Eagles, water slides, planes, roller coasters, trains, winds, cars, internet, unsending a text sent by mistake… They all have one thing in common – high speed. Unfortunately for some, this has also become true for a modern, urban way of life.‍

We have all experienced being in a rush, multitasking to balance our business and private lives. But did you know there is a whole movement dedicated to the opposite? Yes, slowing down and enjoying life is becoming an increasingly popular lifestyle choice.‍

Slow living entails noticing and appreciating the world around you, making more time for self-care, taking care of nature, and avoiding consumerism. Individuals may have partaken in the slow pace of life, but there are also whole cities that have dedicated their tourist offer to living life in the slow lane. One of those cities is Makarska.‍

Makarska Is the First Croatian City Member of Cittaslow International‍

The slow living movement got its inspiration from the slow food movement that wants to preserve local food cultures and traditions and combat the oh-so-processed fast food. So, when Cittaslow International, an Italian membership organization open to cities with a population under 50,000, was founded in 1999, many cities worldwide decided to become a member to improve their citizens’ and visitors’ quality of life.

In 2022, the city of Makarska, under the administration of mayor Zoran Paunović, joined 287 cities in 33 countries and territories that share the same slow-living goals and principles. Makarska wants to be Sustainable, Local, Organic, and Whole – and it’s the first Croatian city to officially adopt the slow living lifestyle, thus resisting globalization and homogenization.

But what exactly does that mean for you coming to spend a few days in this beautiful Croatian coastal city? How can you experience slow living in Makarska?‍‍

Here’s What to Do in Slow Living Makarska, Croatia

• Book your stay in Aminess Khalani Beach Hotel, which was the host of the official event for celebrating Makarska’s membership in Cittaslow International
• Have a glass of local wine from Boutique Winery Dišpet, Đuzel Winery, or Grabovac Vineyards
• Accessorize yourself with unique handcrafted leather pieces from Ruke Design by Marija Ivanković
• Get high-quality salt crystals for preparing food, and therapeutic purposes from innovative wind-powered salt pans Ramova
• Try natural organic cosmetics based on Dalmatian virgin olive oil from Herbae Dalmatiae
• Have a restaurant meal in ArtaLarga by GastroDiva, which also serves Kocha Kombucha, a refreshing non-alcoholic drink
• Get a dose of sugar in I Bake, You Take, which specializes in buttercream cakes, cupcakes, and cookies
• Party all night in Deep Makarska, an unusual nightclub that found its special place in a natural cave by the beach

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All the above offers the most local slow living experience on the Makarska Riviera. And although it may sound like you will miss out on the usual tourist offer – you certainly will not! Makarska is a small city where you are more than welcome to spend a city-break weekend but also a full-blown summer holiday.

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3 Extra Things to Include on Your Makarska Itinerary‍

If you like spending your summer on the beach, head to the secluded Nugal Beach, which is only accessible on foot or by boat. It’s a popular nudist spot with extremely clear waters.

Those interested in submerging their heads may opt for night diving, an exceptional experience where you will see abundant underwater life.

Take a guided tour of Biokovo Nature Park or join the off-road Safari Makarska and get spectacular views over the Makarska region.

Are you ready to take it slow in Makarska?

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