Baška Voda is a small town on the Makarska Riviera, which we chose to relax by the sea. This is the one I advise my friends who ask me where to go on vacation in Croatia.
I studied various resorts on the Riviera for a long time and came to the conclusion that Baska Voda has the perfect ratio of price and quality of rest. The beaches here are beautiful, but not as crowded as the neighboring beaches in Brela. There are shops and a small market with fresh produce, so you can cook on your own. There are also good restaurants and bars by the sea where you can spend a pleasant evening.
The logistics are quite simple if you travel by car or bus. There are also very beautiful mountains that rise right behind the town, a clear sea with pine trees. And there is housing for different requirements – from hotels to nice apartments both by the sea and a little uphill – with beautiful views of the same sea.
So, here are my recommendations for choosing a vacation rental in BaskaVoda – Review of a vacation in Croatia – Baska Voda on the Makarska Riviera.
Why is vacation in Baska Voda is the best
Baska Voda is an ideal vacation destination for independent travelers looking for a quiet, beautiful beach and the opportunity to live in an apartment by the sea. Exactly 90% of the accommodation in Baska Voda is self-catering apartments with everything you need to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner.
These apartments also have their own laundry facilities and often have a cozy balcony with beautiful sea views. Each apartment has a parking lot – often a small one, you need to maneuver well to park the car if the apartment is on a slope. But this parking is included in the price.
I recommend reading – When is it better to go on vacation to Croatia
Markets in Baska Voda
There are plenty of shops and supermarkets in Baska Voda. In the very center near the waterfront, there is a small Tržnica market with vegetables and fruits, as well as a small fish market called Ribarnica, where you can buy fresh shrimp, sea fish, and other seafood every morning from 7 am. We did exactly that, and then in the evening we grilled it all on the grill on the territory adjacent to the apartment, making a delicious dinner for ourselves and our family.
STUDENAC MARKET and Tommy supermarkets are located at the entrance to Baska Voda on Naputica Street. This is a road leading from the Adriatic highway along the entire town of Baska Voda. In these supermarkets, prices are a little cheaper than in shops by the sea. Fresh bread, croissants, and other pastries are available at Pekara – bakeries. Everything here is fresh and tasty from 7 a.m. and the prices are affordable.
Restaurants in Baska Voda
However, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in Baska Voda where you can enjoy seafood or deliciously cooked meat, order pizza, drink beer or just sit by the sea with a cocktail or glass of wine.
I personally liked the Palac restaurant on St. Nicholas Embankment. We ordered seafood here, but they also serve grilled meat and delicious burgers. Nearby, you can buy great ice cream at Marijine Slastice, which is really tasty, similar to Italian gelato.
If you want a special experience, you need to get to Konoba PANORAMA. This restaurant is located on the mountain near the Chapel of the Holy Cross – Kapelica Svetoga Križa. You can either get here by car or walk (but always uphill). But it’s worth it, because you’ll find delicious Croatian cuisine and stunning views of the sea, mountains, and the town of Baska Voda.
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Hotels and apartments on the first line – by the sea
There are two beautiful beaches in the town of Baška Voda – Plaža Nikolina and Plaža Ikovac.
Both have the beautiful small white pebbles and a smooth descent into the water. Sand is rare in Croatia, most often pebbles are small or large. In Baska Voda, the pebbles are small, but you still need swimming slippers to feel comfortable entering the water.
For those who come to Baska Voda for the sea, or who are unable to walk uphill because they are not healthy or have small children, first-line hotels and apartments line the local beaches. Let’s talk about them in a bit more detail.
Where to stay near the beach Plaža Nikolina
The city beach Plaža Nikolina is located in the heart of the city. There are restaurants and shops near it, as well as food and fish markets in Baska Voda. The beach is very beautiful, with fine pebbles and Croatian pines, and is very popular because it is located near the city center. And there are several nice hotels and apartments on the first line, just ten steps from the beach.
