MAKARSKA  is a city in the Split - Dalmatia county of Croatia, population 13,716 (2001). It is located on the coast of the Adriatic Dalmatia, about 60 km southeast of Split and 140 km northwest of Dubrovnik. It is a famous tourist centre, located on a horseshoe shaped bay between the Biokovo mountain and the Adriatic Sea. The city is noted for its palm-fringed promenade, where fashionable cafés, bars and boutiques overlook the pretty harbour where many pleasure craft are moored.

One of the main sights in the town is the Franciscan monastery, which was built in 1614. The basement of the monastery houses a Malacological museum which apparently has the largest collection of snails, shells and mussels in the world. Fossils from the region are also on display. Another important sight is the Parish Church of St. Mark, on the main square (Kacicev trg), which was built in 1776.

Makarska is the center of the Makarska Riviera, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia. The Makarska Riviera stretches for 60km between the towns of Brela and Gradac. The Riviera is one of the most beautiful parts of the Adriatic coast with countless sandy and pebble beaches, pine trees, sparkling water and peaceful bays. The area is also known for Biokovo Mountain, which overlooks the coastal area.

GRADAC is located in the old fishing village on the picturesque Makarska Riviera below the steep slopes of Biokovo. Under the Biokovo, many old abandoned villages sweep away. Today, those villages, the embodiment of the old Dalmatian architecture, are connected with pedestrian and biking paths through pinewoods and olive groves. Gradac is the final place in beautiful Makarska Riviera, with one of the longest pebble beaches on the Adriatic.
 
The most beautiful beach of Makarska littoral is ideal for long walk and all day rest in the sun. Gradac has a unique position. It is located in the half way between Split and Dubrovnik, within easy reach of numerous natural beauty and diversity. Baćinska lakes are only 8 km away, and Neretva River Delta is about 15 km far. There is a nature park called Biokovo with arranged and marked footpaths and 12 km of cycling trails that guide the inquisitive through olive groves and unspoiled nature.