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Makarska Travel Tips

Makarska Travel Tips

Makarska Croatia Travel Guide

Local SIMs & Mobile

Croatia has major mobile providers: Hrvatski Telekom (HT), A1 Hrvatska, and Telemach Hrvatska. Consider an Airalo eSIM for convenient digital connectivity.

Staying Connected

  • Prepaid tourist SIM packages include data, calls, and SMS.
  • Buy at kiosks, post offices, supermarkets, or official stores.
  • EU/EEA citizens benefit from 'Roam Like At Home'.

Internet Access & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is widely available and typically reliable in Makarska.

Online Availability

  • Most hotels, apartments, restaurants, cafes, and bars offer free Wi-Fi.
  • Public hotspots are becoming more common in town centers.
  • Consider a portable Wi-Fi device for constant connectivity: Solis Wi-Fi.

Language Resources

Official language is Croatian. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially by younger generations.

Translation Support

  • German and Italian are also spoken by some locals due to historical ties.
  • Google Translate is useful for quick translations; download the offline pack.
  • A small Croatian phrasebook aids basic communication.

Phrases

Learning a few basic Croatian phrases is a polite gesture and can greatly aid interactions.

Essential Croatian

  • Hello: Bok (informal), Dobar dan (formal, good day).
  • Please: Molim. Thank you: Hvala.
  • What does it cost?: Koliko košta? Do you speak English?: Govorite li engleski?

Postal Services

Hrvatska Pošta

  • The national postal service.
  • Post offices are available in Makarska.
  • For sending postcards, letters, or packages.
  • Look for the yellow sign with "HP."

Cultural subtleties

  • On public holidays, banks and post offices are closed.
  • Some shops and restaurants may have reduced hours or be closed.
  • Public transport may additionally run on a reduced schedule.
  • Many tourist businesses operate seasonally, closing in low season.

Language Learning Tip

For deeper language immersion before your trip, explore language learning platforms like Rosetta Stone.

Business Hours & Services

Shop Hours

Generally open 8/9 AM to 8/9 PM, Monday to Saturday. Some small shops close for siesta (1-4 PM).

Restaurant Hours

Typically open from noon/1 PM for lunch until late evening (10/11 PM). Cafes are in operation earlier for breakfast.

Cafe & Bar Hours

Open from early morning until late evening, often past midnight, especially in the summertime.

Banking & ATMs

Banks typically operate Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4/5 PM. Some Saturday morning hours are possible.

Accessing Funds

  • ATMs (Bankomati) are widely available throughout Makarska.
  • Check for any fees charged by your bank and the local ATM provider.
  • Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere at most establishments.

Public Holidays

Croatia observes several public holidays. On such days, some services may be affected.

Service Changes

  • Banks and post offices are closed on public holidays.
  • Some retailers and restaurants may have reduced hours or be closed entirely.
  • Public transport may operate on a reduced schedule.

Seasonal Operations

Peak Season

  • Many tourist-oriented businesses operate seasonally.
  • This includes hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, and tour operators.
  • They may close completely during the low season (November to April).

Low Season

  • Services are significantly reduced outside of peak summer.
  • Fewer tours and boat trips are available.
  • Particular accommodations may also be closed during this period.

Airport Services Tip

Enhance your airport experience with Priority Pass for lounge access. If you experience flight issues, Compensair can aid in compensation claims.

Etiquette & Culture

Interacting respectfully with local culture enriches your travel experience and fosters positive connections.

Greeting Customs

A simple Bok (hi/bye) is common and informal. Dobar dan (good day) is more formal. Handshakes are common upon introduction.

Politeness

  • Handshakes are common upon introduction.
  • Say Dobar dan when entering shops, Doviđenja when leaving.
  • Locals appreciate efforts to speak basic Croatian.

Appropriate Attire

Casual dress is fine for most situations, especially along the coast. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Dress Code

  • Casual dress is acceptable for most situations.
  • Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches or monasteries.
  • Smart casual is fine for evening strolls or dinners.

Dining & Tipping

Wait to be seated in restaurants. Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated for good service.

Gratuity Guidelines

  • Tipping is a gesture of appreciation for good service.
  • Consider 5-10% for good service, or rounding up for small bills.
  • For small bills, rounding up is common practice.

Photography & Privacy

Generally fine to photograph public places and landmarks. Always ask permission before taking photos of individuals.

Ethical Photography

  • Ask permission before taking photos of individuals, especially children.
  • Avoid photographing military or sensitive government buildings.
  • Do not take photos of private property without permission.

Taboos & Sensitivities

Respectful Dialogue

  • Avoid discussions on recent political history or the Yugoslav Wars.
  • Do not compare Croatia to neighboring countries negatively.
  • Avoid loud or disruptive behavior in residential areas, notably at night.

Social Norms

  • Croatia is a generally safe and welcoming country.
  • Coastal areas are more liberal and accustomed to diverse tourists.
  • Public displays of affection are generally tolerated in tourist areas.

Religious Site Etiquette

Visitor Conduct

  • Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, when entering churches.
  • Speak quietly and keep noise to a minimum.
  • Do not disturb ongoing services or private prayers.

Photography Rules

  • Some churches may prohibit flash photography.
  • Look for signs indicating photography restrictions.
  • Respect the sanctity of the place.

Positive Interactions

A respectful approach and a willingness to understand local customs significantly enrich your travel experience and are greatly appreciated.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility infrastructure is improving, though older parts of towns, including Makarska, present challenges for mobility.

Mobility Infrastructure

Makarska's older parts feature cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and stairs, making navigation hard for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

Challenges

  • Old Town: Challenging due to cobblestones and stairs.
  • Promenade (Riva): Mostly flat and accessible.
  • Beaches: Many public pebble beaches lack specialized ramps.

Accessible Services

Newer hotels and resorts are more likely to have accessible rooms and facilities.

Travel & Sites

  • Newer hotels often have accessible facilities.
  • Public transport typically has steps; limited wheelchair space.
  • Pre-arrange specialized taxi transport if necessary.

Sensory Impairments

Information in Braille or audio guides are not widely available outside major national museums in Zagreb.

Support Available

  • English-speaking staff can often assist in tourist roles.
  • Sign language interpretation is rare.
  • Limited tactile or auditory aids.

Information Resources

For specific accessibility inquiries, direct communication with local authorities or specialized groups is best.

Where to Ask

  • Contact the Makarska Tourist Board directly for specific inquiries.
  • Consult online forums or niche travel agencies for detailed information.
  • Large hotel chains may have specific accessibility statements.

Travelers with Disabilities

Challenges

  • Accessibility infrastructure can be challenging in older town parts.
  • Cobblestone streets and stairs limit wheelchair access.
  • Public transport often lacks wheelchair accessibility.

Recommendations

  • Contact Makarska Tourist Board for specific accessibility details.
  • Consult specialized travel agencies for disabled travelers.
  • Consult the internet forums for up-to-date accessibility information.

Planning for Accessibility

Get in touch with lodgings and tour operators in advance to confirm their specific accessibility aspects and services to ensure a comfortable visit.

Makarska Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture - MileHacker