Reaching for the stars

You're probably thinking that Makarska is a great place to party all night long. And you're right - it is!

But if you're not into that stuff, or you have kids that will not look so brightly at mummy and daddy being hungover the following morning, we have a solution for you: you should definitely go and visit the local Astro Park!

Hidden in plain sight, right in the center of Makarska, sits a proper observatory. It's a really easily accessible, and child-friendly spot; but even the adults often leave that place astonished at the fact they've never seen it before.

Astro park in Makarska hides a telescope in this dome

The observatory itself is built into a historical monument to the Revolution at Glavica hill, right above the ferry stop in Makarska center.

The telescope is hidden in the back of the Revolution monument

From July to September, the observatory is open from 21:00 to 23:30, and from September to October from 20:30 to 23:30 - every day! The rest of the year, you can visit them on Thursdays from 20:00 to 22:00 hours. Over the years, the DAUP Orion group that runs the place has organized many activities for kids and grown-ups who are fascinated by all things (extra)terrestrial.

The rings on the ground represent the planets' trajectories

Oh, and if you're here in July/August, you're in for a real treat: The Perseid meteor shower watching party and International Space Days, with many respected guest lecturers and scientists explaining the mysteries of the universe. So take your kids to a night to remember, this is definitely a must-do on your travel-through-Makarska list!