Makarska is an excellent charter base if you want to explore the charming ports of the Makarska Riviera together with nearby islands such as Brač, Hvar, and the Pelješac Peninsula within a single week. One of the area’s biggest advantages is the flexibility to combine shorter, more relaxed daily legs with longer island-to-island passages. With its dramatic mountain backdrop, crystal-clear water, and varied stopovers, Makarska works well for both less experienced charter crews and sailors looking for a more active itinerary. The route options below help you quickly decide which 7-day plan best suits your pace and sailing experience.
This article gives you an overview of the following topics:
- Which month is best for sailing in Makarska?
- Ports around Makarska
- Sail in Makarska! Makarska yacht itineraries
- Marine gas near Makarska, boat gas stations around Central Dalmatia
Which month is best for sailing in Makarska?
In the Makarska area, the best time for sailing is usually May to June and then September, when the sea is already pleasantly warm, the summer maestral breeze becomes more reliable, and marinas and anchorages are not yet as crowded as they are at the height of peak season.
Spring brings a fresh and increasingly inviting sailing atmosphere to the Makarska coast. In March and April, daytime temperatures are usually around 14–20 °C, rising to roughly 22–24 °C by May, while the sea gradually warms from about 14–18 °C. During this season, bora can still play a major role, especially after frontal passages, so gusts along the coast can be sharper and the sea can build short, steep waves. On calmer days, however, a more pleasant and predictable wind pattern starts to settle in, and traffic remains light, giving the Makarska Riviera a quieter and more spacious feel.
Summer is the classic Adriatic sailing season in Makarska. From June to August, daytime temperatures typically range from 26–32 °C, while the sea is usually around 22–25 °C, often reaching its warmest point in August. For sailors, the maestral is the season’s signature wind, generally arriving from the northwest from late morning into the afternoon at around 10–20 knots, creating enjoyable sailing conditions toward Brač, Hvar and the nearby bays. Mornings are often calmer, with livelier but readable wave patterns building later in the day. July and August are also the busiest months on shore and at sea, so the mood is vibrant, sunny and full of life, though the most popular anchorages and marinas can be noticeably crowded.
Autumn is one of the loveliest sailing seasons around Makarska because the Adriatic holds its summer warmth well into the shoulder months. In September, air temperatures are often still around 23–27 °C, while October is more likely to bring 18–23 °C, and the sea frequently stays between 20–24 °C. This period is especially appealing for charter sailing because the peak-summer crowds ease off, marinas and waterfront towns are still active, and the light turns softer and more golden. Wind conditions become more varied: besides the maestral, jugo appears more often, bringing humid air, cloudier skies and longer, less comfortable swell, while stronger bora events can also produce cooler, sharper conditions. With good forecast planning, this can be one of the most atmospheric times to sail the Dalmatian coast.
Winter reveals a quieter and more demanding side of Makarska. Daytime temperatures usually sit around 8–14 °C, and the sea is roughly 13–15 °C. Bora and jugo can both be significantly stronger in this part of the year, and winds may often rise above 20–30 knots, with tougher, more compact sea states on more open stretches. Marinas and coastal towns are much calmer, charter activity is minimal, and the season is better suited to experienced sailors or those drawn to the Adriatic’s off-season character. The scenery remains striking, but winter sailing here calls for more disciplined route planning and close weather attention.
Ports around Makarska
Makarska Harbour
The port’s 225 metres long breakwater was completed in 2015. It provides protection from winds and waves coming from the south and southwest. The maximum depth of the seabed is 4.8 metres. The excellent services offered in the port include refuelling. Makarska sailing. Charter a boat to Makarska and set off to explore the most magical coastlines of Makarska – leave the rest to the wind and sun.
Marina Baška Voda
The Marina Baška Voda can accommodate up to 180 boats up to 23 metres in length. The maximum depth of the seabed is 4 metres. The port has drinking water, electricity and a restaurant. You can even get medical help if needed. Information about sailing in Baska Voda, boat rental Baska Voda
Marina Ramova
The Marina Ramova is located in Krvavica, a town that administratively belongs to Baška Voda. It has 195 berths for boats up to 16 metres in length. The depth of the seabed is 3 metres. The port offers many excellent services. The restaurant can accommodate up to 150 guests at once.
