BEST KEPT SECRET

THE DAZZLING DALMATIAN COAST IS A POPULAR SUMMER HOTSPOT, BUT MAGICAL MAKARSKA PROVES THERE ARE STILL GEMS TO UNEARTH

- LISA BYRNE

Croatia’s reputation as a go-to European destination is partly thanks to TV blockbusters such as Succession and Game Of Thrones showcasing its magnificent landscape and stunning coastline. It has also grown in popularity among the A-list jet set, with the Beckhams and Beyoncé among recent visitors.

But away from the bustle of Split, Zagreb and Dubrovnik is one of the country’s best-kept secrets – the serenely beautiful port town of Makarska on the Dalmatian coast, which is hugged by pine forests and the impressive Mount Biokovo, and is renowned locally for its beautiful beaches and lively nightlife.

ON THE DOORSTEP 

Do as we did and make the historic old town your sightseeing starting point. It’s based around the buzzing Kacic Square, dominated by the late baroque church of St Mark and surrounded by a web of alleyways, where yet more bars and restaurants wait to be discovered.

The early 17th century Franciscan monastery, founded by Bosnian monks, is another must – head for the Malacological Museum in the basement, which claims to house the largest collection of snails, shells and mussels in the world.

Enjoy star-spotting of the non-celebrity kind? Head to Makarska Observatory, an astronomical complex built at a Second World War memorial.