A Guide to Biokovo Nature Park: Croatia's Mountain Above the Sea
Rising sharply behind the Makarska Riviera, Biokovo Nature Park offers dramatic limestone peaks, rare plants and a glass-floored Skywalk that juts out over the Adriatic.
Illustration: AI-generated image
Just a few kilometres inland from the Adriatic coast, the limestone massif of Biokovo rises almost straight from the sea. This mountain range, protected as a nature park since 1981, forms a dramatic backdrop to the Makarska Riviera and offers some of the most breathtaking views in Dalmatia. From its highest peak, Sveti Jure at 1,762 metres, you can see across the islands of Hvar, Brač and Korčula, and on a clear day, as far as Italy.
The park covers an area of about 196 square kilometres and is part of the Dinaric Alps. Its highest sections are bare karst, while lower slopes are covered in pine and beech forests. The contrast between the arid, moon-like summits and the lush coastal strip below is striking.
Biokovo is a world apart from the busy beaches below. Its karst landscape is home to deep pits, caves and rare plant species, many of which are endemic. The park is also a haven for wildlife, including chamois, golden eagles and the elusive Balkan lynx. For visitors, the main draw is the chance to experience this rugged mountain environment, whether by car, on foot or via the recently added Skywalk.
The Skywalk
Opened in 2020, the Biokovo Skywalk is a horseshoe-shaped glass walkway that extends 12 metres out from a cliff edge at an altitude of around 1,228 metres. Stepping onto it feels like walking on air, with only transparent glass between you and the rocky slopes below. The view stretches over the Makarska coastline, the turquoise sea and the islands beyond.
The Skywalk is located near the Sveti Jure road, making it easy to reach by car. It is open seasonally, generally from spring to autumn, and there is an entrance fee. On busy summer days, expect queues; going early in the morning or late in the afternoon gives softer light and fewer crowds.
Hiking and Nature
Beyond the Skywalk, Biokovo offers a network of marked hiking trails that range from gentle walks to challenging ascents. One popular route is the climb to Vošac peak, which provides panoramic views with less effort than the higher summit. For experienced hikers, the trail from the mountain hut at Pod Vošcem to Sveti Jure is a rewarding full-day trek.
The park's botanical richness is another highlight. Over 1,500 plant species have been recorded here, including several that grow nowhere else in the world. Spring and early summer are the best times to see wildflowers in bloom, while autumn brings cooler temperatures ideal for longer hikes.
Practical Tips
Biokovo Nature Park is easily accessed from the coastal towns of Makarska, Tučepi and Brela. The main entrance is near the village of Gornja Brela, from where a narrow, winding road climbs to the higher elevations. The road is paved but has many hairpin bends, so careful driving is essential.
Weather can change quickly in the mountains, so bring layers and plenty of water. There are no shops or restaurants inside the park, so pack food if you plan to spend the day. For those without a car, some local tour operators offer guided excursions that include transport to the Skywalk and hiking areas.
Whether you're seeking a quick photo stop at the Skywalk or a full day of mountain exploration, Biokovo adds a memorable dimension to any visit to the Makarska Riviera.
