Nugal Beach

The most annoying thing about Nugal is not the 30–40 minute walk or the absence of showers. It is the social friction between naturist bathers, who have used this cove for decades, and clothed visitors drawn by international press coverage. If you are not comfortable sharing a small pebble beach with naked strangers, choose another beach. If you are, come prepared: there are no facilities, no loungers, no café, and no public bins.

Location and Access

Nugal sits on the Osejava peninsula, 2–3 km from Makarska town centre, between Makarska and Tučepi. You cannot drive to it. The standard route is a 30–40 minute walk from the harbour, starting near the Kaufland supermarket (free parking). The path climbs through Osejava forest park, follows a coastal trail, and descends steps cut into stone. The terrain is rocky in places. Sandals are manageable but a poor choice; wear shoes with proper grip. The route is not suitable for strollers or anyone with limited mobility.

Alternatives include taxi boats (seasonal) and kayaking tours. Both avoid the walk but cost more and depend on calm sea conditions.

What You Will Find

Nugal is a pebble cove backed by steep cliffs. The water is clear — visibility extends several metres on calm days. Rocky outcrops at both ends of the cove make decent snorkelling points. The beach faces roughly west, so afternoon light falls directly on the water. In summer, the cliffs provide wind shelter; calm conditions are typical. During heavy rain, a waterfall runs down the cliff face.

There are no showers, toilets, café, lounger hire, or music. Bring water, food, sunscreen, and something to lie on. Carry out all waste. Litter has been a documented problem in recent years. The beach is cleaned and maintained largely by volunteers and local naturist associations, not by municipal services.

The Naturist Question

Nugal received official FKK (naturist) designation around 2017, though nudism has been practised here for decades. A section for clothed bathers exists, but the boundary is not always clear. Historically, concrete blocks marked the division; more recently, umbrellas with FKK signs have been used. Since 2021, tension between naturist and clothed visitors has been documented in the Croatian press. Physical demarcation of the naturist section was implemented following conflicts. The situation has stabilised, but awareness of the social dynamics is recommended before you make the walk.

If you are uncomfortable with nudity, or if you plan to bring children and are unsure how to explain what they will see, pick another beach. Makarska has plenty of family-friendly options within five minutes of the harbour.

Timing

Crowd levels have increased in recent years. Condé Nast Traveler included Nugal in its top 25 European beaches; CNN placed it in its top 11 Croatian beaches. The 30-minute walk filters peak-season traffic, but not as much as it once did. In July and August, early morning visits are quiet; by late morning, the cove fills. June and September offer warm water and fewer people.

The beach holds a Google rating of 4.5 out of 5 (1,077 reviews) and a TripAdvisor rating of 4 out of 5 (80 reviews), as of April 2026.