Skypevo Bioovo: a glass platform overlooking the Adriatic Sea at an altitude of 1228 meters

History and Context

The Biokovo Skywalk is a S-shaped glass observation platform that juts 12 meters above the cliffs of the Biokovo mountain range. {GOOGLE=43.3175,16.9611} It was opened in June 2020 as the main attraction of the Biokovo National Park and quickly became one of the most photographed spots in Croatia within its first few months.

The concept for this project originated from an architectural firm based in Zagreb. They were inspired by the Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona, but the Croatian version proved to be more compact and, in many people’s opinion, more visually striking: beneath the glass floor lies not a canyon, but the emerald-blue Adriatic Sea and its scattered islands. The platform itself is located at an altitude of 1228 meters above sea level, and its transparent bottom gives visitors the illusion of flying freely over the Dalmatian coast.

The Biokovo mountain range is the second-highest range in Croatia (with Mount Sveti Jurе reaching 1762 meters). The national park covers an area of 196 square kilometers, featuring karst landscapes, endemic plants, and wild goats. The Skywalk perfectly complements this already stunning array of natural wonders.

How to Get There

38 tight turns along this serpentine road make it just as impressive as the Skywalk itself

The Skywalk is located within the Biokovo National Park. The nearest town is Makarska {GOOGLE=43.2969,17.0186}, the resort capital of the Makarska Riviera.

From Split

The distance is approximately 85 km along the E65 highway (the Jadran Highway). By rented car, it takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Buses operated by Promet Makarska and Čazmatrans depart from Split to Makarska every 30–60 minutes; the one-way ticket costs 8–12 EUR, and the travel time is about 1.5 hours.

From Dubrovnik

The distance is roughly 170 km; it takes 2.5–3 hours by car or 3–3.5 hours by bus (ticket price: 15–22 EUR).

From Makarska to Skayvok

This is the most crucial section of the route. The distance from the center of Makarska to the platform is 23 km along a narrow mountain road called Biokovo Road, with a vertical elevation change of over 1200 meters. The road is single-lane with passing areas and features 38 sharp turns; the travel time is approximately 40–50 minutes.

Important note: Starting in 2023, personal vehicles are not allowed to enter the park during the high-season period (from June 1 to September 30). A shuttle bus is provided at the entrance; it is included in the ticket price and departs every 20–30 minutes. In other months, you can drive your own car into the park (parking is free near the platform).

Organized tours departing from Makarska or Split cost between 45–65 EUR per person, including transportation and entrance fees. You can book them through GetYourGuide or Viator.

What to see

The glass floor of Skayvok: between you and the Adriatic Sea are 1228 meters and 10 cm of tempered glass

The Skayvok Glass Platform

The main purpose of this visit, in fact, is to see this. {GOOGLE=43.3175,16.9611} A steel and tempered glass platform 12 meters long hangs over a precipice. The glass panels at the bottom can withstand a load of up to 1000 kg/m², so it’s safe to walk on them—even though your knees might not agree with your head! At the same time, no more than 12 people are allowed on the platform at a time, so during the peak season, you’ll have to wait in lines that can last 20–40 minutes.

From here, you can see: to the south are the islands of Hvar and Brač; right below is Makarska Riviera with its beaches; on clear days, you can even make out the coast of Italy in the distance.

Summit of Sveti Jure

The highest point of this range is 1762 meters high. {GOOGLE=43.3431,17.0514} It’s about 15 kilometers by road or 3–4 hours on foot from Skayvok to the summit. At the peak, there’s a weather station, a radio tower—and an absolutely breathtaking 360-degree view. The trip is really worth it on a clear, cloudless day; otherwise, you’ll just see a white wall in the fog.

Vošac Viewing Platform

Another great spot for a panoramic view. {GOOGLE=43.3052,17.0267} It’s located at an altitude of 1421 meters. You can reach it on foot along a marked trail from Makarska (about 3 hours of climbing) or by car/shuttle via the park road. The view from here is probably the most picturesque in all of Makarska.

Kotišin Botanical Garden

At the foot of the Biokovo range, at an altitude of 350 meters. ⟪3⟞ This garden showcases endemic plants from the Biokovo region. The entrance fee is 3 EUR; it’s open from May to October. It’s a great place to take a break before or after your hike.

Makarska’s City Beach and Promenade

After exploring the mountains, it’s time to head to the sea. ⟪4⟞ Makarska Bay is semicircular in shape, with a sandy beach whose water remains clear even during the high season. The beach is free to use, but renting a sunbed costs 7–10 EUR per day.

Practical Information

Opening Hours of Biokovo and Skywalk Nature Park

• April–May: 08:00–17:00
• June–September: 06:00–20:00 (last shuttle up the mountain: 18:00)
• October: 08:00–17:00
• November–March: The park is closed to visitors due to impassable roads caused by snow and ice)

Prices (2024–2025)

• Entrance ticket to the park + Skywalk: Adults — 18 EUR, children (7–18 years) — 9 EUR, children under 7 years — free
• Only the park (without Skywalk): Adults — 10 EUR, children — 5 EUR
• Shuttle bus (June–September): Included in the ticket
• Parking (outside shuttle service season): Free

Tickets can and should be purchased online at pp-biokovo.hr. The number of visitors allowed per day is limited; in July and August, tickets sell out within 2–3 days.

When to Visit

Ideally: late May or early October. Fewer visitors, mild temperatures (15–22 °C at the summit), and clear visibility. In summer, the coastal areas can reach +35 °C, but at 1200 meters above sea level, the temperature is comfortable at around +20–25 °C with wind. Early mornings in June and July offer the best views; by noon, haze often settles in.

Watching the sunrise from the Skywalk is an unforgettable experience. To do this, you need to book a spot on the first shuttle service in the morning (06:00 in summer).

Tips for Visitors

What to Bring

• Jacket or light coat: Even in summer, it can be cool and windy at 1200 meters above sea level. Strong gusts of wind are possible.

What to avoid

• Do not plan to visit during midday in July–August – The queue for the platform can be over an hour long, and the heat on open roads is exhausting.
• Do not attempt to enter during peak season without an online ticket – You will be turned away at the entrance without one.
• Do not try to drive around the shuttle bus during peak season – There are barriers and fines for this.
• Do not approach the cliffs outside the platform – The karst rocks are fragile, and there is no security along the trails.

Where to eat nearby

There are no dining facilities within the park itself. You can head down to Makarska:

• Restoran Riva {GOOGLE=43.2972,17.0175} – A fish restaurant by the waterfront, serving fresh seafood grilled on the grill. Lunch costs 25–40 EUR per person.
• Konoba Kalalarga {GOOGLE=43.2963,17.0192} – Traditional Dalmatian cuisine in an alley of the old town. Dalmatian stew (pasticada) costs 15 EUR, and domestic wine is 3 EUR per glass.
• Jež {GOOGLE=43.2985,17.0155} – A pizzeria with views of the port, offering quick and affordable options. Pizza ranges from 8–12 EUR, and beer costs 3 EUR.

If you want to snack upstairs, bring along sandwiches. Having a small picnic by the Skywalk parking lot while enjoying the Adriatic Sea view is a pleasure that doesn’t cost anything extra.