A segment of coastline perfectly shaped for summertime enjoyment, Tučepi boasts the longest beach on the Makarska Riviera – a 4km stretch of smooth pebbles enabling easy access into the dazzling blue water.
Tučepi shares a similar history to many resorts on the riviera – the Illyrians, Greeks and Romans were here; after the Romans left, the population lived in constant fear of invasion. You'll find a treasury of history and folk architecture and culture in the hillside villages: defensive towers and secret caves where the locals hid from the Ottoman armies; mediaeval chapels and churches, and rural stone buildings.
In the more peaceful 18th century, wealthy locals started to build fine villas along the seashore. The best-preserved example with a wonderful courtyard is today a good hotel, Hotel Kaštelet. Another villa in 1911 became the home of the Tučepi Oil Growers' Collective, founded on the initiative of local priest and teacher Father Mate Šimić. It is probably due to the work done by him and the association that Tučepi's olive oil is rumoured to be the best on this stretch of coast.
Around these fine villas modern homes and hotels grew up in the 20th century. Low-rise and harmonious with white walls and terracotta rooftops, there's a delightful air of breezy holiday chic. A summertime festival of culture starts on June 13, St. Anthony's day (Tučepi's patron saint), while the ka Kultura festival brings music, drama and art to the old hillside villages of Srida Sela, Podpeć, Čovići, Mravičići, Ševelji, Šimići and Podstup.
Tučepi Tourist Board, Donji ratac 30, tel. (+385-21) 62 31 00, tzo-tucepi@st.t-com.hr, www.tucepi.com. Open 08:00 - 20:00. July, August Open 08:00 - 22:00.