Mala Biljica

Mala Biljica is a small hill in the Dalmatian hinterland, right next to the village of Neorić, in the Muć municipality within Split-Dalmatia County. It sits on the eastern edge of the Mućko Polje, in a quiet, rural setting far from the coastal crowds.

Where exactly is Mala Biljica?

The hill rises next to Neorić, one of two villages — alongside Sutina — that make up the parish of Neorić. Just over half a kilometre away stands Velika Biljica, a neighbouring peak with a similar name, and together the two form a small local ridge of hills. The whole area belongs to the Muć municipality, one of the inland districts behind Split.

How to get there?

The easiest way in is by car from Split, heading inland through the Dalmatian hinterland towards Muć and then on to Neorić. The road passes through the typical stony, rolling landscape of Dalmatia's interior, lined with vineyards, olive groves and dry stone walls. Mala Biljica itself has no developed tourist infrastructure or marked entry points — it's a destination for travellers who value quiet, low-key spots rather than another stop on a mass-tourism route.

What is there to see nearby?

The hills around Neorić, including Mala Biljica and neighbouring Velika Biljica, form part of a wider network of high ground used by local hikers and cyclists exploring routes across the Muć municipality, such as the area around Borovača and the trail linking Sv. Ilija with Zelovo. From up here, the terrain opens onto views of the Mućko Polje and the rolling hills of the hinterland that surround it.

The village of Neorić itself is worth a stop on its own. Settlement here dates back to the Croatian Middle Ages, evidenced by the ruins of an old fortress that still stand on a hill right above the village centre. Neorić has fewer than a thousand residents — 819 according to the 2021 census — and has kept the intimate, rural character typical of villages in the Dalmatian hinterland.

When to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times to come, since inland temperatures run noticeably higher in summer than along the coast. Unlike the seaside, the Dalmatian hinterland can get very hot in summer, and shade is scarce on these stony hills. Spring brings fresh greenery to the landscape, while autumn coincides with the olive and grape harvest, adding some local colour to a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mala Biljica a popular tourist destination? No — it's a local hill valued mainly by residents of the region and by visitors looking for quiet walking routes away from the coast.

How far is it from Split? Neorić and Mala Biljica lie inland, within the Muć municipality, a reasonable drive from Split through the typical scenery of the Dalmatian hinterland.

Are there other peaks worth seeing nearby? Yes — Velika Biljica stands just over half a kilometre away, and the wider Muć municipality has further hills used by local hiking and cycling routes.

What else is worth seeing besides the hill itself? It's worth visiting the village of Neorić to see the ruins of the medieval fortress overlooking its centre, and taking in the view over the Mućko Polje that stretches out at the foot of the surrounding hills.