MAKARSKA RIVIERA, HRVATSKA
Makarska is situated in a naturally protected harbour, enclosed by the cape Osejava from the southeast and the St. Peter peninsula from the northwest. The town stretches itself in an amphitheatre-like manner towards the slopes of the Biokovo mountain, which protects it from the continental climate and therefore the town has lush and rich vegetation, mild winters and long, hot summers with refreshing mistral wind. it has more than 2750 hours of sunlight a year, with temperatures of more than 20o from June to September, and the transparent sea has a temperature higher than 20ofrom June to October.
According to the last census, Makarska has the population of 13894 people, and the density is 360,2 inhabitants per km2. During the summer season, Makarska is visited by more than 15000 people.
The major economy branch in Makarska is tourism. Thanks to its geographical position and cultural and historical significance, it has been the centre of the Croation microregion- Makarska riviera since its foundation.
Makarska is situated in the middle Dalmatia, where the Biokovo mountain meets the Adriatic sea. The town has become the centre of, how it is recently called, Makarska Riviera due to economic transformation of that part of Croatia. Makarska takes the central position in Makarska Riviera, not only because its geographical position, but for the economic and social factors, which turned that city into second ranked economic and demographic centre of Middle Dalmatia (right after Split). The town is sharply separated from the continental region by the Biokovo mountain (the highest peak St. Jure 1768m). it is connected with the islands Brač and Hvar by the Adriatic sea, which created the most beautiful Croatian beaches exactly in the region of Makarska Riviera. The town itself is situated in the natural harbour between the two peninsulas Osejava and St. Peter. Flysch zone, between the mountain and the sea, is only a few kilometres long, so the town will spread in width towards the east and west, that is towards the neighbouring settlements Tučepi and Krvavica.
Makarska is one of the most famous tourist destinations of the Croatian coastline, attractive thanks to its natural and climate features, various offer and hospitable people. Due to tourism, Makarska modernises its infrastructure, economy, health care and tourist, recreational and cultural systems. Numerous tourist awards and acknowledgements testify and confirm the quality of the tourism in Makarska. Also, hardworking people employed in tourism every year strive to improve the tourist offer. During the last few years, a lot of attention has been paid to the improvement of standard, especially of accommodation capacities. The tourist organisation of Makarska, as well as other tourist subjects, are in charge of the promotion of Makarska at tourism fairs in Europe and aroud the world. The London Fair (in November) is the biggest and the most important fair where Makarska has been successfully representing itself for years.