Mountain
Biokovo Nature Park
The limestone wall behind Makarska, rising to 1,762 metres at Sveti Jure. A glass Skywalk over the Riviera, wild horses on the high plateau and one of the most dramatic mountain roads in Croatia.
Founder, from Ruma, Serbia
From any beach on the Makarska Riviera, Biokovo is the grey wall filling the sky behind you. The mountain rises almost straight out of the Adriatic, and its highest point, Sveti Jure, stands at 1,762 metres, making it the second-highest peak in Croatia. The whole range is protected as a nature park, and up top it feels nothing like the coast below: bare karst, pine, cool air and small herds of wild horses grazing between the rocks.
Most visitors come for two things. The first is the Skywalk, a horseshoe-shaped glass platform at 1,228 metres that hangs out over the cliff edge, with the Riviera, the coastal towns and the islands of Brač and Hvar laid out below your feet. The second is the summit itself, reached by a narrow mountain road of tight hairpins that climbs past the Skywalk all the way to the chapel of St George on Sveti Jure.
You can drive the road yourself, but it is narrow, steep and busy in summer, and plenty of people would rather not. Guided 4x4 tours from Makarska handle the driving and stop at the Skywalk, the summit and the best viewpoints in between. The trip we link to runs in a small group in a classic Land Rover Defender and takes about four and a half hours, with hotel pickup, park entry and a taste of homemade Dalmatian liqueurs.
Hikers have a third option: walking up from Makarska. It is a long, hot climb with well over a thousand metres of ascent, and a serious full day if you go all the way to Sveti Jure, so start at dawn and carry plenty of water. Whichever way you go up, pick a clear morning. Cloud often builds on the summit by midday and can hide the view completely.
When to go
The park road and tours run from mid-April to October. June to September is busiest, with the highest park fee. May, early June and late September are the sweet spot: clearer air, cooler temperatures on top and less traffic on the road. Go in the morning, before cloud builds on the summit.
Getting there
The park entrance is on the road just above Makarska, about 1.5 hours by car from Split Airport. From there the road climbs to the Skywalk and on to Sveti Jure. Tours pick up in Makarska, and the one we link to collects you from your hotel.
Plan your visit
What it costs, how long to allow, and where to base yourself.
Tours from €50
Half day, about 4.5 hours
Makarska
Split, about 1.5 hrs
Where to stay for Biokovo and the Skywalk: Makarska
Stay in Makarska: the mountain rises straight behind town, the 4x4 tours to the Skywalk and Sveti Jure leave from here, and hikers can start on foot. Hotel Biokovo is central and close to the beach, while Hotel Park Makarska adds a pool for tired legs. A hostel near the promenade suits early starters on a budget. Add a river day on the Cetina near Omiš.
Hotel Biokovo
Hotel
Price Range:
Mid-range
Central Makarska hotel a 3-minute walk from the beach, with the mountain filling the view behind town.
3 min walk to the beach
Hotel Park Makarska
Hotel
Price Range:
Upscale
Beachside hotel with an outdoor pool and sun terrace, a soft landing after a long day up Sveti Jure.
Next to the beach
SUBTUB Hostel Makarska
Hostel
Price Range:
Budget
Budget base with bike hire, a terrace and kitchen gear, 200 m from the promenade. Good for hikers on a dawn start.
200 m to the promenade
Who it's for
Best for: Anyone staying on the Makarska Riviera who wants big mountain views without a big hike, and fit hikers looking for a serious day out above the coast.
Skip it if: You hate heights or winding roads, or you can only go on a hazy or cloudy day, when the view that makes the trip can disappear entirely.
Nearby places
Easy to combine on the same trip.
Biokovo questions
How much does it cost to visit Biokovo?
Park entry is around €10 per person in spring and October and €15 from June to September. The guided 4x4 tour we link to costs from €50 per person. Park entry, hotel pickup, a meal and drinks are included.
Can I drive up Biokovo myself?
Yes, private cars are allowed during the season. The road is narrow, steep and full of sharp hairpins, with long drops and limited room to pass, so it suits confident drivers only. If you are not comfortable with that, take a tour.
What is the Biokovo Skywalk?
A horseshoe-shaped glass viewing platform at 1,228 metres that juts out over the edge of the mountain, with a view straight down to the Makarska Riviera and across to the islands of Brač and Hvar.
Can I hike up Biokovo?
Yes. Marked trails climb from Makarska and the villages above it. Reaching Sveti Jure on foot is a long, demanding full day with very little shade, so start early, carry plenty of water and check the weather first.
When is the best time to visit?
May, early June and late September, on a clear morning. Summer brings crowds, heat and a higher park fee, and cloud often covers the summit later in the day.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The road is steep and winding, so it is hard going for anyone prone to motion sickness. Check the minimum age with the operator before you book. The rear seats face sideways and the ride is firm on the mountain road.
What should I bring?
A warm layer, since the summit is far cooler and windier than the coast, plus water, sun protection, a camera and some cash.
Will I see the wild horses?
Often, but not guaranteed. Small herds graze on the high plateau near the road, and tour guides usually know where to look.
Ready to go up Biokovo?
A small-group 4x4 trip from Makarska to the Skywalk and the summit of Sveti Jure, in a classic Land Rover Defender, with hotel pickup and park entry included.
