Makarska

Makarska is a beach resort with a spectacular natural setting, backed by the glorious Biokovo mountain range. While the outskirts are a little shabby, there's a lovely long waterfront promenade and a pretty limestone centre that turns peachy orange at sunset. Active types base themselves here to take advantage of the nearby hiking, climbing, paragliding, mountain biking, windsurfing and swimming opportunities, and the good transport connections.

Makarska is favoured by tourists from neighbouring Bosnia, who descend on the town’s long pebbly beach in huge numbers during summer. It’s also popular with seniors as a medical-tourism destination.

The high season is pretty raucous, with many buzzing nightlife spots, but it's also a lot of fun for those with children. If you’re interested in hanging around beach bars and clubs, playing volleyball and generally lounging about, you’ll like Makarska. Outside the high season, things are quiet.