Biokovo Nature Park

Biokovo Nature Park is a mountain range towering above Makarska on Croatia's central Dalmatian coast, and one of the most visited natural attractions in the region. Declared a protected nature park in 1981, the ridge stretches roughly 36 kilometers along the shoreline and reaches almost 9 kilometers inland. In places it climbs past 1,500 meters above sea level, giving it some of the best panoramic views over the Makarska Riviera and the surrounding islands.

How do you get to Biokovo from Makarska?

The park is reached via a mountain road that starts directly from Makarska and winds upward in sharp switchbacks through rock and ravine. The drive typically takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the destination inside the park. Few roads in the region offer such a dramatic shift in scenery — from palm-lined beaches at sea level to bare, almost lunar rock formations above a thousand meters. Entry to the park requires a toll, collected at a gate near the start of the route.

What is there to see inside the park?

Biokovo's landscape is built from limestone cliffs, caves, and countless sinkholes carved out over centuries of erosion. The lower slopes are covered with olive groves and vineyards, giving way further up to pine forest, and finally to a rocky, largely treeless highland near the summit ridge. One of the park's best-known viewpoints is Vošac, just 2.5 kilometers from Makarska and one of the most popular hiking destinations in the whole park. From here, the panorama opens onto the town below, the coastline, and the islands of Brač and Hvar.

The park is also crossed by a dense network of marked hiking and climbing trails, drawing both casual visitors and experienced mountain trekkers. The routes pass through sharply different environments — from Mediterranean scrub lower down to bare, exposed rock near the ridge, where temperatures and conditions can differ drastically from those on the beach below.

When is the best time to visit?

The most favorable months are late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October), when temperatures at altitude are manageable and visibility tends to be best. In summer, the lower slopes get hot while the ridge itself turns windy and noticeably cooler, so it's worth packing an extra layer. In winter, the upper sections can be snow-covered and icy, so proper gear and preparation are essential.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to drive from Makarska to Biokovo? The drive to the main viewpoints usually takes 30 to 45 minutes by car, depending on weather conditions and the exact destination within the park.

Is there an entrance fee for the park? Yes, entry to Biokovo Nature Park requires a toll, paid at the gate along the road up from Makarska.

Do you need to be an experienced hiker to visit Biokovo? No — the park offers trails of varying difficulty, from easy walking paths to demanding climbing routes, making it suitable for families as well as seasoned hikers.

What can you see from the Vošac viewpoint? Vošac, located 2.5 km from Makarska, offers views over the town, the Makarska Riviera, and the Adriatic islands of Brač and Hvar.