Is Makarska Safe in May 2026?

Restaurants along Makarskas Kačićev Trg (main square) and the beachfront promenade add a per-cover charge of 2–4 EUR per person plus mandatory bread charges that appear automatically at the table. English-language menus do not list these fees, and staff present them as standard Croatian practice. Total bills often run 20–30% higher than the menu alone would suggest.

How to avoid: Before sitting, ask whether a cover charge or service fee applies. Refuse bread and extras you did not order. Request an itemised bill and check each line. Legal Croatian consumer protection requires all fees to be disclosed — politely insist if staff resist.

Taxi drivers waiting outside Makarska bus station and at the Split airport taxi ranks serving the Makarska Riviera routinely refuse to use meters and set inflated flat fares. The 60 km journey from Split airport to Makarska has a fair market rate but is routinely overcharged by 30–50% by drivers who approach tourists in arrivals. Drivers operating locally within Makarska also quote fixed fares for short in-town trips.

How to avoid: Book airport transfers in advance through your hotel or a verified transfer company with a fixed price confirmed in writing. Within Makarska, agree the fare before entering, or use the official taxi rank on Obala Kralja Tomislava. Bolt operates in the Split area and can be used for the Split-to-Makarska leg.

Boat tour operators at Makarska harbour sell tickets to Blue Cave and island excursions at a headline price, then add fuel surcharges, port entry fees, and snorkelling equipment hire at embarkation. The advertised price on the board near the quay typically covers only the transfer, with all park entrance fees and extras charged separately and amounting to double the quoted price. Touts approach tourists on the promenade with verbal-only deals.

How to avoid: Ask the operator for a complete written breakdown of all costs before purchasing — park entry, equipment, fuel, and any other fees. Book through your hotel or the Makarska tourist office to access vetted operators. Avoid touts who approach you unsolicited on the promenade.

Beach operators along Makarska Rivieras main town beach and Nugal cove charge premium rates for sunbeds then add charges for umbrella, towel, and water service that were not disclosed at booking. Tourists who do not read the small print on posted price boards are billed two to three times what they expected. Operators on less regulated stretches near Brela and Baska Voda are particularly aggressive.

How to avoid: Read the full posted price list before sitting down, including any service fees. Confirm in writing or verbally what is included. If no price board is visible, ask for one — operators are legally required to display prices in Croatia.

Rental operators on Makarskas main town beach and Tučepi beach stage damage claims against tourists after jet ski rentals, presenting them with repair bills of 300–800 EUR. No pre-rental damage assessment is made, leaving tourists with no proof they did not cause the alleged damage. Operators sometimes work in pairs, with a second person acting as a witness to support the damage claim.

How to avoid: Film the entire jet ski with timestamp before mounting and confirm the video with the operator present. Decline any rental where the operator refuses to participate in a pre-ride condition check. Never pay a cash damage claim on the spot — dispute it through your bank or travel insurer.