Štrbina

Štrbina is a scenic viewpoint sitting at 1,338 meters above sea level in the Biokovo mountain range, right above the coastal town of Makarska in Dalmatia, Croatia. It's a favorite goal for visitors staying along the Makarska Riviera who want a bird's-eye view of the town and the sea without straying too far from a proper mountain hike.

Where is Štrbina located?

The viewpoint lies inside Biokovo Nature Park, established in 1981 and covering the highest ridges of a range that runs almost parallel to the Adriatic coastline. Biokovo is known for its peaks rising almost straight out of the sea, which is why the views here combine rugged limestone ridgelines with sweeping panoramas of water and islands. Štrbina is one of several signature lookouts in the park, alongside the higher Vošac (1,422 m) and Biokovo's highest peak, Sveti Jure (1,762 m).

How do you get to Štrbina?

The most popular route starts on foot from Makarska and passes through the village of Veliko Brdo. The trail is demanding — once past the edge of town, the path climbs steeply through the rocky gorges typical of Biokovo's lower slopes. It's exactly in this stretch that hikers get some of the best views back down over Makarska and the coastline. For those already higher up the mountain, a shorter option is the roughly ten-minute walk from the Vošac viewpoint. The hike can also be planned as a loop, descending toward the village of Kotišina and on to Makar, from where trails also lead up to Sveti Jure.

What will you see from Štrbina?

From the lookout, the view opens onto Makarska, the Makarska Riviera coastline, and the Adriatic islands beyond — on a clear day the visibility stretches well past the immediate surroundings. What makes Biokovo distinctive is the sense that the sea sits almost directly below your feet, even though more than a kilometer of elevation separates the viewpoint from the shoreline. That contrast is what draws photographers and anyone looking for an unusual angle on the Dalmatian coast.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to make the climb, since summer brings intense heat and little shade along most of the trail. It's worth setting out early in the morning, both for cooler temperatures and for the best light on the town and bay below. Because the ascent is rocky and steep in places, the route isn't recommended for inexperienced hikers or without proper trekking footwear.

Frequently asked questions

How high up is Štrbina? The viewpoint sits at 1,338 meters above sea level, on the Biokovo mountain range overlooking Makarska.

Is the hike to Štrbina difficult? Yes, the trail from Makarska via Veliko Brdo is considered demanding — it climbs steeply through rocky gorges and requires reasonable fitness and proper trekking shoes.

Can Štrbina be combined with other Biokovo viewpoints? Yes, Vošac is only about a ten-minute walk from Štrbina, and trails continue on toward Biokovo's highest peak, Sveti Jure.

Do you need a park ticket to hike to Štrbina? Štrbina lies within Biokovo Nature Park, so it's worth checking the park's current entry rules and any applicable fees before planning your hike.