This calm coastal village on the Makarska Riviera has a white pebble beach stretching 2km along the Adriatic Sea, backed by the Biokovo mountain range.
Baška Voda sits along the Adriatic Sea at the base of Mount Biokovo in Croatia's Split-Dalmatia region. At Nikolina Beach, you'll find pine-shaded spots and calm swimming waters. Walk through the Malacological Museum to examine its collection of 3,000 shells, hike mountain trails to watch cheese-making in mountain villages, or step inside the stone-carved interior of the 18th-century Church of St. Lawrence.
Getting to Baška Voda
The village is 50km from Split and 10km north of Makarska along the coastal road. Buses depart every two hours from Split (1-hour journey) and every hour from Makarska (10 minutes). If you're driving from Zagreb, take the highway exit at Sestanovac, 20km from Baška Voda. The tourist office at Sv. Nikola 31 provides maps and transport schedules.
Beaches and Swimming
Nikolina Beach runs through the center of town with public showers, changing cabins, and chair rentals. A line of pine trees creates shade along the pebble shore. You can walk to several smaller coves north and south of the main beach. At the Poseidon Diving Centre, you can join guided snorkeling trips or take PADI-certified scuba diving courses.
Mountain Trails and Local Food
From the edge of town, marked trails lead up Mount Biokovo. A 4km path climbs 300m to Bast village, while a 7km route leads to Topici village. In both villages, you can watch local families make sheep cheese and air-dried prosciutto, or taste fresh sourdough bread. Pick up free trail maps with elevation profiles at the tourist office.
Museums and Historical Buildings
The Malacological Museum displays shells from the Adriatic Sea and worldwide waters, with detailed information about each species. The Archaeological Museum contains Roman pottery, medieval farming tools, and maritime items from the 7th century. Inside the 1750 Church of St. Lawrence, look for original stone carvings built over Roman foundations. The 1889 St. Nicholas Church contains 19th-century religious paintings and serves as the town's main parish.
Local Events and Festivals
On December 6, the St. Nicholas feast fills the streets with food stalls and local music. Between July and September, the Cultural Summer program includes weekly performances in the town square - from theater shows to classical concerts and Croatian folk dancing. Along the waterfront, restaurants serve grilled fish caught that morning and traditional octopus salad.
Day Trips and Nearby Areas
Walk 30 minutes north along the paved coastal path to reach Brela. In Bratus village, fishermen still use wooden boats and live in centuries-old stone houses. At Biokovo Nature Park, join guided walks to see limestone caves and local plant species. For swimming, walk 2km south to Promajna's quiet coves.
