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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 08 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Jane Foster

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.

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

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:

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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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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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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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

The outside of Stina Winery with its wine cellar in Dalmatia near the Adriatic coast on the island Brac. Mediterranean award winning wines. Facade and mountains
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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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The wine boutique Tomic is the tasting venue located in the renovated wine cellar of the family house in the old town centre of Jelsa on the island of Hvar.
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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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aerial view of Zlatni Rat Beach
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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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Wine-making in Dol
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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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