Biokovo Mountain is the closest mountain to us and we often spend a lot of time on some of its hiking trails. It’s a beautiful mountain and one of the most famous in Croatia. It has the third-highest peak in Croatia and that’s Sv. Jure with the 1762 meters of height. Although, the highest point in Croatia is the top of the TV relay on top of Sv. Jure, but this is an artificial point on which you can’t stand so it doesn’t count.
For this Biokovo mountain hike, we decided to climb Sv. Ilija (St. Elijah) peak above Baska Voda. Along with the neighboring Scirovac, it’s considered one of the most secluded and hardest peaks to reach in Croatia. Biokovo offers many more adventures and peaks, some are great for experienced hikers, and some are better for beginners.
Introduction to Biokovo Mountain Biokovo Mountain is a limestone massif rising above the Makarska Riviera. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and anybody into mountains and hiking. Rising above the Dalmatian coastline, the Biokovo mountain range offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea, nearby islands, and the hinterland located behind it.
Among its peaks, Sv. Ilija (St. Elijah), standing at 1,640 meters, is a popular destination for hikers seeking both adventure and stunning views. Other popular peaks from this area of Biokovo mountain are: Vošac, Sv. Jure, Šćirovac (Miletnjak), Šibenik, Bukovac…
About the Hike: Baška Voda to Sv. Ilija The hike from Baška Voda to Sv. Ilija is one of the most rewarding and hardest trails in the Biokovo Nature Park at the same time. The tour toward this peak starts at Baška Voda and ascends through Mediterranean vegetation and near cliffs to reach the peak. To shorten the hike, we advise you to start from the village of Bast which is located a bit above Baška Voda.
There are also different routes you can take and these vary in length and difficulty.
Distance: Approximately 10 km round trip.Duration: 6-8 hours (depending on pace and breaks).Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.Best Time to Hike: April to October, with spring and autumn offering the most pleasant conditions.
How to Prepare for the Hike on Biokovo Mountain Each summer we witness a lot of people going on the Biokovo mountain hiking trip totally unprepared and without the proper gear. Unfortunately, there have been many accidents on Biokovo mountain too and some of the lost hikers were never found. So we advise you to follow the safety protocols and common sense when going on a hike to Biokovo mountain or any other mountain in Croatia or anywhere in the world.
These include:
Clothing and Gear:
Wear proper hiking boots with good ankle support. We have seen many tourists going on a Biokovo hike in a flip flops or similar beachwear
Dress in layers; temperatures can vary significantly with elevation. If you start early it might be cold, but it will heat up during the day
Bring a hat and sunscreen to protect against the sun. This is a must since Biokovo offers very little natural shade.
Essentials to Pack:
At least 2 liters of water per person. Minimum, especially if you are going on longer hikes or hiking the Biokovo mountain in the summer.
Snacks and a packed lunch. You need to eat something and there are almost no facilities on Biokovo mountain.
A fully charged phone and a physical map or GPS device.
A first-aid kit and trekking poles (optional but helpful). Poles are especially helpful for a descent from the mountain as it will keep your knees less stressed.
Check the Weather:
Avoid hiking on very windy or rainy days, as conditions on the mountain can become dangerous very quickly. if this happens during your hike, find a shelter as soon as possible.
Starting Point: Baška Voda or Bast Baška Voda, a small place on the Makarska Riviera might be the starting point for this hike. Before heading out, explore the town’s charming waterfront and stock up on supplies from local shops. The trailhead is easily accessible from the town center and is well-marked.
The much shorter alternative is driving to Bast village and starting your hike from there.
The Trail to Sv. Ilija (starting from Baška Voda) Section 1: Ascent Through Mediterranean Vegetation The trail begins with a steady ascent through pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation. This section provides shade and offers occasional views of Baška Voda and the coastline. Keep an eye out for:
Native plants like wild sage and lavender.
Local wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
Section 2: (from Bast onwards): Rocky Terrain and Cliffs As the trail climbs higher, the vegetation becomes sparse and the path transitions to rocky terrain. This section requires careful hiking but rewards you with spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and nearby islands, including Brač and Hvar. Make sure to turn around and enjoy the view.
Tips:
Take short breaks to enjoy the scenery and catch your breath.
Follow the red-and-white trail markers to stay on track.
Section 3: The Summit of Sv. Ilija The final part to Sv. Ilija peak is steep but manageable. Upon reaching the top, you will be rewarded with a 360-degree view that stretches from the Dalmatian coastline, nearby islands, and to the inland mountains. This is one of our favorite viewpoints of Biokovo Mountain.
Highlights at the Sv. Ilija Peak:
A small stone chapel on the peak.
Great views of the Adriatic Sea and Biokovo’s rugged peaks.
A sense of accomplishment and serenity.
Descending the Trail The descent follows the same path back to Baška Voda or Bast, depending on where you started from. Take your time to ensure a safe return, as the rocky sections can be tricky and most of the hiking accidents happen on the way back. Use trekking poles if you have them to reduce strain on your knees.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Hike Here are some tips we highly advise you to follow to ensure a great experience and avoid a free helicopter ride you definitely want to avoid.
