Makarska is located in the naturally protected port, facing cape Osejava southeast and peninsula Saint Peter northwest.
The city is situated beneath the hillside of mountain Biokovo (1762 m) which protects it from continental climate. It has a distinctive Mediterranean vegetation, mild winters and long, warm summers with refreshing mistrals. The sun shines more than 2750 hours per year, with the air temperature higher than 20 C from July to September, while the clear sea has the temperature higher than 20 C from July to October.
Makarska is populated with 13 894 people, with population density of 360 residents per km². In the summer season, more than 15 000 tourists visit Makarska.
Tourism is the most important branch of economy in Makarska. With its geographical position and its cultural and historical significance, from its beginnings, it remains the centre of Croatian micro region – coast of Makarska.