A true diamond in the crown of south Dalmatia, Zaostrog has been a popular family destination for decades now. It is located on the Dalmatian coast, exactly half way between the two largest and most visited cities in Dalmatia, Split and Dubrovnik. It forms the heart of the Makarska Riviera, one of the most picturesque stretches of Coastal Croatia, thrilling the visitors with heavenly beaches, coves and bays.

Settled in a gentle valley, with the imposing Biokovo mountain range as its backdrop, Zaostrog boasts incredible 4 kilometers of pristine pebble beaches surrounded by clear, inviting waters of the Adriatic and the fragrant scent of pine, olive and orange groves. Its position makes it one of the rare places on Earth where you can experience a breath-taking sunrise twice in the same day as the morning sun plays hide and seek behind the impressive Viter peak.

Franciscan monastery at Zaostrog, Croatia
Cloister in the franciscan monastery at Zaostrog, Croatia

It is no wonder then that Zaostrog’s protected and nearly ideal geographic position makes it as rich in historical and cultural heritage as it is in natural beauty. Its most important cultural monument is the Franciscan Monastery of St. Mary, founded in the 14thcentury, with its large library with nearly 30 000 titles, an ethnographic collection, gallery, museum and a botanical garden open to visitors.

One of the most significant poets and writers in Croatian history, fra Andrija Kacic Miosic, lived, taught and created his works in this monastery, once an internationally famous Marian pilgrimage site.

It is one of his poems about the heroic deeds of a young Dalmatian girl named Marula, who avenged her father’s death and fended off the Ottoman attacks on her hometown, that has inspired us to name our apartments after her, as a symbol of our own pride in and love of our Croatian and Dalmatian cultural, historical and natural heritage.

Whatever natural riches and fortunes was granted to Zaostrog, and whatever its hard-working people created over the centuries, Zaostrog will gladly share with its guests and visitors, whether adventure seekers, sun-chasers, family vacationers or those looking for a serene summer sanctuary. This includes not only the mild Mediterranean climate, warm turquoise waters, plenty of sunshine and sunbathing spots from May to October, but also a host of activities, entertainment and catering facilities that will surely put Zaostrog on your holiday map for years to come. Just take your pick:

  • Enjoy a morning stroll, jog or bike ride along the Zaostrog promenade spanning the entire length of the town. We’ll provide the bikes!

  • Explore the slopes of Biokovo Nature Park and the old abandoned Village of Zaostrog above today’s town and engage in a brisk Nordic walking, hiking, free-climbing or mountaineering expedition on one of the well-marked trails and experience the mesmerizing views over the surrounding coastline and the islands.

  • Visit Split or Dubrovnik, less than a two-hour drive is all it takes to personally get to know the Diocletian’s Palace, Meereen and the “King’s Landing”, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms (Game of Thrones fans are always welcome).

  • Take a ferry ride for a day’s excursion to the Island of Hvar from the next town of Drvenik (4 km away), visit the Islands of Brac and Korcula starting from Makarska (30 km away) or take in the scents of the Adriatic in one of the first-class restaurants serving famous Peljesac shellfish, wine and olive oil (ferry from the town of Ploce, 20 km away).

  • Try parasailing, deep-sea diving, snorkelling, jet-ski rides, windsurfing and a whole host of other water sports for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

  • Get to know and love the neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina on a day’s trip to the ancient Old Bridge in Mostar, Kravice Waterfalls or Medjugorje pilgrimage site.

  • Have a rest from the sea and take a dip in one of the six nearby freshwater Bacina Lakes, a true promised land for nature lovers and anglers, and so much more.

Then come back “home”, to your apartments Marula, where everything you need is just steps away and tell us about your day. Whatever local tips and tricks we have, we will gladly share with you.