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More Than Just Sun and Sea
November 22, 2024
Autumn Excursion: Discover the Best Hiking Trails and Stunning Views of Dalmatian Peaks
Hiking trails and promenades rewarded with the most beautiful views: these peaks in Dalmatia will delight any nature lover.
Autumn, along with spring, is the best time for hiking, enjoying unspoiled nature, exploring the most beautiful peaks, and experiencing unforgettable views. Although Dalmatia is most often associated with summer, the sea, and beaches, now, when the temperatures are pleasant and the heat is gone, is the best time to explore its mountains. From the mighty peaks of Biokovo, easier trails to historic fortresses, and climbs to island peaks hiding unique viewpoints, take an excursion and immerse yourself in the exploration of nature and the most beautiful mountains of central Dalmatia.
For more demanding ascents, don’t hesitate to hire professional or local guides, and make sure to bring appropriate equipment and adjust your excursion to your physical capabilities!
BIOKOVO: HIKING THROUGH THE KARST WITH BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF THE SEA
This mighty mountain, also a nature park, is one of Dalmatia’s landmarks. Viewed from the sea, it looks powerful, somewhat intimidating, but it offers both difficult and easier trails, something for everyone! The highest peak of Biokovo, Sveti Jure, at 1762 meters, is the third highest peak in Croatia, dreamed of by many experienced hikers. There is no completely easy trail to it if you’re walking. You can choose the route from Makarska, start from Veliko Brdo or the village of Makar. All trail descriptions can be found on the Nature park Biokovo and Croatian Mountaineering Association websites.
But Biokovo also hides gentler paths and less demanding peaks. There are several trails leading to the summit of Sveti Ilija at 1642 meters, where a beautiful chapel stands, with the shortest starting from the Lokva mountain hut via Motike or the village of Bast. If you’re looking for an even easier and more pleasant walk on this beautiful mountain, stroll along the French road above Brela. It doesn’t reach the top, but it has a gentle incline and offers stunning views with little effort.
OMIŠ: ASCENT TO THE HISTORIC FORTRESS WITH A VIEW TO REMEMBER
The city of pirates, klapa songs, beautiful beaches, and two fortresses. That’s Omiš, Dalmatia’s hub for active holidays. One of the must-do excursions if you’re staying in the city and love walking is the ascent to the larger of the two city fortresses, Fortica. From the city center, a well-marked trail leads to the fortress, which can be conquered even by those who are not hikers and don’t have particularly good fitness levels.
The easiest and most commonly used path starts in the eastern part of the city. From Vangrad street, a winding road leads uphill, and at one point, you’ll spot a signpost for “Fortica.” From there, the path is well-marked, and you can’t miss it.
The ascent takes about an hour, and once you reach the 500-year-old fortress, you’ll realize that every step and every drop of sweat was worth it. From this fortress, you get one of the most beautiful views in Dalmatia. Brač, Hvar, and Šolta scattered across the blue Adriatic, the Cetina canyon, Poljica… If the day is clear, you may even glimpse the outlines of Italy in the distance.
VIDOVA GORA: THE HIGHEST AND MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND PEAK IN CROATIA
Hiking in Dalmatia, as already evident, is an adventure where beautiful views open up one after another, each more stunning than the last. But when it comes to climbing Vidova Gora, the view is even more special. Vidova Gora on Brač Island, at 780 meters high, is the highest mountain on the Adriatic islands. From the top, you get a beautiful view of Croatia’s most famous beach, the world-renowned Zlatni Rat.
Although the summit is accessible by car, there is something special about hiking to the top, following one of the established trails, and enjoying a view that gradually, meter by meter, unfolds before your eyes, only to dazzle you in all its beauty at the peak. The shorter and easier trail starts from Kneževravan, while the longer, more strenuous, but far more attractive trail starts from Bol.
The more difficult trail covers a vertical rise of 780 meters in two kilometers, so if you’re after a more relaxed walk, start along the paved road from Kneževravan. It goes through a lovely pine forest with a gentle slope, so most people in average shape should be able to handle it. The ascent via the more difficult trail from Bol takes about two hours, while the easier one takes about half an hour less.
MOSOR: THE “HOME” MOUNTAIN FOR THE PEOPLE OF SPLIT AND THE SURROUNDING AREA IS A KINGDOM OF STONE AND VEGETATION
Beloved by the people of Split and the surrounding areas, Mosor delights with beautiful views and rocky landscapes interspersed with dense greenery. Its highest peak is Veliki Kabal, at an elevation of 1339 meters, and the mountain is dotted with trails for hikers of all fitness levels. One thing you can’t go without on this mountain, or any other, is sturdy footwear to protect your joints on the rocky terrain.
The starting point for ascents to Mosor is the village of Sitno Gornje, near Žrnovnica. There are several possible routes, and the ascent to the top takes between three and four hours. The trail from the village leads to the Umberto Girometta Mountain Hut, which is situated at an altitude of 868 meters. After the hut, the climb gets steeper, and you continue through low vegetation and rocky terrain to reach Veliki Kabal. At the top, you’re rewarded with a beautiful view of the surrounding peaks, Split, and the distant sea.
KOZJAK: THE HILL THAT “GUARDS THE BACK” OF SOLIN AND KAŠTELA, IDEAL FOR SHORT EXCURSIONS
The highest peak of this mountain, which “guards the back” of Solin and Kaštela, is Sv. Jure, located 676 meters above the sea. Its modest height makes this hill ideal for shorter excursions. The trail from Solin to the summit takes about two hours, while from the Putalj Mountain Hut on the southern slope of Kozjak, it takes just under three hours.
Although the second route is longer, it is better if you have the time because it lets you pass through most of Kozjak. Neither of the two trails is particularly difficult, though both feature some steep ascents, so sturdy footwear is essential. From the summit of Kozjak, you can enjoy a view of the coast, Kaštela, and the islands in the open sea. At the very top, there is a lovely stone chapel of St. George, built on a dry-stone wall of a prehistoric settlement.
Author: Putni kofer (translated from Croatian)
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