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Biokovo and Makarska in Croatia

Treks / Croatia

Sveti Jure (Biokovo)

Croatia · Nearest city: Split (also Makarska)

TypeDay hike
Days1
Distance≈ 20 km
Climbing≈ 1,700 m
Highest point1,762 m

A tough climb from the Makarska coast to the top of Biokovo, with views over the Adriatic to the islands.

Fitness Hard
Best seasonApril to June, September to October
High pointSveti Jure

Watch out: Very hot and shadeless in summer. Start at dawn.

Why people choose it

It's a climb from sea level to 1,762 m, with the whole Dalmatian coast and its islands below you.

What makes it different

  • Beach to summit in a day
  • Views over the Adriatic islands
  • Skywalk viewpoint nearby

Route options

There is rarely just one way to walk Sveti Jure (Biokovo). These are the main choices people make.

Similar treks to consider

Rysy via Morskie Oko Poland · Slovakia · 1 day · 22 km The highest peak in Poland, climbed from the famous Morskie Oko lake. The upper section uses chains on steep rock. Besseggen Ridge Norway · 1 day · 14 km Norway's most popular ridge walk in Jotunheimen, between the green Gjende and the blue Bessvatnet lakes. Pico do Arieiro to Pico Ruivo Portugal (Madeira) · 1 day · 12 km A dramatic ridge path between Madeira's highest peaks, with tunnels and stairways above the clouds.

Before you go

Some of these are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only list services that fit this trek.

Phone and data

Phone plans from the EU and EEA roam here at home prices. Coming from the US, UK or elsewhere? A Europe data eSIM is usually far cheaper than roaming.

Europe eSIM on Airalo

Expect long stretches with no signal on the trail. Download offline maps and our GPX before you start.

Insurance that covers this trek

Most travel insurance includes hiking at this height. Check that hiking is listed and that medical evacuation is covered.

Rescue is not the same as evacuation. Travel insurance usually pays to fly you to hospital, but not always for the search and rescue itself. Read the policy's "search and rescue" section.

World NomadsHeymondoSafetyWingTrue Traveller

True Traveller sells only to UK and EEA residents. Always check the altitude limit and your country of residence in the policy wording. Our trekking insurance guide explains what to look for.

Camping and where to sleep

Wild camping is illegal in Croatia. Use mountain huts, shelters and campsites.

Rules change and differ between parks. Check with the local park or tourist office before you pitch a tent.

Route map

Map layers load on the live site. Use the overview below meanwhile.

Straight lines between stops Start / finish Stop on the way Nearest city

Switch between Topo, Satellite and Street layers with the layer button, and turn on the marked hiking trails overlay. We don't have the exact trail for this route yet, so stops are joined with straight lines. Always carry a proper hiking map on the trail.

Stops: Makarska → Sveti Jure

Simple overview map
MakarskaSveti JureSplit20 kmN

Step by step

  1. Months before

    Plan and book

    • No bookings are needed for most people. Choose a day with a good forecast.
    • Best time to go: April to June, September to October.
  2. 6–12 weeks before

    Train and test your gear

    • Take the readiness quiz to see how many weeks of training you need.
    • Break in your boots and train with the pack you'll carry.
    • Tick off the packing list to see what you still need.

    Readiness quiz · Packing list

  3. Getting there

    Travel to the start

    • Most people start from Split.
  4. On the trail

    Walk it

    • Start early and set a turnaround time. Be back down before the weather turns or daylight fades.
    • Carry water, food, a warm layer and a rain jacket even on a sunny day.
  5. The finish

    Get home

    • It's a one-way route, so plan your transport back from the finish in advance.

How the season changes things

Best time: April to June, September to October

May to June

Early season

Snow can linger high up in early June; lower slopes are green and pleasant.

Bring

  • Warm layers for the tops
  • Gaiters for snow patches
  • Sunscreen

July to August

Peak season

Hot and dry, with little water on the mountains and afternoon storms around the summits.

Bring

  • Extra water capacity
  • Sun protection
  • Rain jacket for storms

September to October

Late season

Often the nicest time: cooler days, clear air and quieter trails.

Bring

  • Warm layer for mornings
  • Headlamp
  • Check refuge opening dates

Be ready for

Heat

Start at dawn, rest in the shade at midday, and carry more water than you think. Electrolytes help.

Water filters →

Little water

Water sources are few and far between. Carry at least 2–3 litres and a filter for any sources you find.

Water filters →

Big climbs

Some days climb 1,000 m or more. Train with stairs and a loaded pack, and use trekking poles.

Trekking poles →

What you'll see

5 photos taken on and around the route by Wikimedia Commons photographers. Tap one to see it bigger.

Biokovo and Makarska in Croatia
Urbanistička cjelina Makarske
The highest peak Sv Jure ( m) in Biokovo Nature Park
Near Sveti JureBiokovo mountains
Near MakarskaMakarska sunset

Gear for the Sveti Jure (Biokovo)

Hiking boots Top pick: La Sportiva Ultra Raptor 3 Mid GTX Trekking poles Top pick: Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Rain jackets Top pick: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Photo credits: Biokovo and Makarska in Croatia by Sergei Gussev, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Urbanistička cjelina Makarske by SKas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; The highest peak Sv Jure ( m) in Biokovo Nature Park by SKas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Biokovo mountains by Breta Valek from Czech Republic, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons; Makarska sunset by kallerna, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Photos resized for the web. Figures are approximate and vary with the variant you choose.