Dawn on the top of Biokovo

Imagine waking up early to watch the sun paint the mountains of Croatia in a warm glow, standing atop Biokovo—Croatia’s second-highest mountain range. That’s exactly what this Dawn on the Top of Biokovo tour promises. Offered by Budanko Travel, this five-hour experience combines light hiking, stunning vistas, and a touch of local wildlife, all wrapped up in a friendly, flexible package. It’s a chance to see Croatia from a perspective few travelers get—before the day fully begins.

What we love about this tour is the way it mixes adventure with serenity. The Skywalk at 1228 meters offers an unforgettable photo op, and climbing up to Sv. Jure at 1762 meters provides an awe-inspiring sunrise that stays with you long after. Plus, if you’re a fan of animals, spotting semi-wild horses along the way adds a charming, authentic touch. The one possible downside? The tour involves a fair bit of winding mountain roads, so if you’re prone to car sickness, you might want to prepare accordingly. But overall, this tour suits travelers eager for a mix of nature, tranquil vistas, and a dash of Croatian mountain magic.

If you enjoy scenic views, are curious about Croatian nature, or want a memorable sunrise experience, this tour offers excellent value for its price. It’s especially ideal for those who prefer light hiking rather than strenuous climbs and cherish authentic moments away from crowded spots.

Key Points

• Stunning Sunrise Views: Experience dawn from Croatia’s highest coastal peak, Sv. Jure.
• Iconic Skywalk: Walk on the glass-floored Skywalk, with panoramic views of Makarska and nearby islands.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot semi-wild horses that roam the mountain slopes, adding a touch of authentic nature.
• Flexible and Friendly: Small group size, personalized guidance, and flexible pickup/drop-off options.
• Value for Price: At around $66, the tour includes transportation, entrance fees, and expert guidance, making it a worthwhile splurge.
• Time-efficient: All the highlights are packed into five hours, leaving you plenty of time for the rest of your day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Ease and Comfort in Pickup Options

The tour begins with pickup from six convenient locations in Makarska, including hotels and central bus stations. This easy start means you won’t have to worry about transportation logistics and can focus on the experience ahead. The flexibility to be picked up close to your accommodation is a big plus, especially in a scenic but somewhat spread-out area like Dalmatia.

Vehicles to the Highest Asphalt Road

Once aboard the comfortable transport, you’ll ascend the highest asphalt road in Croatia. This part of the journey is quite scenic—driving through mountain curves with views over Makarska and the nearby islands. It’s a great way to build anticipation and get a sense of the terrain that you’ll be exploring on foot.

Skywalk at 1228 Meters

The first major highlight is the Skywalk, a glass-floored platform that juts out over the mountains. Here, you’ll get an unbeatable panoramic view of the coast, islands, and distant mountains. It’s a perfect stop for photos and soaking in the natural beauty. Several reviews mention that the Skywalk provides a “breathtaking” perspective that truly shows how diverse Croatia’s landscape can be.

More Great Tours Nearby

Climb to Voac and Beyond

From the Skywalk, the tour continues with an easy 40-minute hike to Voac, at 1422 meters. The trail is described as straightforward—ideal for most fitness levels—and offers a peaceful walk amidst wild vegetation. Expect incredible vistas and perhaps a few curious semi-wild horses that graze nearby, which travelers find charming and authentic.

Reach the Peak of Sv. Jure at Dawn

The climax of this tour is the ascent to Sv. Jure, at 1762 meters—the highest coastal peak in the Mediterranean. The climb is short but rewarding, offering stunning sunrise views. The moment the sun rises behind the mountains of Bosnia and Herzegovina creates a scene that’s difficult to forget. As one reviewer put it, “Waking up with the mountains and watching the sun come up was an experience etched into my memory.”

Why the Dawn Experience Matters

Watching dawn from a mountain top is a rare experience. The air is crisp, quiet, and filled with anticipation. You might feel the chill of early morning but also the warmth of the sun slowly spilling over the horizon. Many travelers find that this moment becomes the highlight of their trip—a peaceful, humbling reminder of nature’s grandeur.

Return and Additional Stops

After sunrise, the journey winds back down through scenic roads, with optional stops for photos and sightseeing. Some reviews mention that the guide is knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to share insights about Biokovo and Croatia’s natural environment. The tour ends with drop-off at your hotel or accommodation, making logistics straightforward.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At about $66 per person, this tour packs in a lot of scenic beauty, authentic wildlife encounters, and cultural insight. The price includes transportation, entrance fees to the Nature Park**, and a knowledgeable guide. Compared to other experiences that might charge extra for individual attractions, this all-in-one approach offers real value—especially considering the breathtaking views and memorable sunrise.

What sets this apart from other options, such as Skywalk tickets or day trips, is the guided nature walk combined with a sunrise experience. It’s not just about the destination but the journey—enjoying the fresh mountain air, spotting semi-wild horses, and soaking in the tranquility of early morning.

What Travelers Say

Multiple reviews praise the stunning views and the relaxing atmosphere. One said, “The sunrise was breathtaking, and I loved the way the guide made the hike easy and enjoyable.” Others appreciated the flexibility, noting the small group size and personalized attention.

Considerations

While the tour is excellent for most, those prone to motion sickness should be aware of the winding mountain roads. Also, since food and drinks are not included, bringing snacks or water is advisable for comfort during the hike.

Who Should Try This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you’re looking for an authentic mountain adventure with a sunrise twist. It’s suited for travelers who prefer light hiking and want a less touristy, more intimate connection with Croatia’s natural beauty. It’s especially recommended for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking a peaceful morning escape from busy coastal towns.

If you’re comfortable with a relaxed pace and enjoy stunning vistas paired with a touch of wildlife spotting, this tour will likely be one of your favorite memories. It’s also a great choice if you want a balanced activity that doesn’t require extensive physical effort but still offers a sense of achievement and awe.

The Sum Up

The Dawn on the Top of Biokovo tour delivers a uniquely peaceful and visually stunning experience. It combines the thrill of reaching Croatia’s highest coastal peak, the awe of watching the sunrise, and the joy of spotting semi-wild horses in their natural habitat. The inclusion of scenic drives, guided commentary, and flexible pickup/drop-off make it a practical and rewarding choice for travelers wanting to see Croatia’s mountains in a special way.

Whether you’re an avid photographer, a nature enthusiast, or someone simply craving a quiet moment to reflect in a magnificent setting, this tour offers good value. It’s an authentic, memorable way to connect with Croatia’s rugged beauty—without the need for strenuous hiking or complicated logistics.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from six convenient locations in Makarska, making logistics smooth and hassle-free.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable, light clothing and hiking shoes with hard soles are recommended, especially for the walk to Sv. Jure and other stops.

How long is the actual hiking?
The hike to Voac takes about 40 minutes, and the total hiking time during the whole trip is around an hour, making it suitable for most fitness levels.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so bringing water and snacks is advisable to stay energized.

What’s the best time of year for this experience?
While not explicitly specified, the best times are likely spring or early summer when mornings are clear and temperatures comfortable for early starts.

Can children participate?
While not explicitly stated, the light nature of the hike suggests it’s suitable for families with children comfortable with walking.

How long is the entire tour?
The total experience lasts about five hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and hiking.

In summary, this tour is a thoughtfully designed way to see Biokovo’s breathtaking views, experience an authentic mountain sunrise, and encounter local wildlife, all with a friendly guide and flexible logistics. It’s perfect for travelers eager for a peaceful yet awe-inspiring start to their day in Croatia.

You can check availability for your dates here: