Makarska Riviera Discover best places Kalalarga (Široka ulica) Široka ulica is fondly known by the locals as Kalalarga – a Croatisation of the Italian phrase “calle larga”, meaning Broad Street. The street is anything but broad by modern standards, but back in the day this was the very core of the town, the hub where everything was happening. Makarska’s Kalelarga winds through the town, the stone walls to each side of you providing welcome shade. The Baroque buildings are in the typical Dalmatian style with green wooden shutters, wrought-iron railings and old-fashioned lanterns.QMakarska. Kostanić’s Grave (Kostanića grob) The hills above the Makarska Riviera resorts are peppered with very old gravestones called stećci (pronounced “stetch-tsi”). There is an element of mystery surrounding these stones, which date from the period between the 11th and the 15th centuries. But one particular stećak at the village of Sela, inland from Drvenik, has its very own legend. Two cavalrymen, Dragutin Miletić from Vrgorac and Dragimir Kostanić from Drvenik, were in love with the same girl, the daughter of a duke named Jurić from Gradac. They fought a duel which resulted in the death of Kostanić. The girl, who loved Kostanić more, died of grief on hearing the news. This is where Kostanić lies.QSela, nr. Drvenik.
there, from Makarska take the road to Vrgorac; the Visitor Centre is 6 km away. Do be aware the road presents challenging driving conditions. Visit info for opening times and additional safety information. A word of warning: it is easy to underestimate the challenges this mountain range presents. Do not head off for a trip into the mountains without hiking shoes, plenty of water, a map, sun protection, a mobile phone and clothing that will make it easy for rescue services to spot you if you get lost. Do not go alone. In August 2020 an experienced hiker was saved after more than 20 days stranded on dangerous terrain; rescue services had lost all hope of finding him alive. Stick to the designated paths! Photo by Makarska Tourist Board Archives
Monument to the Tourist (Spomenik turistu) Makarska and its nearby resorts owe their living to tourism these days, so it’s only right that in 2006 this statue was erected to pay homage to the tourist on the centenary of tourism in the town. Created by young sculptor Nikola Šanjeka, it shows a rather chic couple taking a stroll along the waterfront. Look closely, and you’ll notice that the female tourist has a striking lustre to her right boob. Yes, it’s believed that giving it a friendly squeeze confers good luck upon the squeezer, as well as the wrath of feminists the world over.QRiva waterfront, Makarska. Skywalk Biokovo Put your moonboots back in your backpack, Luke: this ain’t no walk on the moon but a fantastic new way to enjoy hiking on one of Croatia’s most magnificent mountain ranges Biokovo. Soaring skywards from the fringes of the turquoise Adriatic, Biokovo is the highest mountain range closest to the coast in the entire Mediterranean. An awe-inspiring sight, Biokovo lends the Makarska Riviera the interplay of blue sea, sky and white stone that creates such a wonderful stage for those carefree seaside summers. However, the Biokovo Nature Park hides within it a wealth of natural and cultural treasures. A wonderful new viewing platform allowing you to experience the majesty of Biokovo was opened in July 2020 – the Skywalk. A horseshoe-shaped glass walkway juts out over a precipitous slope opening out towards the coast, affording breath-taking views. There is also a pillar showing a geological cross-section of the mountain with a legend showing the ages and types of stone. The Skywalk is right next to the Biokovo Nature Park Visitor Centre. To get facebook.com/SplitInYourPocket
Summer 2021
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