Stretching some 60km from Omiš in the northwest to Gradac in the southeast, the Biokovo ridge is one of Croatia’s most imposing mountain ranges.

It’s sea-facing side rises steeply from the coast, and is characterised by grey rock, ravines and scree. Plateaus of grass, scrub and alpine vegetation can be found on the higher slopes.

Towering above the coastal resorts of Makarska and Baška Voda is the range’s highest peak (and second-highest in Croatia) Sveti Jure, at 1762m above sea level.

Whether on the slopes or at the summits, Biokovo offers superb views of the coast and islands, with Monte Gargano in Italy visible on ultra-clear days.

Hiking

Much of the upper parts of the massif, a high-altitude wonderland of rock and scrub, falls under the aegis of the Biokovo Nature Park. It’s an outstanding area for long, strenuous hikes, with accessible and well-marked hiking trails leading up the slopes from Makarska, Tučepi and the other settlements of the Makarska Riviera. Most of these trails are steep and rocky, and weather conditions are notoriously quick to change - nobody should embark on a long hike without proper footwear, head covering, water, and (depending on the day’s weather forecast) waterproof clothing. Good hiking maps are available at the tourist office and in newspaper kiosks in Makarska.

The Tučepi road & Skywalk