Hotel Bacchus: the hotel is located directly from the promenade and the entrance to Nicolina Beach (part of the marina). Nice rooms with sea views. The hotel has a restaurant serving traditional Dalmatian cuisine, as well as an outdoor pool and a sun terrace. This hotel will appeal to families with children – very close to the water.
Hotel Horizont: This 4-star hotel is located near the beach, but a little to the side of the central promenade. It has rooms with balconies and stunning views of the Adriatic. Rooms are spacious and modern, and the hotel has a number of amenities, including an outdoor pool, spa and fitness center. The staff is very friendly and attentive, and the on-site restaurant serves delicious local cuisine. The price includes delicious breakfasts.
Hotel Villa Verica This boutique hotel is located in a quiet part of Baska Voda, just a few minutes walk from the town center and the beach. The rooms are beautifully decorated and have balconies with sea views. The hotel has a beautiful garden and a small pool. Good location – near the beach, but a little away from noisy restaurants and discos.
Accommodation near the beach Plaža Ikovac
On the other – the north side of the Baska Voda there is another city beach, Plaža Ikovac.
It’s not as big as Nicolina Beach, the pine trees are a little outside the beach, so there is practically no shade here (you can rent an umbrella and a sun lounger for a fee). Along the beach promenade there are bars and restaurants with music and cocktails in the evenings. The pain of this beach is also the first line apartments.
Apartments Izabela – These apartments are located just a short walk from Ikovac Beach. Each room has a private equipped kitchen, a balcony with sea views and air conditioning. The owner is very friendly and helpful, and guests constantly praise the cleanliness of the apartment.
Inas Place Apartments: These apartments are located just a few steps from the beach and have balconies with sea views. Modern and well-appointed, with a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable beds.
Apartman Amore Apartments: great views, very clean, and new apartments with everything you need and more! Very very good hosts! Right below is a beach with a small number of people.
Villa Maja Apartments: these apartments are located in a historic villa just a few minutes walk from the beach and the town center. They are spacious and well-appointed, with a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony with sea views.
Apartments in the center and a little bit up
For travelers like us who have no problem walking to the beach for 5-10 minutes, are not afraid to walk uphill a bit, and like quiet, this is a very good option for apartments located a little further from the beaches and the town center. Prices here are a little cheaper, and the views from the balconies are just as good – the sea, brick roofs, and the sunset are just as beautiful.
Rivana Apartments: we lived here because the price and quality were just perfect. I recommend the two-room apartment on the 2nd floor – a nice view, space, beautiful rooms and kitchen. This is a quiet part of the city on a small hill, with its own parking for 3-4 cars and a barbecue.
Petar Apartments: super location – 200 meters from the promenade and the beach .Clean, cozy, daily towel change. Those traveling without a car can get everywhere on foot.
Libar Studio Apartments: these apartments are located on a hillside overlooking the sea, just a 10-minute walk from the beach and the town center. They are spacious and well-appointed, with a fully equipped kitchen and a balcony with great views.
How to get to Baska Voda
The town of Baska Voda is located in the heart of southern Dalmatia, 80 kilometers from Split. The port city of Split has an international airport (SPU), and cheap flights can be found online.
You can then take a public bus, a taxi, or take a rental car. If you are traveling by car to Croatia, it is best to take the A1 highway and turn off near Zagvozd to the St. Elijah Tunnel, which is built under the Šćirovac mountain. At the end of the tunnel, take a roundabout and turn left to Baska Voda.
Useful articles and links:
- Alentejo Coast – where to find the most beautiful wild beaches in Portugal
- Zadar – the city and airport for starting your trip to Croatia
- Primosten – a review of a beach vacation in Croatia
- Brela – the most beautiful beaches of the Makarska Riviera
Car rental – inexpensive options can always be found on the aggregator Rentalcars.com
Booking of hotels and apartments – Booking.com
