Puteus Palace Heritage Hotel
Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia[25.7 miles]
In a sleepy village on Brac, this 15-room heritage hotel has a glorious garden restaurant, a wine bar and mini-spa.
Official star rating:
Bucket list experience:
Hike up Mount Biokovo
Split, Dalmatia, Croatia
Credit Shutterstock.com/oksana.perkins
Last updated: 08 November, 2022
Rising directly behind the seaside resort of Makarska, Mount Biokovo is Croatia’s second-highest mountain, with the 1,762m peak of Sveti Jure affording amazing views out to sea and inland to Bosnia-Herzegovina.
A large portion of the south-facing slopes have been declared a nature park, and clearly marked hiking paths lead from Makarska to the top. Wild and totally unspoilt, Biokovo’s pastures are populated by hardy chamois goats and mouflon sheep, both endangered species.
While you're there
Near the hamlet of Kotisina, on the mountain’s lower slopes, the Kotisina Botanical Garden is an enchanting place to visit, showcasing indigenous rock plants. It’s especially lovely in the spring when the flowers are in bloom.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 5 hours
Getting there & doing it
Makarska lies 59km south east of Split and is served by regular buses. The mountain can be accessed independently or as part of an organised tour.
The hike to the Sveti Jure peak from Makarska takes at least five hours and requires a good level of fitness. If you are doing it independently, be sure to visit the Makarska Tourist Office first to check the local weather forecast and pick up a free map charting the various trails. Ideally, pack a picnic and carry plenty of water. There are several mountain huts serving basic meals, but opening hours are sporadic.
If you don’t feel like hiking, in the summer you can also drive the 31km from Makarska to Sveti Jure – take the road to Vrgorac, then turn left at the sign for Biokovo Nature Park and brave the tight hairpins.
For post-hike refuelling, head to Konoba Kalalarga in Makarska’s old town. This tiny, informal tavern, popular with locals, serves a limited selection of daily specials and wine by the carafe.
When to do it
The park is officially open to visitors April to mid-November, seven days a week.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Villa Giardino Hotel
Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia[32.6 miles]
A heritage boutique B&B with a charming courtyard garden dotted with beanbags. Perfect for making the most of Brac’s sunny beaches and adventure sports.
Official star rating:
Lesic Dimitri Palace
Korucla, Dalmatia, Croatia[41 miles]
Boutique aparthotel combining low-profile luxury, a Michelin-starred restaurant and a small spa, in Korcula’s medieval-walled old town.
Official star rating:
The Fabris
Korcula, Dalmatia, Croatia[41.2 miles]
A five-minute walk from Korcula’s bustling port, just outside the picturesque Old Town, this informal inn has a lovely sea-view terrace and does an excellent breakfast.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Dalmatian Islands
Dalmatia, Croatia
A magical, unspoilt archipelago of a thousand-plus islands stretching along Croatia’s southern coast. A heady mix of sea, mountains, adventure sports and medieval buildings
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Split
Dalmatia, Croatia
With ancient architecture, Adriatic island-hopping and adventure sports galore, Split makes a superb seaside base.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Korcula’s Old Town
Korcula, Dalmatia, Croatia[41.1 miles]
One of the most beautiful towns in the Croatian archipelago – steeped in history, graced with superb Venetian architecture and surrounded by the picturesque Pelješac channel.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Moreska Sword Dance
Korcula, Dalmatia, Croatia[41.1 miles]
Dalmatian tradition at its best – a spectacular Mediterranean sword dance between two bands of men, dating back to the 16th century.
Best for ages: 6+ | £13 | 30 minutes
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Dalmatian Islands’ best food & drink
Dalmatia, Croatia[46.2 miles]
A blend of Italian and Middle European cuisine, with plenty of fresh fish and seafood, eating out in Dalmatia is always a treat.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Hvar’s Old Town
Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[52 miles]
A character-filled, Venetian-era old town, with a picturesque main square, a lattice of historic streets, and cultural treasures galore.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Stina Winery
Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia[32.7 miles]
The home of Croatia’s oldest wine co-operative, the Stina Winery has been in operation since the 1900’s and produces some of the region’s best Posip (white) and Plavac Mail (red). Daily tours and tastings at 5pm and 6pm, pre-booking not necessary.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Tomic Winery
Hvar, Dalmatia, Croatia[33.6 miles]
Taste some of Hvar’s best wines in a cellar modelled on the ancient Roman dining rooms used by the Emperor Diocletian. Hvar’s top winemaker.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Zlatni Rat Beach
Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia[34.5 miles]
A photogenic 500m-long cape of fine golden shingle, that changes shape with the tide. Lined with sunbeds and good for watersports, it’s a great family beach.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free
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Experience
Wine-making in Dol
Brac, Dalmatia, Croatia[34.5 miles]
This charming 2-hour tour in the village Dol on Brac, takes you to visit a 400-year-old castle and discover the secrets of a local family’s wine-making. There’s a small workshop, where you can taste rakija, kvasina and prosek and even try your hand at wine-making.
Best for ages: 13+ | £28 | 2 hours
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