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Biokovo National Park: A Guide to Croatia’s Breathtaking Mountain Range

Biokovo national park Croatia

Biokovo National Park is a stunning natural area located in the Dalmatian region of Croatia. This mountainous park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, as well as stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. If you are planning a trip to this beautiful park, here is a guide to help you make the most of your visit:

Getting There: Biokovo National Park is located near the city of Makarska, which is about 60 km south of Split. You can reach the park by car, bus, or taxi from either Split or Makarska. The park has several entrances, including the Adrion entrance near the town of Tučepi and the Ravna Vlaška entrance near the village of Kotišina.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Biokovo National Park is from May to October, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, keep in mind that the park can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Things to See and Do: Biokovo National Park offers a range of activities for visitors, including hiking, biking, and wildlife spotting. The park has several well-marked hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs, that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can also take a guided tour of the park, which will give you a deeper understanding of its history and ecology. For wildlife enthusiasts, the park is home to a variety of species, including chamois, eagles, and wildcats.

Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options near Biokovo National Park, including hotels, apartments, and campsites. The town of Makarska, which is located near the park, has a wide range of options to suit every budget.

Park Rules and Regulations: To help protect the park’s natural and cultural heritage, visitors are required to follow several rules and regulations, including staying on designated trails, not picking plants or disturbing wildlife, and disposing of trash properly.

With its stunning views and diverse range of activities, Biokovo National Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Why is it worth to visit Biokovo National Park?

Biokovo Nature Park is worth visiting for several reasons. Firstly, it is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. The park’s diverse landscape, which includes towering mountains, deep canyons, and lush forests, creates a unique and beautiful environment that is perfect for hiking, biking, and sightseeing. In addition, the park offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and islands, making it a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers alike. Visitors to Biokovo Nature Park can also explore its rich cultural and historical heritage, including ancient ruins and traditional Dalmatian villages. Overall, Biokovo Nature Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages and interests.

One of the brightest moment people want to see during a trip to Biokovo National Park is the sunset. Unforgettable stunning view will be opening from the top of the mountains when the sun goes down.

Most of the time during the tour to Biokovo Nature park you will stay in car. It will take time from the bottom of the mountain to the highest point. Stops are allowed only in certain places of this nature reserve.

In some places the road is so narrow that two cars cannot pass the turns  and one has to concede the way to the other. Also, the road is quite twisting, thus no fast driving is possible.

During the day, if the weather is good and the sky is clear, you can see Italy from Biokovo mountain.

From the history of Biokovo Mountains

Biokovo is a part of the Dinaric Mountains. The material of the lower parts of the mountains towards the sea and on the opposite, Zagorje side, are of Eocene Flysch sediments. The higher parts are shaped into carbonate sedimentary rocks.

At the end of the Cretaceous era, about 65 million years ago, the African plate began colliding with the Eurasian plate.

The narrowing of the ocean caused strong tectonic disturbances, making the horizontal layers crinkle, break and emerge above the sea surface. Tis process formed mountain ranges like the Alps and the Dinarides, which Biokovo belongs to. It caused the disappearance of  the ancient ocean Tethys.

Most visited spots in Biokovo Nature Reserve

Top destination to visit – Sv. Jure, 1 762 m nm

St.Jure or Sv. Jure visiting point is located on the very top of Biokovo.

It is from the junction of Vošac on the Biokovo road, 6 km away.

While driving you will enjoy marvelous landscapes but be careful since the road is quite narrow and twisting.

Alternatively, St. Jura can be reached by hiking trail from Makar Riviera through Vošca and from Velikog Brda and Bašković, through Lokve from the coastal side or the hinterland sides from Milić and from the top Turija.

St. Jura also serves as a television tower spot, where building of telecommunication devices and the church of St. Jura are allocated.

Have you visited Krka National Park, Croatia?

The Church of St Jure was built in 1968 to replace the previous church.

The first Church of St Jure was constructed approximately after Christianization, which existed in the 12th century.

The church commemorates 1640 year. It was restored several times until it finally collapsed in 1965.

This was when a TV tower and the building of telecommunication devices was erected.

Incredible landscapes and seascapes will make trip to St. Jure, one of the most interesting ones in your life.

Vošac, 1 422 m nm

The top of Vošac can be reached by a walking trail in about 20 minutes from the parking lot in front of the mountain hut under Vošac,  or by the trail from Makar.

Staza, 897 m nm

To get to Staza you may use trekking trail, which is just about 5 minutes from the parking lot.

Most beautiful views of Makarska Riviera and islands will appear in front of your eyes.

How do I get to Biokovo Nature Park?

There are various modes of transportation available to visit Biokovo Nature Park, including cars, minibusses, motorcycles, bicycles, and even by foot. The main entrance to the park can be accessed through the Makarska – Vrgorac national road, which is approximately 6 km away from the Adriatic Highway. To get there, take a left turn after leaving the city of Makarska.

Biokovo Nature Park is accessible by car, bus, and taxi. The closest airport to Biokovo is Split Airport, which is approximately 85 kilometers away. From there, you can take a bus or rent a car to get to the park. Another option is to take a bus from the nearby towns of Makarska or Baska Voda, which are connected to major cities in Croatia. If you prefer to take a taxi, you can find a taxi service in Makarska or Baska Voda. Once you arrive at the park, you can explore it by foot, bike, or car.

