Makarska, a charming seaside city in Croatia near Split, is quickly becoming a favorite holiday destination. When I visited, it was easy to see why. Even though the day started off grey, the city’s charm was undeniable. As we strolled along the beach with our guide, the clouds parted, and the sun came out, making it the perfect time to shed the sweater I’d brought along.
The striking Biokovo mountains serve as a stunning backdrop to the city, almost like a separate world. When we ventured up the mountains, we noticed how different the weather was compared to the city below—it was both bizarre and beautiful, creating breathtaking views.
Our walk along the beach led us to some rocky areas and eventually a path through woods and historic buildings. We snapped plenty of photos, which explains the abundance in this post, and soon found ourselves on the other side of the harbor, with stunning views of the city.
While exploring the city harbor and its hidden alleys, we encountered some adorable puppies, making some unexpected furry friends.
We continued through the city, eagerly reaching one of my day’s highlights—lunch! Naturally, this included Croatian wine and aperitifs. Interestingly, cherry liquor is considered a ladies’ drink in Croatia, while fig liquor is preferred by men. However, I insisted on enjoying the cherry liquor despite the stereotype, and it was too delicious to resist. Meanwhile, Lloyd preferred the fig liquor, so preferences varied.
We kicked off lunch with starters like anchovies, cured meats, cheeses, crayfish, and octopus. Being by the sea, I, like most of us, opted for seafood. Our fish came with crayfish and perfectly seasoned chips in a bag—a simple yet tasty treat that I plan to recreate when I host friends in London.
For dessert, Lloyd chose his usual favorite, chocolate cake, while I went for panna cotta, my second favorite after crème brûlée.
With lunch over, we had no plans for the afternoon, which was fantastic. Our hotel featured a large pool with a maze-like section, and we all agreed to lounge by the pool for the rest of the day until dinner. It was a laid-back decision, and one that turned out to be absolutely worthwhile!