Mount Biokovo, actually part of a mountain range, is the highest mountain in Dalmatia and the second highest in Croatia – it rises to 1,762 metres at its highest point.
If you plan on visiting Mount Biokovo, it is possible to base yourself at any of the little coastal towns in the Makarska Riviera – although Makarska itself, of course, would be the most suitable.
What to see and do at Mount Biokovo
The part of the Mountain that is best for visiting (as it has been designed for this purpose) is the area designated as Biokovo Nature Park. It is open from the beginning of April to mid-November each year, with longer opening hours each day during the summer months.
The Mountain is very suitable for walking and hiking, with Vosac peak (1,422m) only 1.8 miles from Makarska city centre (on a well signposted route). From Vosac, it takes two hours along another well marked path to Sveti Jure (St. George), the highest peak in the area at 1,762 metres. There are amazing views of the Croatian coastline and its islands from Biokovo – on clear days, even parts of Bosnia and Italy (across the Adriatic Sea) can be seen! However, do note that these sorts of hikes should really be left to experienced hikers.
You can otherwise enter and visit the park and its peaks by car – see further down the page for more details.
Organised hikes (of various levels of difficulty) on Biokovo also exist for those wishing to join a professionally guided group. You can also visit the Nature Park on an organised tour that’s perhaps a little less strenuous – ask locally for such tours.
There is a Botanical Garden in the village of Kotisina which has a variety of vegetation. In general, the mountain also has a profusion of wildflowers and plants. One of the better-known types of geranium (called Biokovo) comes from here. For animal life, the Mountain is home to a number of goats.
The mountain is also well known for its caves.
Biokovo Skywalk
Newly opened in 2020, Biokovo Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped glass platform that extends 11 metres out over the cliff with absolutely majestic views out to sea. At a height of 1,228m above sea level, 50 people are allowed on the viewing platform at any one time. Biokovo Skywalk is located around 13km from the entrance of the park along the narrow Biokovo Road, which should take about 30 minutes when driving; it is located next to the Ravna Vlaska information centre. The Skywalk is open daily from 8am to 7pm.
Do note that the number of cars allowed on the road is limited to just 25 cars, so you may find yourself having to queue to enter the park in summer. Once you have enjoyed your time on the Skywalk, you can continue to drive along the road to reach Sveti Jure peak.
Entrance Fee and Opening Hours of Mount Biokovo
It costs €8 per person if you enter the nature park by car or by motorbike, and €5 if entering by bicycle. Children under 7 go free. It is possible to purchase 3-day, 7-day and monthly tickets as well.
The Nature Park is open from 6am to 8pm June to September (inclusive), from 8am to 7pm in April and May, and from 8am to 4pm in October and November. The Nature Park is closed during December, January, February and March.
Getting to Mount Biokovo
As Biokovo Moutain is just “behind” Makarska, the easiest way is to first reach this town (if travelling from elsewhere) by bus. See our Getting to Makarska section for details on how to do just that.
You can enter the Nature Park by car or bike, although be aware that the road inside the nature park is narrow and winding, and may not be suitable for nervous or inexperienced drivers. Additionally, as we mentioned above, there is a limit allowing just 25 cars per hour to enter the park so you may have to queue during the summer months. (So we would suggest visiting early in the morning!)
You can also visit the Nature Park on an organised tour – ask locally at a travel agency in the town you are staying in.
It is obviously highly possible (and very suitable) to hike in Bikovo Nature Park but this should really only be undertaken by experienced hikers or climbers and with proper equipment.
Accommodation on Mount Biokovo
For those hiking through the park, basic accommodation facilities (a bed in a mountain hut!) are available at lodges throughout Biokovo Nature Park. Accommodation at these must be arranged prior to arrival.
There is no general accommodation (hotels, rooms, B&Bs) in the nature park. You would need to stay in one of the towns on the Makarska Riviera – see our guide to Accommodation in Makarska, for example.
General Info
Part of the Mountain is designated as Biokovo Nature Park – check out more information on the Park’s official website.