Sveti Ilija Makarska

Sveti Ilija is the highest peak of the Biokovo mountain that rises directly above the town of Makarska, a steep limestone summit reaching 1,640 metres that is one of the most dramatic climbs in Croatia. From the coast it appears as a near-vertical wall, and from its top there is the sweeping view over the Makarska Riviera, the central Dalmatian islands and, on a clear day, the coast of Italy.

The peak is reached by a steep, marked path that climbs from Makarska up through the karst, a serious walk of several hundred metres of ascent that should not be undertaken lightly. The path is exposed to the sun and to the bura wind, and the weather on the summit is very different from the heat of the coast below.

Sveti Ilija is part of the Biokovo Nature Park, and the mountain holds the new Skywalk viewpoint and the longer Biokovo road to the interior. The peak itself is for walkers, while the Skywalk is the easier viewpoint for drivers.

For photographers, the summit view over the islands and the sheer drop of the mountain into the sea are the shots. This is a genuine mountain ascent, so carry proper footwear, water and a layer, and check the wind and weather before setting out.

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