Summary
- Biokovo Nature Park in Croatia offers stunning panoramic views, diverse ecosystems, and a range of hiking trails suitable for all fitness levels.
- The park features a botanical garden trail, a challenging hike to Sv. Jure Peak, an educational trail showcasing local flora and fauna, and a skywalk with breathtaking views.
- Visitors can also explore other nearby national parks, such as Plitvice Lakes and Kornati Islands, and enjoy the warm weather and blooming wildflowers during the summer.
Nestled along Croatia's rugged coastline lies Biokovo Nature Park, a lush expanse of unspoiled Mediterranean landscape dotted with fertile valleys, dense pine forests, and limestone cliffs plunging toward the azure Adriatic Sea. Spend perfect days in Croatia exploring this stunning park, hiking to the top of Biokovo Mountain for panoramic views, or taking a boat trip to the nearby islands.
Spanning over 24,000 hectares, this protected park encompasses some of Europe's most spectacular scenery and diverse ecosystems. Its apt nickname is "Roots of the Sea" as the park's summits appear to sprout right from the ocean itself. Within its borders are ten superb hiking trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging mountain climbs, each with breathtaking natural vistas and cultural insights into one of Croatia's most stunning natural attractions.
10 Biokovo Botanical Garden Trail
This gentle trail showcases over 300 species of indigenous plants along an under-one-mile loop through Biokovo Botanical Garden. The trail is part of the protected Mediterranean landscape, and various informative signs describe the park's varied flora both rare and common.
Hike slowly to fully immerse in the tranquility of the tranquil Mediterranean gardens. Featuring fragrant sage, rosemary, and lavender bushes, it’s especially beautiful in spring. Spring and fall are the best times to hike.
- No fees or permits are required.
- Well-maintained gravel path suitable for all fitness levels.
9 Sv. Jure Peak
At 1,762 meters, Sv. Jure Peak ranks as the highest point in Biokovo Nature Park and rewards hikers with awe-inspiring views of the Adriatic coastline. The difficult 4.3-mile hike involves a rocky scramble up a steep limestone cliff face.
Bring plenty of water and comfortable sturdy shoes. Conditions can be windy and cold at the summit even in summer.
- No fees but advanced hiking experience is recommended.
- Licenses are required for overnight stays in mountain huts en route.
Visit Croatia during the summer to experience the park at its best, when the weather is warm and sunny and the wildflowers are in bloom.
8 French Road Educational Trail
Spanning two miles, this Educational trail route passes through diverse Mediterranean habitats with informative signage highlighting local flora, fauna, geology, and cultural heritage.
Learn about Balkan endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. Spot peregrine falcons hunting for prey along the cliffs. Listen for cuckoos and woodpeckers in the pine forests. A great immersive walk with the family.
- No fees or permits are required.
- Strong shoes are recommended as parts can be muddy after rain.
7 Nebeska Setnica
Situated along the French Road historical trail, this modern addition to the park is a 70-meter-long skywalk consisting of a wooden bridge cantilevered out over a deep cliff drop.
Suspended over 4,000 feet above sea level, Nebeska šetnica allows visitors to experience breathtaking views of the mountainous landscape from new heights with full safety railings for protection.
- Admission fee of $3
- No additional facilities besides the skywalk structure.
The visit is self-guided.
6 Makar - Sveti Jure
At just over six miles in distance, this Makar hike takes a more direct approach than others to reach the summit of Sveti Jure. Though shorter, the route involves steep climbs through rocky terrain and gains over 3,900 feet, making it challenging physically. But the payoff is unobstructed panoramic views from the top of the mountain.
- No fees required.
- No facilities along the trail; pack food/water. Water fountains located in Makarska town.
5 Kotišina Botanical Path
Overlooking Makarska Riviera, this easy under two-mile Kotišina Botanical trail highlights plant diversity through olive groves and evergreen forests. Listen for songbirds along verdant sheltered slopes. Stop to admire endemic white and purple orchids in spring.
Unique karst springs emerge in small natural pools perfect for cooling off. Marvel at views of sparkling coastal islands from scenic clearings.
- No fees or permits required.
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes suitable.
Stunning national parks to visit in Croatia include the Biokovo Nature Park, but also as the Plitvice Lakes National Park, and the Kornati Islands National Park.
4 Pod Vošcom - Vošac - Štrbina
This moderate 1.3-mile hike travels through a pleasant pine forest and takes about 2.5 hours at a leisurely pace. It reaches the scenic mountain pass of Štrbina, one of the beautiful historic places in Croatia, where hikers are treated to sweeping views encompassing Makarska and the coastline below. The route then loops back down via a different trail through the forest.
- No fees required.
- Water fountain and benches at the Štrbina pass viewpoint. No restrooms.
3 PD Pod Vošcom
For those seeking a relaxing nature walk without too much elevation gain, this one-mile hiking trail delivers gorgeous scenery through pine woods, making it one of the best vacation spots in Croatia.
Starting from the initials PD pod Vošcom, it climbs gently uphill through the trees before arriving at Vošac village where refreshments can be found. Great for families with small children.
- No fees required.
- No facilities directly on trail but Vošac village has stores and cafes.
2 Veliko Brdo - Sveti Jure
At 18 kilometers in total distance and with over 1,500 feet of elevation gain along steep and rocky trails, Veliko Brdo is considered the most difficult trek in the park's hiking network.
However, it rewards those up for the physical challenge with pristine natural beauty and the solitude of a remote approach to the Sveti Jure peak.
- No fees required.
- No facilities along the entire remote trail; pack all necessary gear/provisions.
Advance route finding skills and self-sufficiency are required.
1 Vošac Educational Trail
Concluding at one of Biokovo Nature Park's most scenic viewpoints, this leisurely 3.1-mile trail passes information panels explaining traditional pastoral mountain life. Learn about crops, orchards, and stone huts once used by shepherds.
Interactives show how locals crafted tools and musical instruments from natural materials. Great for families to experience the cultural heritage woven into Biokovo's protected landscapes.
- No fees, just sturdy flat footwear for sections of rough trails.
- Respect all private property and stay on marked paths.