MAKARSKA September 29, 2009
From Omis we continued along the mainland coast to the next major town which is Markarska about 17 NM further east.
It was fairly sunny as we left Omis and we even thought there might be enough wind to sail—NOT! And the horizon quickly disappeared into dense haze and low clouds that gave the appearance of fog.

We Can Barely Make out Land
We even had the radar on for a time—that was a first for a daytime passage in Croatia. The weather forecasts have even mentioned localized fog—it’s just like being back in New England, except for the warm air and water temperatures.
As we approached Makarska, the clouds that were nearly sea level at one point lifted and we could see a cloud deck about half way up the Biokovo mountain range which surrounds the town, although the mountain tops were above the clouds.

Clouds Obscure Mountains
The harbor entrance is between two rocky cliffs on either side with the town just beyond. Like Omis it too is surrounded by majestic mountains that tower over the town. A breath taking backdrop.

Makarska is Dwarfed by the Mountains around it

Makarska Quay
We tied up to the fuel dock a little after noon to top off the tanks before we anchored only to find that the fuel station closed at noon and wouldn’t reopen until 4 p.m. That gave us an opportunity to explore the town and park before we anchored. Diesel fuel in Croatia averages about 6 kn per liter which is the equavilent of $5.29 US per gallon–fuel costs average $5-6 per gallon which is expensive, but somewhat less than we expected. Of that amount there is a 23% VAT tax. The 23% VAT tax applies to everything from food purchases, to restaurant meals. to mooring fees and contributes greatly to making Croatia as expensive as we have found it to be.

Destiny at Fuel Dock
After checking the cost of tying to the town quay (30 kn per meter or nearly $80 US) we decided to anchor in the SE part of the harbor. Same great views. A little rolly due to passing boat wakes, but no worse than the quay. Over night it was quite calm and comfortable.

At 30 kn per meter the quay was pretty empty

Great view. . .and free!
The Croatia Insight Guide calls this the “Makarska Riviera”, and it is apparently a very big tourist destination for the several mile long beach that is a short walk from the town.

Makarska Riviera
There are also miles of walking trails through parks that overlook the town and sea. More climing and steps, but good exercise for us.

View of Makarska from Park
We also saw parasailing off the harbor and a sign for a 15 minute “panoramic” flight in what appeared to be a hard bottom inflatable with a motorized glider engine.

This is too scary to consider
The town itself has the usual assortment of ancient buildings, although much of the town has the feel of a movie set—it looks a little to “perfect” to be authentic. On the other hand, the natural beauty of the place is not to be denied. Seeing a fishing boat set off as the sun sets is a reminder that this is more than a vacation playground–people actually live and work here.

Makarska Sunset