Welcome to Villa Cippico

Hiking

 

The Split area in Dalmatia, Croatia, offers excellent hiking opportunities, particularly around Bikovo, Kozjak and Mosor, three prominent mountain ranges that frame the region with dramatic landscapes and sweeping Adriatic views.

🗺️ General Info

  • Best time for hiking: Spring and autumn are ideal due to mild temperatures. Summer hikes are possible but should be done early in the morning due to heat.

  • Trail markings: Most trails are well-marked with red-and-white hiking signs (standard in Croatia).

  • Terrain: Karst limestone, rocky paths, with little natural shade at higher elevations.

  • Gear: Good hiking shoes, sun protection, water, and sometimes gloves for steeper sections.

🏔️ Biokovo Mountain

  • Location: Just behind the Makarska Riviera, about 1–1.5 hours from Split by car.

  • National Park: Biokovo is a Nature Park (Park prirode Biokovo), so there is a small entrance fee for the main access points.

  • Elevation: The highest peak is Sveti Jure (St. George) at 1762 m, the third-highest in Croatia.

  • Terrain: Steep limestone cliffs, high karst plateaus, Mediterranean vegetation at lower levels, and alpine conditions at the top.

 

Best Hiking Trails in Biokovo

1. Sveti Jure (1762 m)

  • Trailhead: From Veliko Brdo (Makarska), Makar village, or Vosac.

  • Difficulty: Demanding — altitude gain of 1300+ m.

  • Time: 5–6 hours one way from sea level.

  • Alternative: You can drive up the Biokovo road (entrance via the park gate) and hike the last 15–20 minutes from the parking area.

  • Views: Unmatched. You’ll see inland Bosnia and Herzegovina to the east, and the full Dalmatian coastline to the west.

2. Vošac (1422 m)

  • Trailhead: Makar village or Makarska town.

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.

  • Time: 3–4 hours up.

  • Features: Great alternative if you don’t want the full Sveti Jure hike. Vošac has a stone hut and viewing platform with stunning views.

3. Skywalk Biokovo (Ravna Vlaška)

  • Access: By car through the Biokovo Nature Park entrance road.

  • Elevation: Around 1228 m.

  • Attraction: Glass walkway with a view straight down to the cliffs and sea.

  • Note: Very popular with tourists, but there are hiking trails that lead to/from the Skywalk too if you want to avoid driving.

4. Kotišina Botanical Garden

  • Trailhead: Kotišina village above Makarska.

  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

  • Time: 1–2 hours.

  • Family-friendly trail through Mediterranean flora with educational boards.

  • Great as a half-day hike or warm-up for bigger peaks.

 

⛰️ Kozjak Mountain

  • Location: North of Split, above Kaštela towns.

  • Lower than Mosor, but with great views of Split, the islands, and the Adriatic.

Key Trails & Points:

  1. Planinarski Dom Putalj (Putalj Mountain Hut)

    • Trailhead from Kaštel Sućurac.

    • Easy to moderate hike (1.5–2 hours).

    • Good family-friendly trail with views of Split and the sea.

    • Chapel of St. Luka nearby.

  2. Sveti Juraj (St. George)

    • Highest peak of Kozjak (676 m).

    • Trail from Kaštel Kambelovac or Kaštel Sućurac.

    • Moderate difficulty, approx. 3–4 hours round trip.

  3. Kozjak Ridge Traverse

    • A longer hike (5–7 hours), ideal for experienced hikers.

    • You can go from west (Kambelovac) to east (Klis or Solin).

    • Panoramic views of both the Adriatic and the Dalmatian hinterland.

 

⛰️ Mosor Mountain

  • Location: East of Split, rising sharply above Žrnovnica and Omiš.

Key Trails & Points:

  1. Planinarski Dom “Umberto Girometta” (868 m)

    • Trailhead from Sitno Gornje (accessible by car or bus from Split).

    • Moderate trail (~1.5–2 hours).

    • The hut offers refreshments and amazing views.

  2. Veliki Kabal (1339 m) – Highest peak

    • Demanding trail from Sitno Gornje or Dubrava.

    • Requires 3–4 hours up, 2–3 hours down.

    • Good fitness level needed, but the panoramic views are worth it.

  3. Mosor Ridge Trail

    • A long-distance route following the ridge east to west.

    • Requires good preparation and ideally 2 days with a sleepover in huts or bivouac.

    • Technical in some parts, with fantastic karst terrain and solitude.

 

🧭 Hiking Tips

  • Water: There’s no potable water on the trails—bring at least 2–3 liters.

  • Navigation: Trails are marked, but having GPS or a hiking app is highly recommended.

  • Sun: Almost no shade—sun protection is crucial.

  • Footwear: Good hiking boots are necessary. The terrain is rocky and sharp.

  • Watch out for snakes in warmer months.

 

🐾 Dog-Friendly?

Yes, but:

  • Dogs must be leashed inside the Nature Park area.

  • Rocky terrain can be hard on dog paws — use boots or protectors if your dog is not used to it.

  • Be careful of wildlife (wild boars, snakes, chamois) and sharp rocks.

Hope you will enjoy.