A guide to Dalmatia

Day trips from Brela

Discover Dalmatia's finest natural beauty, cultural monuments and adventures. Brela is the ideal starting point for unforgettable trips along the Makarska Riviera, to the islands, Biokovo and the hinterland.

Biokovo 20 km Omiš Cetina 22 km Split UNESCO 50 km Blue Lake 60 km

Location: Central Dalmatia

Coastline: 6 km promenade

World recognition: Forbes Top 20

Natural gem: Biokovo Nature Park

Authentic coast

Trips along the Makarska Riviera

From ancient monasteries to picturesque seaside promenades, the nearby towns south-east of Brela offer a perfect mix of spirituality, culture and Mediterranean charm.

All locations within a 10 to 45 minute drive

Spiritual oasis 15 km – 10 min

Veprić Shrine

On the slopes of a wooded hill near Makarska lies the Croatian Lourdes shrine of Veprić, founded in 1908 in a natural cave surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation and a stream – a landscape reminiscent of Lourdes. It comprises a chapel with sacristy, an altar on the square, a confessional, Stations of the Cross, a retreat house and a procession path. It is one of Croatia's most visited shrines, peaking on the Assumption (15 August), and its natural beauty draws visitors all year round.

Forest shade Free entry

Heart of the Riviera 15 km – 15 min

Makarska

The best-known tourist destination in central Dalmatia and the centre of the Makarska Riviera. It stands out for its almost 2 km long pebble beach with a pine-shaded promenade, numerous hotels and restaurants serving fish and meat specialities. The town lies in a natural harbour from which ferries sail to Brač and excursion boats offer local tours. Highlights include the Franciscan monastery (over 500 years old) with its Malacological Museum and rich shell collection, St Mark's church on the main square and the park by St Peter's church with views of the town, Biokovo and the sea. At night the town comes alive – the waterfront, cafés and restaurants fill with visitors and live music.

Malacological Museum Harbour and ferry

Cultural heritage 35 km – 45 min

Zaostrog

A peaceful coastal village of just 350 inhabitants, settled since Roman times (as ancient monuments attest). A pine avenue with cafés and restaurants runs along the long pebble beach. The heart of the village is the Franciscan monastery of St Mary, the cultural, religious and educational centre of the Makarska coast – alongside the church and botanical garden it houses a museum collection, a lapidarium, a library with one of the oldest printed books in the world and a permanent gallery of works by Croatian painter Mladen Veža.

Botanical garden Veža Gallery

Literary history 40 km – 45 min

Brist

A village with the 15th-century church of St Margaret, beside which, according to tradition, Andrija Kačić Miošić, the famous Dalmatian and Croatian poet, was born. Brist is also the birthplace of painter Mladen Veža, one of Croatia's most important living artists, who donated most of his works depicting Brist to the monastery in Zaostrog.

Kačić Miošić 15th-century church

Nature and UNESCO

North along the coast and adventures on the water

A blend of sea blues, the Cetina river canyon and imperial Roman palaces. Perfect for lovers of adrenaline, history and good food.

22 km north-west – approx. 30 min

Pirate town and canyon

Omiš and the Cetina river

A once-impregnable pirate stronghold at the mouth of the emerald Cetina river. The town is crowned by the impressive medieval fortresses of Mirabela and Fortica, with views over the entire Brač Channel.

Rafting on the Cetina Zip-line across the canyon Free climbing

Recommended visit: Half-day or full-day trip

50 km – approx. 1 hour · UNESCO World Heritage

Capital of Dalmatia

Split – City of Diocletian's Palace

A living monument over 1,700 years old. Explore the palace cellars and the cathedral of St Domnius, have a coffee on the sunny Riva and stroll through Marjan forest park. Split is also the main departure point for fast catamarans and ferries to Brač, Hvar, Vis and Korčula.

Palace and cellars Ferry port Food scene

Tip: set off early in the morning to avoid city traffic and find parking more easily.

The most spectacular view on the Adriatic

Biokovo Nature Park & Skywalk

A mountain massif rising almost vertically from the sea above Brela. The main attraction is the glass Skywalk at the Ravna Vlaška viewpoint, 1,228 m above sea level, with an unforgettable view that reaches as far as Italy on clear days.

Distance from Brela 20 km approx. 30 min drive

Skywalk platform 1228 m Glass walkway

Sveti Jure peak 1762 m Highest peak of Biokovo

Beyond the mountain

The hinterland and Dalmatian Zagora

Just a short drive through the Sveti Ilija tunnel or along the expressway takes you to a completely different, mystical world of karst sinkholes, underground caves and authentic rural Dalmatia.

The underground world of Mosor 15 km from Split – 10 min from the expressway

Karst phenomenon

Vranjača Cave (Dugopolje)

A beautiful show cave with nine underground chambers, passages and fascinating stalactites and stalagmites hundreds of thousands of years old, beneath Mosor mountain. Ideal natural refreshment on hot summer days.

Pleasant summer coolness Guided tours Constant 15°C

World-class karst phenomena 60 km from Brela – approx. 1 h 15 min

Natural wonders

Imotski: Blue and Red Lakes

A small town with world-famous geomorphological phenomena. The Red Lake is one of the deepest karst lakes in the world, with sheer cliffs. You can swim in the Blue Lake in summer, and the Topana fortress watches over the town.

Famous Kujundžuša vineyards Swimming in the lake Up to 490 m deep

Common questions

Everything you need to know about excursions

We have gathered answers to our guests' most common questions to help you plan your time.

What are the best day trips from Brela?

From Brela you can easily reach Biokovo (20 km), Omiš and the Cetina canyon (22 km), Split (50 km) and the Blue Lake in Imotski (60 km).

How far is the Biokovo Skywalk and what does it offer?

The Biokovo Skywalk is about 20 km (30 minutes' drive) from Brela. The glass walkway is at the Ravna Vlaška viewpoint, 1,228 m above sea level, with views of Hvar, Brač, Pelješac and Korčula.

What can you do in Omiš and the Cetina canyon?

Omiš, 22 km from Brela, offers rafting and a zip-line across the Cetina canyon, free climbing and the medieval fortresses of Mirabela and Fortica.

Is a trip to Split from Brela worthwhile?

Yes, Split is 50 km from Brela and offers the UNESCO-listed Diocletian's Palace, over 1,700 years old, the cathedral of St Domnius and the ferry port for Brač, Hvar, Vis and Korčula.

What are the Blue and Red Lakes in Imotski?

The Blue and Red Lakes in Imotski, 60 km from Brela, are among the deepest karst lakes in the world (the Red Lake up to 490 m). You can swim in the Blue Lake in summer.

Is Vranjača Cave worth visiting?

Yes, Vranjača Cave near Dugopolje (60 km from Brela) has nine underground chambers with stalactites and a constant temperature of 15°C – ideal for cooling off in summer.

Your perfect base

All the beauty of Dalmatia within reach

After a day exploring mountains, canyons and islands, return to the peace and comfort of Villa Arija. Relax on the spacious terraces to the sound of the waves and the scent of pine forest, just 120 metres from Brela's most beautiful beach.

120 m from the beach Parking provided Sea and Biokovo views

Send an enquiry Call: +385 98 804 072