Makarska

Biokovo Nature Park towers 1,762 m over Makarska, and its glass Skywalk juts out high above the riviera. Leashed dogs are allowed on the trails and the scenic road can be driven all the way up; in summer, the altitude brings welcome relief from the furnace on the coast.

The Marineta promenade runs along the harbour and the bay beneath a double row of palms, past terraces, ice-cream stands and benches facing the islands. It is Makarska's classic evening dog walk, on lead, once the stone has cooled and the whole town comes out to stroll.

The Sveti Petar peninsula closes off the harbour with its pine wood, lighthouse and small chapel, five minutes from the Marineta. The loop path, shaded for most of the day, is the best spot in town for walking a dog in the hot hours, with views of Biokovo and the bay.

A 40-minute walk towards Tučepi along the coastal path, Nugal cove lines up pale pebbles and cliffs beneath the forest. Outside the perimeter of the supervised beaches, it is one of the stretches where dogs are tolerated, especially early in the morning; the access takes some effort, so bring water and proper shoes.

Two kilometres from the centre, the Vepric sanctuary recreates the Lourdes grotto in a valley of pines and cypresses at the foot of Biokovo. A peaceful, shaded open-air site, it can be visited with a discreet leashed dog outside services; avoid the major pilgrimage days.

The main town beach unrolls nearly 2 km of fine pebbles between the Marineta and the bay hotels, with Biokovo as a backdrop. Dogs are banned here during the bathing season; fall back on the coves towards Nugal and Tučepi, or come off-season when it empties out.