The Best Hiking Trails Around Split

Hiking is one of the most beloved outdoor activities. Besides getting our bodies moving, hiking also relaxes the mind and spirit. Spending time in nature and breathing clean air is truly beneficial, as is the escape from the city bustle.

With the arrival of autumn, we enter a period of the year when temperatures are no longer so high, but the Dalmatian sun still invites us to spend time outdoors. Autumn weekends in Dalmatia are special, marked by many sunny days, a mild climate, and light clothing, which creates ideal conditions for a trip into nature.

This southern part of Croatia, besides its beaches and islands, also hides mountain massifs that stretch right along the coast, offering stunning panoramic views of Dalmatia and the islands, along with a pleasant combination of mountain and sea air. The inhabitants of Split are truly fortunate because their surroundings feature several mountains with beautiful trails, perfect for a weekend escape and recharging the batteries.

Here are some ideas for a hiking trip in the Split area that will make you want to head into nature as soon as possible.

Mosor

Just a few kilometers from Split, Mountain Mosor offers peace, panoramic views, and hiking trails that invite you to explore. Its highest peak, Veliki Kabal, rises 1,339 meters above sea level, perched along the mountain’s steep main ridge. One of the most popular routes leads to Veliki Kabal, starting from the village of Sitno Gornje, where there’s a small parking area for several cars and a regular bus connection from Split. From there, the trail to the Umberto Girometta mountain lodge takes less than an hour, followed by a marked path to the summit. The hike isn’t particularly demanding, about two hours in total, and the reward is a spectacular view of all Mosor’s peaks and the city of Split below.

On the northern side of Mountain Mosor, near the town of Dugopolje, lies one of the most fascinating karst phenomena in the region, and one of the most beautiful caves in Croatia, Vranjača. The cave is filled with an abundance of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and natural arches, and has been declared a protected geomorphological natural monument. Open to visitors, it’s a true delight for lovers of natural wonders and underground beauty.

Kozjak

Beyond Mosor, the area around Split hides another mountain worth visiting, the impressive Kozjak. Stretching along the northern side of Kaštela, its highest peak, Veliki vrh, reaches 779 meters and rises above Kaštel Gomilica. The mountain is easily accessible, with old marked hiking trails leading up from all seven Kaštela towns, as well as from Solin and Klis.

For beginners, the ideal ascent starts from Gornja Rupotina, a 2.5 kilometer trail that can be completed in just under an hour and a half. Those seeking a longer and slightly more challenging route can take the 5.7-kilometer trail from Solin, which leads to the top in about two and a half hours. The effort is well worth it, as the view from the top is truly breathtaking. Along Kozjak Mountain, you’ll also find four mountain lodges and a number of charming stone chapels scattered along the slopes.

Biokovo

Hiking in Biokovo offers options for everyone, both seasoned hikers and those who simply want to enjoy the beauty of mountain trails at a more relaxed pace. Biokovo is part of the Dinaric Alps and is home to Croatia’s second-highest peak, Saint Jure, which rises to 1,762 meters above sea level. The area is also a Nature Park, featuring well-marked trails, informative signage, and maps that make navigation easy at every step.

For beginners, excellent options include trails starting from Podgora or Srida Sela, such as the Podgora/Srida Sela – Vrutak – Staza – Podgogovik route. It’s an easy hike, taking roughly two and a half hours. The ascents are gentle, and the top rewards you with unforgettable panoramic views. Other beginner-friendly trails include Gomila – Zakučje – Stružine – Manastirine, which takes about four hours, and Brela/Kričak – Sv. Kajo – Nevistina Stina – Sokolove Staje – Sv. Nikola, which can be completed in just under three hours.

Beyond the trails themselves, Biokovo offers a range of fascinating sights to explore. Highlights include the Skywalk viewpoint, with its spectacular views over the Makarska Riviera, the Kotišina Botanical Garden, and historic chapels such as St. Nikola and St. Kajo, tucked along the mountain paths.