The population of the town, loomed over by Biokovo Mountain, is just under 12,000. The town was a Roman settlement and was just on the edge of the Roman Empire and, at different times, was under the rule of both the Turks and the Venetians. One of the main sights in the town is the Franciscan monastery, whose present day appearance was built in 1614. The basement of the monastery houses a Malacological museum which apparently has the largest collection of snails, shells and mussels in the world. Fossils from the region are also on display. Another important sight is the Parish Church of St. Mark, on the main square (Kacicev trg), which was built in 1776.

Brela

Brela is the first town you approach when coming down the coast from Split. It is a lovely town which has long stretches of pebble beaches and is much quieter than Makarska. It is especially suitable for family holidays.

Biokovo Mountain

Suitable for walking and hiking, with Vosac peak (142m) only 1.8 miles from Makarska city centre (a well signposted route). From Vosac, it takes two hours along another well marked path to Sveti Jure (St. George), the highest peak in the area at 1,762 metres. The mountain has a profusion of wild flowers and plants. One of the better known types of geranium (called Biokovo) comes from here. The mountain is also well known for its caves.