Start Early: Begin your hike early in the morning if hiking Biokovo in summer to avoid the midday heat.Stay on the Trail: Going away from marked paths can be dangerous and lead to disorientation and you could easily get lost.Respect Nature: Carry out all trash and avoid disturbing wildlife. Don’t leave anything on Biokovo mountain, and don’t take anything with youEmergency Contact: 112 is the emergency number in case of any issues. Don’t hesitate to call it as soon as the accident happens. Stay calm, you’ll be fine.
Other Activities and Attractions Nearby If you choose to hike this part of the Biokovo mountain, there is a high chance you are spending your vacation somewhere on Makarska Riviera. So let us recommend you few other activities to try and locations to visit since you are a nature lover.
Biokovo Skywalk: Located in the Biokovo Nature Park, this glass platform offers thrilling views and is a short drive from Baška Voda. You need to enter Biokovo Nature Park for this attraction.Makarska Riviera Beaches: Reward yourself with a relaxing dip in the Adriatic after the hike. Makarska Riviera has some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia.Brela Stone: A famous natural landmark just a few kilometers from Baška Voda. The promenade from Baška Voda to Brela is a stunning one.Rafting on Cetina River: Cetina Canyon is not so far from Baška Voda and it’s great for all kinds of adventures, and rafting is one of the most popular ones, especially during the hot summer days.
Our experience of this great Biokovo hike (Winter edition) As we said, we have explored many peaks of the magnificent Biokovo mountain. On this beautiful late winter day, we decided to go to Sv. Ilija, peaks above Baska Voda and is one of the highest peaks of the Biokovo mountain range. The view from up there is mesmerizing with Makarska Riviera and a nearby island group looking like on the palm of your hand.
We started early in the morning from the old Baska Voda village of Bast. We knew that we’d need around 4 hours to reach Sv. Ilija peak, maybe even more since we make few stops for coffee and photography. We like to document our adventures in the best way we can.
The trail to Sv. Ilija is well marked and it’s part of the Biokovo nature park so some things are forbidden, making fires and camping, for example. There are few options to reach this peak with each trail being different from another one. One will take you longer to reach the end, but it’s not so steep, the other ones are steeper, but you’ll stand on Sv. Ilija peaks much sooner.
We chose a steeper trail because we already did the rest of the options and we wanted to see something different. The whole trail to the peak is beautiful and we knew that we’ll have some snow along the way up, especially in the places that are in the constant shade in these late winter months.
We really enjoyed this climb and we made a lot of stops, trying to enjoy every view from Biokovo Mountain. We reached the peak some 5 hours after we started with the ascent. We even saw some Biokovo chamois during the climb. They are not a rare sight on Biokovo mountain, there is a high chance you’ll see them if you go hiking here, but they’ll always keep their distance from you. Don’t expect them to come close to you.
We spent 1 hour on the top and we already knew that we were going to do part of our descent in the dark because the day is too short at this time of the year. But we were prepared for that even before we started our Biokovo mountain hike so it was ok. We brought headlamps with us and along with extra caution, that’s the only thing you need for night descent from the mountain.
Seeing a sunset while returning from Biokovo Mountain was a spectacular sight and it felt like a reward. These winter sunsets are somehow different from the summer ones, they have a special melancholic glow. And so we reached our van after one hour of hiking in the dusk and dark. The popular ‘bura’ wind was blowing and it was a cold and clear night that reminded me of a time when my friend and I went on the ‘Biokovski vuk challenge’ (Wolf of Biokovo mountain) and we were sleeping out in the winter cold.
What to have in mind when embarking on the Biokovo mountain hike Biokovo mountain hike is very likely to be a beautiful experience. But there are some things you need to take care of. First of all, proper hiking equipment is of the essence. Never ever try to hike the Biokovo or any other mountain in nothing less than real hiking boots. You’ll be surprised how many tourists coming to Croatia embark on a hiking adventure without the proper equipment.
Second, Biokovo Mountain is much higher than it seems. It might seem to you like a one-hour hike when you are looking at it from the sea in Makarska Bay. But it’s a different story when you start going up there. One of the most popular hiking trails of Biokovo mountain is one starting from Makarska and ending on Vosac peak above this city.
We encourage you to do this hike because it’s a beautiful experience, all we ask is for you to take all the safety precautions to minimize any risks. If it’s summer, then start the hike very early, even before dawn. In this case, you’ll avoid most of the hottest part of the day. And trust us when we say that the heat in the mountain can be unbearable.
Take a lot of water with yourself. And we mean a lot. When you think you have enough of it, pour yourself another water bottle. You’ll need water more than anything else. Take proper clothes too. The hat is a must, don’t go on a summer hike without a hat and sunscreen. It makes all the difference in the world.
Before you Venture on the Biokovo Mountain Hike The hike from Baška Voda to Sv. Ilija is one of our favorite hikes on Biokovo Mountain . No matter if you are an experienced hiker or a passionate explorer, this trail offers you an opportunity to connect with the magnificent Biokovo Mountain. But carefully plan your journey, pack your gear, and experience one of Croatia’s most rewarding hikes in a safe manner.
And finally, enjoy your Biokovo mountain hike adventure!!