Do you need to book in advance to visit Nature Park Biokovo?

No, you do not need to book in advance to visit Biokovo Nature Park. The park is open year-round and there is no admission fee to enter. However, some activities within the park, such as guided tours, may require advance booking. It is recommended to check the park’s website or contact them directly for more information on any specific activities or services you are interested in. Additionally, during the peak tourist season (July and August), it may be more crowded, so it is advisable to arrive early to avoid crowds and to find parking.

When is Nature Park Biokovo open?

Biokovo Nature Park is open year-round, but the operating hours vary depending on the season. Generally, the park opens at 8:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm during the winter season (November to March), and at 7:00 pm during the summer season (April to October). However, the exact opening and closing times may vary depending on weather conditions and other factors. It is recommended to check the park’s website or contact them directly to confirm the operating hours before visiting.

What is the best time to visit Biokovo Nature Park

The best time to visit Biokovo Nature Park is during the months of May to October, when the weather is generally warm and dry, and the park’s attractions and activities are fully operational. During these months, visitors can enjoy hiking, sightseeing, and other outdoor activities within the park. It is important to note that temperatures can still be quite hot during July and August, so it is recommended to bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and appropriate clothing and gear for the weather and activities planned. The park can also be visited during the winter months, but some roads and trails may be closed due to snow and ice, and some attractions may have limited accessibility.

How many days should be enough to visit Biokovo Park?

The amount of time needed to visit Biokovo Nature Park depends on your interests and the activities you want to participate in. If you plan to hike the park’s trails, explore its attractions and take in the scenic views, it is recommended to allow at least 1-2 days. However, if you want to participate in more activities or take your time exploring the park, you may want to allow more time. It is also important to consider the travel time to and from the park, as well as any additional time needed for accommodations and other logistics.

Where to stay when visiting Biokovo Nature Reserve?

There are several options for accommodation when visiting Biokovo Nature Park, depending on your preferences and budget. Here are some options:

  • Makarska – This coastal city is located at the base of Biokovo Mountain, and has a wide variety of accommodation options ranging from hotels, apartments, guesthouses and camping sites. Makarska is a great choice if you prefer to be close to the beach and enjoy a more lively atmosphere.
  • Baska Voda – This small coastal town is also located at the base of Biokovo Mountain, and has a range of accommodation options, including hotels, apartments and guesthouses. Baska Voda is known for its beautiful beaches and clear waters, making it a great choice for those who want a beach holiday.
  • Villages near the park – There are several small villages near the park, such as Zagvozd, Gornja Podgora and Zadvarje, which offer a more rural and peaceful setting. These villages have a range of accommodation options, including guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and apartments.
  • Camping sites – There are several camping sites located within or near the park, which offer a great option for those who want to be close to nature. These camping sites have basic amenities and facilities, such as toilets and showers, and some even offer restaurants and outdoor activities.

It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the peak season (July to August), to ensure availability and get the best rates.

What is the weather in Biokovo Nature Park?

The weather in Biokovo Nature Park varies depending on the time of year and elevation. In general, the park experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters.

At lower elevations, temperatures in the summer months (June to September) can reach up to 35°C (95°F) during the day and rarely drop below 20°C (68°F) at night. In the winter months (December to February), temperatures at lower elevations typically range from 5-15°C (41-59°F) during the day and can drop to freezing at night.

At higher elevations, temperatures are generally cooler and more variable. The higher areas of the park may receive snowfall in the winter months. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before visiting the park and to bring appropriate clothing for the time of year and elevation.

What is allowed and what is prohibited in Biokovo National Park

In Biokovo National Park, visitors are allowed to hike, cycle, and explore the park’s trails and viewpoints. However, there are certain rules and regulations that visitors should be aware of:

  • Camping is prohibited in the park, except in designated areas with prior permission from park authorities.
  • Starting fires or smoking is prohibited in the park due to the risk of wildfires.
  • Hunting, fishing, and collecting plants or animals is strictly prohibited.
  • Off-road vehicles are not allowed in the park.
  • Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times to protect the park’s wildlife.
  • Visitors are expected to stay on designated trails and respect the park’s natural and cultural heritage.
  • The use of drones and other flying devices is only allowed with prior permission from park authorities.

It’s important to note that Biokovo National Park is a protected area, and visitors should take care to follow the park’s rules and regulations to help preserve the park’s unique ecosystem for future generations.

How high is the Biokovo Skywalk?

To access the Skywalk, take the Biokovo road located at the entrance of Biokovo Nature Park, which is approximately 6 kilometers east of Makarska. This road leads to the peak of Sv. Jure (St. George), which stands at an impressive height of 1762 meters and is the highest paved road in Croatia.

Is Biokovo Skywalk free?

An adult person can visit the park for 60 kuna (approximately 8 euros), while bikers can avail a discount of 40%, bringing the price down to 35 kuna (approximately 4.65 euros). Children under the age of 7 can enter for free. All tickets must be purchased online through the official website of Biokovo Nature Park.

Is Biokovo Skywalk worth it?

The Biokovo Skywalk is a must-see attraction during your trip to Split and its surrounding areas. This outstanding location draws in numerous tourists every year and has become an essential destination for anyone visiting Croatia.

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