Baska Voda is another of the charming towns located on the Makarska Riviera, and is only 5km along the coast from Brela and 10km up the coast from Makarska. (It’s about 50km along the coast from Split.) As with many towns around these parts, it is Mount Biokovo that you will overlook you rather impressively.
Getting to Baska Voda
There are regular daily buses from Split to Baska Voda, with a journey time of just over one hour.
From Makarska, it’s only ten minutes on the bus to Baska Voda. Likewise, it’s about 10 minutes by bus from Brela although you can in fact undertake a pleasant walk between the two! It takes about 30 minutes to do so.
Many of the bus routes are run by the bus operator local to this part of Croatia, Promet Makarska.
What to See and Do in Baska Voda
Beaches
Unsurprisingly, its beaches that are the biggest draw around here! In fact, as you walk from the town either north or south along the coast, you’ll find a number of beaches that almost merge into one. Most have good facilities, and a few are highlighted below.
One of the best beaches in terms of facilities and location is the pebble-y, Blue Flag-awarded Nikolina Beach, which has beach chairs/umbrellas to rent, showers, cafes/restaurants close by; and changing cabins, and is located in the centre of town. Very family-friendly.
Ikovac Beach is a slightly smaller beach just north of the centre of town, but also has beach furniture to rent, showers, changing cabins and nearby cafes for refreshments. Again, this is a pebble beach with shallow waters and suitable for children.
If you’re walking from the centre of town to Ikovac Beach, you will in fact first come to Podluka Beach. Another white pebble beach with the same facilities as the above, you’d also got a small children’s playground here.
Sights
The St Nicholas the Traveller statue was erected in the town in 1998. St Nicholas is the patron saint of Baska Voda, and is also celebrated with his patron saint’s day on 6th December each year. The statue depicts St Nicholas with his hand raised, blessing all of those who travel to Baska Voda.
The anchor in the town centre was erected in 1997 and serves as a reminder of the once great naval tradition of the town – a number of great sailors hail from here, and the town used to be a trade port.
Museums
The Malacological Museum houses an impressive collection of shells from the waters of the Adriatic as well as from seas around the world.
Meanwhile, the Archaeological Museum contains artefacts over the centuries, including items from as far back as the 7th century.
Churches
As with many coastal towns (or just towns in general!), Baska Voda is also home to a number of beautiful churches. They include the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary from 1636, St Rocco Chapel from the 15th century and St Nicholas Church from 1889. There is also the more modern Church of All Saints from 1999.
Activities
The Poseidon Diving Centre offers snorkelling and scuba diving in nearby locations, as well as providing lessons.
Baska Voda Tourist Office has info on a number of hiking trails in the area – check out this map of Baska Voda hiking trails for further details.
When in Rome…sorry, Baska Voda…go strolling along the seaside promenade as the locals do!
Eating and Drinking in Baska Voda
Del Posto Restaurant in the Hotel Slavia is one of the premier dining options in town, and certainly one of the best options for a special meal. Beautifully presented dishes including a number of fish/seafood, steak and pasta options, and equally wonderful desserts.
King Restaurant is another smart choice for fish and steak options, with good service to boot.
Madre Kitchen is perhaps an unusual find round this way, seeing as it’s part-Swedish! Tasty European (and Swedish) dishes for any time of day.
Bahari Lounge & Beach Bar is a nice option for summer cocktails by the sea.
Juznjacka utjeha is another popular beach bar, this one has some evening DJs on some nights too!
Events
As with many coastal towns, Baska Voda also hosts its own ‘cultural summer’ each year which stretches from roughly early July through to the beginning of September. A number of festivities take place under this title, including live music, open air theatre, dance and more. It’s best to check locally to see what’s happening when.
Accommodation in Baska Voda
Baska Voda has a good selection of four- and three-star hotels, as well as plenty of choice for private accommodation and a few campsites too.
For hotels, top picks include the Grand Hotel Slavia, the Hotel Bacchus, the smart Hotel Croatia and the new Hotel Noemia which are all four-star hotels.
For more details on all types of accommodation, please see our Accommodation in Baska Voda page.
More info
For plenty more information about the town, please see the Baska Voda Tourist Board website.