The highest rideable road in Croatia
Might be just the third highest peak in Croatia with its 1762m above the sea level, but it is the highest mountain possible to ride and all the way to its top!
Set high on the Dalmatian coast of the Adriatic Sea this is a must ride. The road is paved all the way till the top. It’s called Biokovska cesta (Biokovo Tourist Road). The road commands a breathtaking panorama of the folds of the mountains stretching down to the seashore and islands of Croatia, and the view to the sea and inland is amazing. You’ll find many fine viewpoints along this long climb.
The road was originally built up to 897m (2,942ft) above the sea level, by the Austro-Hungarian Army in 1878. In 1964, it was extended to the top of the mountain in order to install a television transmitter there. The road was totally paved in 1978. It is is even enlisted as one the most dangerous roads in the world. But don’t let that scare you away – is it really worth taking a risk and riding up there. It is one of a kind chance since you are already visiting Croatia and thinking about it. And if you are still reading this article it means you might be up for it!
The top of this mountain is large rocky dome, occupied by a television tower and the building of telecommunication devices. Before these towers were built, Sv. Jure chapel was standing at the top and then it was moved a little bit to the north, few meters below the summit. At the summit you will see relatively large parking lot designed for roughly 30 to 40 cars. There are several restaurants on the road, of which only one or two are open, mainly during the tourist season.
There is also one unique attraction along the way – Biokovo Skywalk. Newly opened in 2020, it is a horseshoe-shaped glass platform that extends 11 metres out over the cliff with absolutely majestic views out to sea. At a height of 1,228m above sea level, 50 people are allowed on the viewing platform at any one time. Skywalk is located around 13km from the entrance of the park along the narrow Biokovo Road, which should take about 30 minutes when driving. The Skywalk is open daily from 8am to 7pm.
Plan about 1 hour to complete the drive, and that is without any stop. But trust us – you’ll want to stop turn after turn just to look around and admire the views.
TIPS:
- There are some narrow parts (only 3-4 meters wide in places), impassable for 2 cars at the same time. You should be prepared to back up if you meet an oncoming vehicle. Actually so narrow, that passing by is possible only on the special islands, which are placed not so often. Be cautious especially at the turns you can’t see the the other way, as the car might take up the whole lane.
- You need to drive very slowly, even a small mistake can cause accident. There accident can mean falling about 1 km down. The speed limit is 30km/h. It’s forbidden to overtake. Drive with great caution. Take extreme care with the wind. The 3 last km are very narrow with an average gradient up to 14%.
- Also watch out for the cows and horses on the road! It is their living area, they are well taken care of and Biokovo is their home.
- The road to the top, through national park Biokovo (Natural park Biokovo is open from 7.00 to 20.00 hours) and has a fee entrance. Entrance is 4 euros during the day. At nights it’s free.
- The best part about entering Biokovo Natural Park with a motorcycle is that you don’t have to wait in line to enter! It tends to be really crowded in high season, cars are let in every half an hour because of the narrow road and some wait for a few hours to go in. You just stop at the cashier, buy the ticket and go in as soon as they lift the ramp.
- The route is recommended during all seasons. During winter time check the snow conditions and temperature on the top. Don’t choose windy time because the wind can be very strong on Biokovo. Check carefully the weather report before the trip.
- Gear up! Take warm clothes. It is high mountain so it might be scorching heat on the coast but the temperature up is at least few degrees lower.
Enjoy the ride!
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