarska toward Krvavica under the moonlight, the paths are peaceful, safe, and beautifully serene.

While the main beaches are delightfully uncrowded, you should still head out to discover the secret corners of the Riviera:

1. The Cvitačka Bays (Heading Towards Krvavica)

If you walk north from Makarska along the coast past the official beaches, keep going. A pine forest begins where the last hotels end. Hidden here are small pebble bays framed by white rocks. In June, you will easily find a spot where you feel like you are on a deserted island. The water is crystal clear and shimmers in every shade of turquoise.

2. Nugal Beach

A classic, but an absolute dream in June. Nestled between high cliffs in the Osejava Forest Park, the walk takes about 30 to 40 minutes through the shade of the pines. Because you cannot drive there, it stays wonderfully quiet. The beach is partly clothing-optional, partly textile—pure freedom and nature rule here.

Let's talk about the culinary heart of the region. Many travelers make the same mistake: they look for traditional dishes in modern fine-dining establishments.

Let’s be clear: The world-renowned Restaurant Jeny in Tučepi is fantastic—a culinary work of art with a grand view and modern cuisine—but they do not serve Peka. Peka requires time, embers, ash, and a heavy iron bell. It is honest, rustic cooking.

The absolute institution for this is Konoba Novak, located just above Makarska. Anyone who has tried their tender veal or octopus, slow-cooked for hours under the iron dome, never forgets the taste. The potatoes absorb all the juices and are often the real highlight of the meal.

Since a real Peka must always be reserved and ordered at least 24 hours in advance (because preparing the embers takes hours), you should also add these three authentic konobas to your list:

Many travelers make the mistake of looking for traditional, slow-cooked heritage dishes in modern fine-dining temples.

Let’s be clear: The famous Restaurant Jeny in Tučepi is fantastic—a true culinary work of art with a grand view—but they do not serve Peka. Real Peka requires hours of patience, glowing embers, burning ash, and a heavy iron or clay bell (peka). It is honest, rustic cooking at its finest.

To get the absolute best, authentic experience in Makarska, you need to know exactly where to go. Since a real Peka takes hours to prepare, always remember to reserve and order at least 24 hours in advance.

Here are the top local spots to secure the best meal of your trip, featuring live menu prices from makarskagastro.com:

1. Gostiona Maslina (Cvjetna ul. 2)

Deeply favored by locals and returning travelers alike, Maslina is known for its incredibly warm hospitality, massive portions, and unbeatable value. If you want a traditional, home-cooked feel without overstretching your wallet, this is your spot.

1. Veal Peka: 17.00 € per person.

2. Dinners Delight (Šetalište Dr. Franje Tuđmana 13)

Perfectly positioned right along the beach promenade, this restaurant offers a beautiful seaside ambiance. It is an amazing spot to watch the sun sink into the Adriatic while waiting for your slow-cooked feast to arrive at the table.

1. Peka (Meat/Octopus): 20.50 € per person (minimum order of 2 people, advance notice required).

3. Konoba Novak (Ul. Ante Starčevića 96)

A true, textbook Dalmatian konoba that prides itself on the heritage of slow-cooking. Tucked slightly away from the main beachfront noise, their veal, lamb, and octopus Pekas are legendary—unbelievably tender, rich, and packed with flavor from local herbs. Because every single dome is prepared strictly to order with fresh daily market ingredients, call them directly to lock in your spot and confirm the day's market price.

4. Restaurant Mucrum (Obala kralja Tomislava 14)

Located directly on the first row of the vibrant Makarska harbor Riva, Mucrum blends a prime premium location with high-end Mediterranean hospitality. It is a fantastic option for a special evening out or a premium family feast.

1. Peka Option 1: 42.00 € per person.
2. Peka Option 2: 49.00 € per person.

5. Restaurant Berlin (Šetalište Dr. Franje Tuđmana 13A)

Located right along the bustling beach walkway, Berlin is highly celebrated for its spectacular grilled fish platters, wet-aged steaks, and their famous 12-hour slow-cooked beef brisket. While they focus on open-flame grilling and modern smoking rather than the traditional iron bell dome, it remains a fantastic meat-lover's paradise on the Riviera.