Beaches of the Makarska Riviera: Brela, Baška Voda, Makarska and Tučepi Compared
Updated October 20, 2026 · 6 min read
The short answer
The beaches of the Makarska Riviera are pebble, and they are good. Brela has the best-known one, Punta Rata, under pine trees. Baška Voda’s Nikolina beach is built for families. Tučepi has one stretch of about 4 km. Makarska’s own town beach is the easiest to reach. If you expect sand, adjust your plans: bring water shoes and a thicker towel.
Four beaches compared
| Beach | Character | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Brela, Punta Rata | Pebbles under dense pine forest | Natural shade; loungers and umbrellas to rent; Blue Flag |
| Baška Voda, Nikolina | Pebbles with many facilities | Cafés, loungers, umbrellas and pedal boats; Blue Flag |
| Makarska town beach | Pebbles at the town itself | Close to everything else you will want to do |
| Tučepi | About 4 km of soft pebbles | Gentle entry into the sea; cafés, restaurants and watersports |
Brela has around six kilometres of natural pebble beaches in all, so Punta Rata is one of several. The Blue Flag is awarded each year, so check the current list rather than trusting a year-old description.
Which one for whom
- Families. Tučepi’s gentle entry and Nikolina’s facilities both suit small children. Pine shade at Punta Rata helps in the afternoon.
- Shade. Brela, under the pines at Punta Rata. On the open stretches, rent an umbrella early.
- Staying in Makarska. Use the town beach and keep the others for a day when you have a plan.
- Active days. Tučepi has watersports on the beach; there is more on the sea, see the island speedboat tours.
What pebbles mean in practice
Walking in is slower than on sand, and the stones are hot at midday. Water shoes make the first steps easier for children and for anyone with tender feet. Pushchairs and wheelchairs cope badly with loose stones, so ask your accommodation or the local tourist office about access to a specific beach before you go.
When to leave the beach behind
A pebble beach in high season is a place with other people on it. If you want a quieter swim, the sea gives you more options than the coast road does. The speedboat island tours stop to swim in bays and at the Blue Lagoon at Zečevo, and a self-drive boat from €25 takes you to your own cove. The cheapest, Sea Freedom Boat Hire, is described as licence-free and private, with 5.0 stars from 35 reviews. Check on the booking page what the €25 includes before you compare it with the others.
Rainy day or too windy
If the sea is rough or the sky is grey, the mountain above the coast is the obvious alternative. See the Biokovo Skywalk, or choose a longer outing from the day trips.
Our recommendation
For a first beach day, pick Brela if shade matters and Tučepi if the sea entry matters. Stay in Makarska and walk to the town beach if you want to see other things the same day. For one special swim, book a boat.
