Supin

Supin is a mountain peak rising above Podgora, a coastal town on the Makarska Riviera in Croatia's Split-Dalmatia County. Standing at roughly 1033 metres above sea level, it forms part of the Biokovo massif, one of the most striking mountain ranges along the Croatian Adriatic coast. The town of Podgora itself is named after this proximity — its name literally means "under the mountain," a nod to the steep slopes of Biokovo towering right behind it.

How do you get to Supin?

The hike up typically starts either in Podgora itself or in the nearby settlement of Srida Sela, from where the trail heads inland into the area known as Podbiokovlje — a belt of small villages scattered along the foot of the massif. The path runs through the village of Jakić and then climbs steeply, passing a small stone chapel dedicated to St. Elijah and the traditional stone shelter known as Vrata Biokova, built in the local shepherd style typical of the region. The climb calls for a reasonable level of fitness and sturdy trekking shoes, since the trail is rocky and demanding in places, as is typical of Biokovo's karst terrain. Plan on roughly two to three hours one way, depending on your starting point and pace.

What will you see at the top?

The main draw of Supin is the viewpoint just below the summit. From there, the panorama takes in the entire stretch of the Makarska Riviera — turquoise coves, the beaches of Podgora and Makarska, and the islands of Brač and Hvar visible out on the Adriatic horizon. It is one of those spots where the effort of the climb suddenly makes complete sense: the contrast between the dry, rocky mountain landscape and the deep blue sea below is genuinely striking. Along the way, hikers pass through patches of typical Mediterranean scrub vegetation found on Biokovo — thorny shrubs, aromatic herbs, and low pines that manage to survive in the harsh, stony conditions.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best windows for hiking Supin, offering comfortable temperatures for physical effort and generally good visibility. In summer, during peak tourist season on the Makarska Riviera, the heat can be intense, so it is worth starting the climb early in the morning, before or shortly after sunrise, to avoid the hottest hours. The trail can remain accessible in winter too, but it is worth checking local conditions beforehand, as the higher parts of Biokovo are prone to strong winds and sudden weather changes.

Who is this hike for?

The Supin trail suits reasonably fit travellers looking for more than just beach time — a short but intense mountain outing rewarded with a sweeping coastal panorama. It is not suited to beginners or families with small children, given the steep, rocky stretches and the near-total lack of shade along most of the route. It does, however, make an excellent day trip for anyone staying in Podgora or elsewhere on the Makarska Riviera who wants to see the coastline from a completely different vantage point than the beach.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Supin? Supin rises to roughly 1033 metres above sea level and forms part of the Biokovo mountain massif above Podgora.

How long does the climb take? Depending on the starting point and hiking pace, reaching the summit of Supin typically takes between two and three hours one way.

Do you need mountaineering experience? No technical climbing skills are required, but the steep, rocky sections call for good fitness and proper trekking footwear.

What can you see from the summit? The viewpoint offers a panorama of the Makarska Riviera, including Podgora, with the islands of Brač and Hvar visible out on the Adriatic.