Croatia. Biokovo mountain range

  The next day began early, with the soft morning light just starting to peek over the horizon. We decided to leave most of our belongings behind, packing only the essentials - snacks, water, and jackets - as we set off for our day hike in Biokovo Nature Park. Our chosen route covered 15 kilometers and had an elevation gain of over 1650 meters, promising both adventure and breathtaking scenery...

   Map of the rout...

  As we started our ascent, the path led us past two beautiful churches that added a spiritual and historical touch to the day's adventure.

 The first was the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an elegant and peaceful sanctuary nestled at the edge of the village. Its simple yet timeless architecture stood in contrast to the dramatic backdrop of the mountains, creating a serene moment as we paused briefly to admire the church and its surroundings. The soft morning light illuminated its white stone walls, and it felt like a quiet retreat for reflection before the challenging journey ahead...

 A little further along the trail, we passed the Church of St. Roch, a charming little chapel with its own unique character which dates back to the 15th century and was built in the gothic style. The church, with its rustic stone façade and centuries-old history, seemed to stand guard over the town below, offering blessings to travelers and hikers alike. The simplicity and tranquility of these churches added a sacred feel to the early part of our hike, making it feel as though we were not just embarking on a physical challenge but also a spiritual journey through time and nature...

  As we continued our climb, following the trail markers, the path became increasingly rugged...

  At times, we found ourselves navigating steep sections of rock, requiring both hands to scramble up the jagged surface. Despite the effort, each step brought us closer to the top of the ridge, where even more breathtaking views awaited...

  One of the most striking sights along the way was the presence of dry, twisted trees perched mysteriously on the rocky slopes. These skeletal remnants of trees, with their gnarled branches reaching out against the stark backdrop of stone, added a surreal and almost mystical atmosphere to the hike. It felt as though they were silent witnesses to the centuries of wind and sun that had shaped this rugged landscape. The contrast between the dry trees and the towering mountains around us made the scene both eerie and beautiful—a reminder of nature’s power and resilience...

  Marks on the route... 

 Finally, after navigating the steep terrain and pausing to take in these captivating sights, we reached the top of the ridge...

  

  From this vantage point, we could see the Adriatic Sea glimmering far below, the islands dotting the horizon, and the rugged mountains extending as far as the eye could see... 

 After reaching the top of the ridge, the trail led us along a narrow, rocky path that was steep on both sides. The ridge offered spectacular views but also heightened the sense of exposure. With the mountain dropping away sharply to the left and right, we carefully navigated each step, feeling the thrill of walking so close to the edge. The wind, which had been mild earlier, picked up significantly as we gained altitude. Gusts swept across the ridge, chilling us to the bone despite the sun still shining overhead. We quickly pulled on our rain jackets to protect ourselves from the biting cold...

  The strong wind added a dramatic element to the hike, as it howled through the rocky landscape, reminding us of the raw power of nature at these heights. Despite the chill, the rugged beauty surrounding us kept our spirits high. The combination of steep cliffs, the wind’s intensity, and the endless views of the Adriatic Sea far below created an unforgettable experience...

   As we made our way along the ridge, there was a particular spot that offered a stunning view of Baška Voda and the Adriatic islands beyond. From this vantage point, the town of  Baška Voda appeared like a small, peaceful haven nestled between the sea and the towering Biokovo Mountains...

  Eventually, we reached our destination: the summit of Sv. Ilija, standing at an impressive 1,641 meters. The peak, named after St. Elijah, is the highest point of the Biokovo range, and the panoramic views from the top were nothing short of breathtaking...

  At the summit stands a small stone chapel, dedicated to St. Elijah. The chapel, humble yet sturdy, seemed to blend seamlessly with the rocky landscape, standing as a symbol of faith and endurance in this harsh environment...

  After enjoying a well-deserved snack break at the summit, we began our descent, the sun higher in the sky now, casting golden light over the rocky landscape. The return leg of the journey gave us a chance to reflect on the incredible natural beauty of Biokovo and how the park offers such a diverse experience - from challenging trails to awe-inspiring vistas...

  As we descended from the ridge, the most stunning views unfolded before us. The rugged mountains of Biokovo, with their jagged peaks and dramatic contours, stretched out in every direction...

  

 The sheer scale of the landscape was breathtaking, and we felt a profound sense of awe as we navigated the rocky terrain. Each step down revealed new angles and perspectives, showcasing the raw beauty of the mountains we had just conquered.

  After finishing our climb down, we came across a picturesque garden dotted with olive trees, their silvery-green leaves shimmering in the afternoon light. This tranquil spot felt like a hidden oasis, a peaceful retreat after our challenging hike. We paused to take in the beauty of the garden before continuing our journey back to Baška Voda...

  Once we reached the town, we collected our belongings from the apartment and made our way to the beach for some well-earned relaxation. The sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon, casting a warm, golden light over the coastline. We found a spot by the water to unwind, letting the sound of the gentle waves wash away the fatigue from our hike.

  To cap off the afternoon, we indulged in a simple but delicious meal of fresh seafood with crispy French fries, savoring every bite as we sat by the sea. The combination of the salty air, the flavor of the seafood, and the peaceful atmosphere made for the perfect end to a perfect day.

  As evening set in, we packed up and took a bus to Makarska, where we planned to stay for the next two nights...