Biokovo is a mountain range in Croatia that rises steeply from the Dalmatian coast, so that within a short distance of the sea you are climbing into a very different landscape. It makes a rewarding visit for anyone who enjoys walking, wide views, or simply seeing how much a single mountain can change from base to summit.
A landscape that changes with height
At the lower elevations, the slopes are covered in Mediterranean vegetation, the scrub and aromatic plants familiar from much of the Adriatic coast. As you climb, the character of the land shifts toward alpine flora around the upper reaches, reaching the peak at 1,762 metres. The Biokovo Nature Park protects this range of ecosystems, and the variety is one of its main attractions. Keep an eye out for endemic plant species, which grow nowhere else.
Views and things to do
The main draw is the panorama. From the heights, the Adriatic Sea stretches out below, dotted with its islands, and on a clear day the scene carries a long way in every direction.
- Hiking trails lead through the park, with routes suited to different levels of walking experience.
- Plant spotting rewards slow walkers, particularly for those interested in the endemic species of the park.
- The Skywalk, a glass viewing platform, lets you look out over the drop and the coast below.
Planning your visit
Because the range rises so quickly, weather can differ sharply between the coast and the summit, so it is sensible to bring layers and sturdy footwear whatever the forecast below. Biokovo works well as a day trip from the Dalmatian coast, pairing a morning or afternoon on the mountain with time by the sea afterwards.