Landscapes&Beaches
There is a moment, arriving on the Makarska Riviera for the first time, when you realise the mountain is not just scenery. Biokovo is not a backdrop. It is the reason the coast looks the way it does, the reason the towns are where they are, the reason the light bends the way it does in the late afternoon, and the reason that a stretch of Dalmatia between Brela and Gradac feels fundamentally different from everywhere else.
Protected as a Nature Park and crowned by the summit of Sveti Jure at 1762 metres, Biokovo creates one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes in the Mediterranean: deep blue Adriatic below, white karst above, and towns clinging to the narrow strip between the two. If you are based in Makarska, Tučepi, Podgora, Baška Voda, or any of the quieter villages along the coast, the mountain is always directly behind you.
Stepping into the sky — Vošac viewpoint and the Biokovo Skywalk
The most accessible introduction to Biokovo‘s scale is the drive up the mountain road, the highest road in Croatia, which begins at the Staza entrance gate approximately 6 kilometres east of Makarska. The drive itself is part of the experience: a series of bends with amazing views over the coast, the rooftops of Makarska, Tučepi, and Podgora just below you.
At Vošac, a natural viewpoint at 1422 metres, the panorama opens across the full width of the Riviera: the islands of Brač and Hvar floating in the middle distance, with Korčula and the Pelješac peninsula visible on clear days. It is the kind of view that makes the geography of the Adriatic suddenly make sense.
Next, the Biokovo Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway positioned over the cliff at 1228 metres above sea level, offers something different: the vertigo of standing above the coast with nothing but glass between your feet and the valley far below. It is one of the most visited attractions in Croatia, and the reason online booking is now essential.
A living natural laboratory — botany, wildlife, and wild horses
Biokovo is a compact ecosystem where Mediterranean, mountain, and subalpine vegetation meet within a surprisingly small vertical distance. The park is home to over 1500 plant species, including rare endemics found nowhere else on Earth, among them the delicate Biokovo bellflower, which grows only in the rocky crevices of this mountain.
The skies above the cliffs are a regular hunting ground for birds of prey, and hikers in the upper zones frequently encounter butterflies, mountain lizards, and other species adapted to the extreme karst environment. With patience and some luck, you may also encounter the Biokovo wild horses: a small herd that roams freely across the upper plateau, unhurried and largely indifferent to visitors.
For the Biokovo Botanical Garden at the base of the mountain above Makarska, the entrance is through the Kotišina path, an accessible short walk that connects to the old Veliki Kaštel fortress carved into the cliff. It is the easiest introduction to Biokovo’s botanical richness for those who prefer not to drive all the way to the summit.
Legends written into the mountain
The mountain’s highest peak is named Sveti Jure, St. George, and that name carries a specific story. Local legend tells of a soldier who faced a monstrous dragon terrorising the coast, demanding the sacrifice of children until the king’s own daughter was offered. St. George appeared, tamed the dragon, and became the eternal guardian of the Riviera.
Churches and shrines dedicated to him appear across the coastline: in Tučepi, Brela, Drvenik, and in the hilltop hamlets above several other towns. Every thunderclap over the summit, according to those who grew up in the shadow of the mountain, is a continuation of that celestial battle, a fight with no final outcome.
How to visit Biokovo — practical tips
Book online before you arrive. The Biokovo Nature Park operates a strict online-only ticket system with time-slotted entry. You cannot buy tickets at the gate. The number of vehicles allowed per hour is limited to protect the environment and prevent congestion on the narrow mountain road. Book at least a day ahead in July and August; popular morning slots sell out fast.
- The road: The Biokovo mountain road is narrow, steep, and winding, with passing bays at intervals. If you are not comfortable on mountain roads, an organised excursion from Makarska or from local agencies in Tučepi, Podgora, or Baška Voda is a relaxed alternative; guides know the road and the timing.
- Beat the heat and the crowds: Book the earliest available morning slot. Temperatures at altitude are significantly lower than on the coast, but the Skywalk platform can become crowded by mid-morning in peak season.
- From the coast: No matter where you are staying, Brela, Baška Voda, Makarska, Tučepi, Podgora, Igrane, or Živogošće, the Staza entrance is within 20–30 minutes by car.
- On foot: Several demanding hiking trails ascend Biokovo from the coast. Allow a full day and carry a significant amount of water as well as proper footwear.
Beyond the summit — a different side of the Riviera
Biokovo adds an entirely different dimension to a holiday on the Makarska Riviera. It is a reminder that the coast is not simply a beach destination: it is the edge of a living mountain, ancient and indifferent to the summer season. Whichever of Riviera’s towns you choose, Biokovo is always within reach.
Important note
This article is intended as general guidance only. For medical advice, mountain rescue assistance, or official safety instructions, please contact the relevant authorities and emergency services directly. Before setting out, always check the latest updates at pp-biokovo.hr, as access to certain parts of the park (including the Biokovo road and the Skywalk) can change depending on weather conditions and roadworks.
