The majestic Biokovo mountain, which dominates the Makarska Riviera and separates it from the equally beautiful and impressive Zabiokovlje (hinterland) region, is a true paradise for cyclists who enjoy spending their active holidays feeling every ounce of strength in their muscles. However, all the pain and struggle have a sweet taste because the sense of achievement, as well as the victory over the mountain and oneself, is unmatched.
For such cyclists, the ultimate challenge lies in steep and long ascents, cycling routes that will take them over hills and valleys and give them the opportunity to push their limits. In the Makarska Riviera area, there are as many as nine serious ascents, nine opportunities for an outdoor adventure and triumph over the mountain and oneself, with nine unforgettable viewpoints. This is more than enough to ensure your active holiday in Croatia is fully satisfying.
This epic cycling ascent starts at literal sea level and reaches 1,762 meters above sea level, taking you to the highest peak of Biokovo (and the third highest peak in Croatia). There are many cycling destinations in Europe offering longer, tougher, and higher climbs, but nowhere else can you, in just thirty kilometres of extremely steep gradients, go from sea level, practically from the beach, to a peak where, even in summer, you can sometimes find remnants of snow. The view from Sveti Jure peak is endless and beautiful, and the victory over the capricious Biokovo is indeed a great triumph. What sets Sveti Jure apart from other ascents in Europe is that you can tackle it from early spring until the first serious snows in early November.
This ascent starts from the village of Kozica near the town of Vrgorac. The village is situated in a basin bordered by the Vrgorac hills and Biokovo itself. This "comfortable" climb along the eastern slopes of Biokovo is accompanied by a winding road that passes the edge of the Nature Park, featuring switchbacks that offer extraordinary views of the Vrgorac hills. However, the real experience awaits if you continue riding towards the coast. As the road begins to twist towards the sea, you’ll encounter one of the most spectacular cycling descents, with equally spectacular views of the central Dalmatian islands and the irresistible blue of the Adriatic.
The ascent is part of the routes:
This ascent begins at sea level, on the waterfront in Podgora, and takes you over the slopes of Biokovo and past the entrance to the Nature Park in the direction of Vrgorac. The effort of this ascent will be somewhat eased by the beautiful sea views to the south, and the climb officially ends at a turnoff where the road heads inland, and the view of the Adriatic Sea is lost.
The ascent is part of the routes:
A short but somewhat steeper ascent leads from Polje Jezero near Vrgorac, itself a great destination for a trekking cycling trip, towards the town. The climb is named after the village it passes by, and halfway up, there is a viewpoint offering a beautiful view of the Polje, which was once actually a lake.
The ascent is part of the routes:
There are as many climbs in the mountainous surroundings of Vrgorac as you could wish for, and one of the notable ones is at the Milina Zasida pass on the way to Poljica Kozička, a picturesque mountain village in the Vrgorac region. Besides the viewpoint with a beautiful view at its peak, it is important to note that the road you are riding on is not busy, so you will likely be able to fully focus on the physical effort.
The ascent is part of route 600 From the Lake to the Field.
Whichever direction you take from the basin where Kozica is located, some kind of ascent will always await you. One of the steeper climbs is towards the village of Poljica Kozička, which is located on the shortest route towards the town of Imotski and is characterized by a fairly significant average gradient, meaning you will work up a good sweat.
The ascent is part of route 243 Destination Route.
On the state road D62, which leads across Biokovo, there is an ascent towards the Turija tunnel. Although it is a state road, traffic is very light, making it ideal for cycle tourists who can push the limits of their endurance in peace. The peak of the ascent will reward your effort with a wide view of the vast Biokovo hinterland.
The ascent is part of route - 242 Around Biokovo.
One of the greatest natural attractions of Imotski is its spectacular karst lakes located nearby. Along one of them – Zeleno Jezero (Green Lake), you will find this short but "sweet" climb leading through the village of Ričice. After conquering the notable average gradient of 9.9%, you will see Zeleno Jezero as if in the palm of your hand.
The ascent is part of route 201 Northern Riviera.
On the road leading from Imotski towards Zagvozd, you will encounter this step-like ascent with gradients reaching up to 10% in some places. Additionally, the slightly heavier traffic on this section requires extra caution.
The ascent is part of route 600 From the Lake to the Field.
