Attractions
Mala Duba sits right in the middle of the Makarska Riviera — close to the beach, the mountains and the open sea. Within an easy drive you can hike a 1,762-metre peak, swim off a UNESCO island, raft a river canyon, or wander medieval walled cities. Here are our favourite trips, from a lazy beach afternoon to a full-day adventure.
Nearby
Local highlights & half-day trips
Biokovo Nature Park & Sveti Jure
The Biokovo massif rises dramatically straight behind Mala Duba. Drive the panoramic park road to the summit of Sveti Jure (1,762 m) — on clear days the view sweeps across every central-Dalmatian island all the way to Italy. Marked trails suit gentle walks and serious hikers alike.
Biokovo Skywalk
A horseshoe-shaped glass viewing platform built right into the cliffs of Biokovo, projecting out over a sheer drop high above Makarska and the open sea. Step onto the transparent floor for a dizzying, unforgettable panorama of the coast and islands. Reached on the scenic park road — easy to combine with the drive up to Sveti Jure.
Makarska Riviera Beaches
The Riviera is famous for long white-pebble beaches backed by fragrant pine forests. Brela’s Punta Rata, just north, is regularly named among Europe’s most beautiful beaches, while Tučepi has the longest beach on the coast. Shallow, crystal-clear water and natural shade make them ideal for families.
Makarska
The lively heart of the Riviera. Stroll the palm-lined waterfront, explore the old town and the harbour full of boats, and dine on fresh seafood. Visit the Franciscan monastery with its remarkable seashell museum, then take an evening promenade with an ice cream.
Hvar Island
Croatia’s sunniest island lies just across the water. The ferry from Drvenik (5 min drive) reaches Hvar in about 35 minutes. Hvar Town dazzles with Renaissance architecture, a buzzing harbour scene and inland lavender fields, while the Pakleni islands hide some of the Adriatic’s loveliest swimming coves.
Omiš & the Cetina River
A dramatic little town where the emerald Cetina River meets the sea between sheer canyon walls. The gorge is the Riviera’s adventure capital — white-water rafting, zip-lining across the canyon, and riverside konobas serving spit-roasted lamb. Climb to the old pirate fortress for sweeping coastal views.
Imotski — Blue & Red Lakes
Two extraordinary karst lakes beside the town of Imotski. The Blue Lake fills a vast sinkhole and is swimmable in summer; the Red Lake plunges behind sheer 200-metre rock walls — among the deepest in Europe. A scenic drive inland through vineyards and stone villages.
Baćina Lakes
A tranquil chain of seven freshwater lakes near Ploče, ringed by green hills — a complete change of scenery from the coast. Perfect for a quiet kayak, a lakeside walk, birdwatching, or fishing away from the crowds.
Further afield
Full-day adventures
Split
Dalmatia’s vibrant capital, built around the 1,700-year-old Diocletian’s Palace — a living UNESCO site where Roman walls house cafés, shops and homes. Wander the marble Riva, climb the cathedral bell tower, and feel the energy of a real Mediterranean city.
Dubrovnik
The “Pearl of the Adriatic” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the complete circuit of the medieval city walls, stroll the polished Stradun, and ride the cable car up Mount Srđ for an unforgettable panorama. Allow a full day.
Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Cross the famous Stari Most, the Ottoman stone bridge arching over the turquoise Neretva. The cobbled old bazaar brims with coppersmiths and craft stalls, and the Herzegovinian food — ćevapi, grilled meats, thick coffee — is superb. Bring your passport.
Međugorje
One of the world’s most-visited Catholic pilgrimage sites, drawing millions each year. A place of quiet reflection and peace, welcoming to visitors of any faith.
Pelješac & Ston
The Pelješac peninsula is Croatia’s red-wine heartland — taste bold Dingač and Postup at family wineries — paired with just-harvested oysters from Mali Ston bay. Walk the great Walls of Ston, among the longest fortifications in Europe.
Not sure where to start?
We live here, and we’re always happy to point you to the best beach, the right ferry, or a quiet konoba the guidebooks miss. Just ask us when you arrive.
Book your stayPhoto credits: Biokovo Skywalk © Marko Jukić-Majkl · Baćina Lakes © Pudelek · Modro jezero, Imotski · Walls of Ston © Carsten Steger — via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA). Other photography courtesy of Unsplash.