Marina Tučepi
The marina is right next to Slatina Beach. It has 200 berths, 50 of which are reserved for visitors and 150 for local boats. Marina Tučepi can accommodate boats up to 20 metres in length.
Marina Podgora
The marina, southeast of Makarska, is open all year round. It can accommodate 220 boats up to 20 metres in length. The maximum depth of the seabed is 3 metres. There are drinking water, electricity and a crane. Podgora sailing, rent a boat Podgora
Sail in Makarska! Makarska yacht itineraries
HELP ME TO CHOOSESailing in Makarska: 7 days sailing itinerary
This 7-day round trip from Makarska follows shorter daily legs through the Riviera and nearby island stops, making it comfortable to complete at an easy pace. It is a great choice if you want plenty of stopovers, a more relaxed schedule, and less demanding daily distances. Recommended level: beginner Open sea passages: no
Day 1: Makarska – Podgora (5.1 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
First, we are going to sail to Podgora where we can see azure blue, crystal clear sea and beautiful nature similar to the other towns in Makarska Riviera. The boardwalk with the palm trees and the beaches are very pleasant, so the quiet village is a perfect choice if you are looking for some peace. As for catering facilities, we particularly recommend the restaurants Caklie 41 and 2 Monkeys.
Day 2: Podgora – Drvenik (9.0 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
The enchanting town can be found 24 kilometres to the south from Makarska. It is located in a breathtaking natural environment, practically in the mountains. If you prefer less crowded places, you will definitely not be disappointed. Still, thanks to the gastronomy and the beauty of its landscape, Drvenik is becoming more and more popular among tourists.
Day 3: Drvenik – Gradac (5.4 nm – Sailing time*: about 1 hour)
This old fishing village is located in the southern part of the Makarska Riviera. If you are looking for a relaxing holiday, the views of Mount Biokovo and the best beaches of the Adriatic make it a perfect holiday destination. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy mountain climbing, biking, mini-golfing and diving. If you want to broaden your culinary experiences, choose the Marinero No. 1 or Nico Polo restaurants. You can try the local delicacies in Naše Malo Misto.
Day 4: Gradac – Ploče (6.8 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
A popular sight in town is the Church of the Queen of Heaven and Earth, built between 1999 and 2007. The building, also called “white basilica” is among the most beautiful modern churches on the seaside. The Baćina Lakes can also be found near the town; the depth of water varies between 3 and 45 metres. The lake system consists of six lakes that belong together and a separate one: Oćuša, Crniševo, Podgora, Sladinac, Vrbnik, Šipak and Plitko. They all share unique natural values as they provide a habitat for several protected plants and animals. Read more about what to do in Ploce or Ploce sailing. rent a boat in Ploce
Day 5: Ploče – Trpanj (Pelješac Peninsula) (7.8 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
The picturesque town can be found in the northwestern part of the Pelješac Peninsula. There are beautiful beaches in Trpanj and its neighbourhood. These are mainly pebbly, surrounded by natural pines and palms. The most important cultural sight in town is the Gradina, standing on the hills towering above the port. We can access the remains of the giant Byzantine fort on a staircase. Trpanj also has many churches; the oldest one which was supposedly built-in the 9th century is St Peter’s Church.
Day 6: Trpanj (Pelješac Peninsula) – Sućuraj (Hvar Island) (8.0 nm – Sailing time*: about 2 hours)
This relatively quiet and very pleasant fishing village is located on the island of Hvar in southern Croatia. It has excellent sandy and pebble beaches. The village’s most famous landmark is the Church of St. George, which was completely rebuilt-in the 19th century – reaching its present form. Another attraction of Sućuraj is the 17th-century Venetian fortress.
