BIOKOVO NATURE PARK
SPECTACULAR MT. BIOKOVO
The Biokovo Mountains Nature Park rise steeply above the Makarska Riviera and is popular with hikers and walkers. The lower slopes provide many paths and trails through olive groves, vineyards and pine forests, before extending high into the limestone mountain. Declared a Nature Park in 1981, it extends for around 195 square kilometres, and the tops provide fantastic views over the sea and the outlying islands. As well as a great walking area Biokovo Mountain Nature Park has over 1,500 plant and animal species.
Biokovo Nature Park is the most dominating presence on the southern Dalmatian coast. Proclaimed a nature park in 1981, this mountain rampart towers a good 1500 meters over the Makarska Riviera and offers exceptional views over the sea and nearby islands. It is one of Croatia's most popular destinations for hikers with myriad paths that wind up the hills past olive groves, vineyards and pine forests. The Biokovo massif that stretches 36 kilometers along the coast and nine kilometers inland drops down in a series of craggy limestone rocks and sheer cliffs interspersed with caves, pits and sinkholes. The most popular hiking and mountaineering destination is Vosac (1421 meters) which lies only 2.5 kilometers from Makarska.
The Nature Park covers an area of 19,550 hectares and its highest point is Sveti Jure (1762 meters).
Due to its relative isolation the nature park hosts many endemic plant species, for example Biokovo bellflower. Notable nature landmark Kotisina Botanical Garden is also in the region (located 3 kilometers from Makarska).