Biokovo

The mountain Biokovo is the largest and highest mountain in Dalmatia. It extends vertically from the Adriatic coast to an altitude of 1762 m (peak Sv. Jure). More than 16 peaks are over 1400 m (Sv. Ilija - 1640 m, Šibenik - 1314 m, Štropac - 1145 m, Vršac - 1411 m, Sinjal - 1333 m). By nice weather you can see all the islands (Brač, Hvar, Korčula, Vis, Mljet), peninsula Pelješac, some of the cities on the southern Dalmatian coast (Omiš, Split), and the northern cities Vrgorac and Imotski with the surrounding villages. Sometimes, when very clear weather, one can see all the way to Italy.

Due to its geographical position, Biokovo is a mountain that has a continental and a mild mediterranean climate at the same time, so one can find a variety of plant species from both worlds. There are a lot of caves and pits around Biokovo and very often one may encounter wild animals, different kinds of birds and rich vegetation.
Biokovo was declared as a park of nature in 1981. in order to preserve various forms of plant and animal species and natural beauty in an area of 196 km2(19,550 ha). Park is a good destination for botanists as well as hikers and bikers. Botanical garden Kotišina is a part of park of nature Biokovo. It was founded in 1984. and was named after village Kotišina located at the foot of Biokovo, 3 km away from the town Makarska.
Biokovo is a mountain that can be visited by car, by bicycle and on foot from various parts of the Adriatic coast and Makarska Riviera. Access from the coast: Makarska - Makar - Vošac – Sveti Jure (5 hours 30 min) or Makarska - Tučepi - Staza – Sveti Jure (paved road, 31 km).
More information and spectacular images can be found at http://biokovo.com/