Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Makarska Riviera in Croatia has registered a remarkable increase in tourism activity in early 2026, with the number of overnight stays in March rising by 132.27% compared to March 2025 and strong growth in tourist arrivals and guest numbers, according to data released by the Makarska Tourist Board. The trend adds to positive performance across the Dalmatian coast, where travellers are exploring coastal towns and beaches stretching from Brela and Baška Voda to Gradac, combining seaside holidays with cultural and nature experiences along this scenic Mediterranean shore.
Makarska itself — the region’s centre located between the Biokovo mountains and the Adriatic Sea — has long been a strong draw for tourists, offering beach leisure, promenade walks and gateway access to other Dalmatian highlights.
The surge in overnight stays in March 2026 was marked by 15,546 total overnight stays compared with 6,693 stays in the same month last year. This translated into a 169.11% increase in arrivals and a 152.73% rise in the number of tourists visiting the Riviera. Travel data also shows that from January through March, overall tourist activity continues in an upward trajectory for the region, with overnight stays up by 36% and arrivals by 52% compared with the first quarter of 2025.
These numbers highlight the Makarska Riviera’s strong early 2026 season performance, contributing to Croatia’s broader tourism rebound this year, which follows national forecasts anticipating robust arrivals and overnight stay totals across the country.
Tourism statistics for March show a mix of visitors drawn to the Makarska region. Domestic Croatian travellers made up the largest share of guests recorded in Makarska, followed by international visitors from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Germany, France, Austria, Slovakia and the United States. The diversity of source markets reflects the Riviera’s appeal across nearby European countries as well as longer‑haul travellers seeking Croatia’s Mediterranean climate and coastal experiences outside the peak summer months.
This pattern aligns with broader travel trends in Croatia where increasing numbers of international travellers are exploring the Adriatic coast and inland destinations beyond traditional summer holidays, as seen in tourism growth across Split, Istria and Zadar.
The strong early season results are partly attributed to the opening of several high‑category hotels in Makarska ahead of Easter and spring travel windows. Properties such as the Aminess Khalani and Meteor hotels welcomed visitors earlier than in previous seasons, contributing to higher occupancy and longer stays in March 2026.
Travellers planning holidays along the Makarska Riviera can now choose from a range of accommodation options — from beachfront resorts and boutique hotels to private apartments and villas — making this coastal stretch suitable for both short breaks and extended stays before or after the peak summer influx.
The Riviera’s coastline offers varied travel experiences, from leisurely days on long pebble beaches and swimming in clear Adriatic waters to seaside promenades lined with cafes, bars and local markets. Many travellers also use Makarska as a base to explore nearby islands by day trip, engage in water sports, or immerse themselves in regional culinary offerings such as Dalmatian seafood and vineyard tours.
Despite the noticeable early season growth, comparisons with March 2024 still show a slight decrease in overnight stays year‑on‑year for that specific month, illustrating how seasonal holiday calendars and extended breaks like Easter can influence travel behaviour in Croatia.
Access to the Makarska Riviera for international and regional visitors is typically through Split International Airport, which offers direct flights from major European cities, and via road connections along the scenic Adriatic Highway, which runs the length of the Dalmatian coast. Rail and bus services link Split and surrounding towns to broader Croatian destinations, allowing ease of travel planning for both independent travellers and organised tour groups.
Seasonal ferry connections to islands such as Hvar and Brač also provide options for travellers to extend itineraries with island hopping and cultural exploration, making the Riviera a gateway to diverse Croatian travel experiences.
Croatia’s tourism landscape in 2026 is shaped by ongoing recovery and record‑breaking metrics from previous years. In 2025, the country logged an all‑time high of approximately 110 million overnight stays, underscoring Croatia’s position as one of the most visited Mediterranean destinations. Within this context, the Makarska Riviera’s performance in early 2026 reflects travellers spreading visitor activity beyond summer months into shoulder seasons like spring and autumn.
Travel planners often recommend Croatia’s Adriatic coast — including the Makarska Riviera — as spring and autumn alternatives to peak season travel, offering milder weather, fewer crowds and active cultural calendars.
For visitors planning trips to the Dalmatian coast this year, early booking for accommodation and transport is advisable, particularly at popular resorts and coastal towns where demand continues to rise. Exploring multiple Riviera stops such as Brela’s Punta Rata Beach, Baška Voda’s waterfront, and Gradac’s calm bays allows travellers to experience the full geographic and cultural diversity of Croatia’s Adriatic shoreline.
Activities including boat excursions, hiking in the Biokovo Nature Park backdrop and local wine tastings enrich travel itineraries, appealing to visitors who seek experiences beyond traditional beach holidays.
As the tourism season unfolds, the Makarska Riviera’s rising overnight stays and diversified visitor profiles signal that travellers are embracing Croatian coastal travel more than ever — a trend that promises a vibrant and dynamic tourism outlook for the region throughout 2026.
Tags: Adriatic coast holidays, Adriatic Sea, Baška Voda, Brela, Croatia, Croatia travel surge, Croatian tourism early season, dalmatian coast, Dalmatian coast tourism, Gradac, Makarska, Makarska overnight stays growth, Makarska Riviera, Makarska Riviera Croatia 2026, Makarska travel statistics, Split-Dalmatia County
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