Day 7: Sućuraj (Hvar-island) – Sumartin (Brač-island) – Makarska (24.6 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours)
Sumartin is located in a bay on the eastern end of the quiet, peaceful island of Brač. It is worth visiting the Franciscan monastery of St. Martin, after which the town got its name. There are crystal clear bays such as Žukovik Bay, Studena Bay or Rasotica Bay. On the latter, you can explore a deserted village on the hillside. Sumartin sailing. After returning our boat and we still have some time, we should take a look around Makarska. The town’s most impressive building and local symbol are the St. Mark’s Church, built-in 1766. If you like taking long walks, choose the Osejava Forest Park. In summer, there are many cultural and entertainment events in town. These include the Makarska Cultural Summer and the very popular Fishermen’s night. Do you want to have even more fun? There are many discos and night clubs in the Old Town.Read more about what to do in Makarska
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
A week Makarska yachting (longer)
This route includes longer crossings and more open-water sections, so daily planning and close attention to weather conditions become more important. It is ideal if your crew wants to cover more islands and enjoy a more intensive sailing week. Recommended level: intermediate Open sea passages: yes
Day 1: Makarska – Omiš (17.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 3 hours), Day 2: Omiš – Kaštel Gomilica (15.8 nm – Sailing time*: about 3 hours), Day 3: Kastel Gomilica – Stari Grad (Hvar Island) (25.3 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours), Day 4: Stari Grad (Hvar Island) – Vis (Vis Island) (21.7 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours), Day 5: Vis (Vis Island) – Vela Luka (Korčula Island) (24.2 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours), Day 6: Vela Luka (Korčula Island) – Sucuraj (Hvar Island) (30.9 nm – Sailing time*: about 5 hours), Day 7: Sucuraj (Hvar Island) – Sumartin (Brač Island) – Makarska (25.3 nm – Sailing time*: about 4 hours)
* – an average 43 ft sailing yacht, with average weather conditions, sails around 6-7 knots per hour.
More Dalmatia sailing itineraries
How to choose a Makarska sailing route?
- If you want a calmer and easier weekly rhythm: choose the 7-day sailing itinerary with shorter and more manageable daily legs.
- If you want more islands and a fuller sailing week: the 1-week sailing route is the better option, linking more destinations through longer passages.
- If you are sailing with family or a less experienced crew: stay with the more sheltered and closer sections, where the daily plan is easier to adapt.
- If you want a mix of scenic islands and varied stopovers: choose a route that combines the Riviera with nearby islands within the same week.
Marine gas near Makarska, boat gas stations around Central Dalmatia
- MAKARSKA: Depth: 5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.293683, 17.019819
- VRBOSKA, HVAR: Depth: 2 m, Working time: 8-15, GPS Coordinates: 43.180978, 16.673233
- MILNA, HVAR: Depth: 3 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.327293, 16.448249
- HVAR: Depth: 1.8 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.170339, 16.444642
- VIS: Depth: 2.5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.057443, 16.190497
- PLOCE: Depth: 10-12 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.057252, 17.428057
- ACI Marina KORCULA: Depth: 3.5m, GPS Coordinates: 42.956744, 17.138561
- VELA LUKA: Depth: 3-4 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.959407, 16.714213
- SOLTA: Depth: 4.5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.395533, 16.303849
- SPLIT: Depth: 3.5-4 m, Working time: 6-24, GPS Coordinates: 43.502079, 16.427268
- MARINA KASTELA: , VHF: 17, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.546155, 16.405204
- TROGIR: Depth: 3 m, Working time: 8-19, GPS Coordinates: 43.513687, 16.248574
- PRIMOSTEN: Depth: 3-4.5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 43.587926, 15.92353
- LASTOVO: Depth: 2.5-4.5 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.745218, 16.824718
- SOBRA, MLJET: Depth: 5m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.740951, 17.598208
- DUBROVNIK, ACI Marina: Depth: 4m, Working time: 8-20, GPS Coordinates: 42.670687, 18.127007
- DUBROVNIK, Orsan: Depth: 3.7-4.9 m, Working time: 6-22, GPS Coordinates: 42.660463, 18.079714
If you would like to go sailing, Makarska is a great destination thanks to the pleasant Mediterranean climate and crystal clear waters. Visit the resorts and island in the area as well, which also offer many sights to see. Find more Dalmatia sailing destinations or choose another yacht charter Dalmatia.
Request a quote for a Makarska charter and we’ll help you find the yacht that best matches your crew and plans. Start well prepared and make the most of your Dalmatian sailing week.
