Biokovo Nature Park: Croatia's Mountainous Jewel

• HelloZdravo
  [Zdrah-voh]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-dyen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryIzvinite
  [Eez-vee-nee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Goh-voh-ree-teh lee ehn-gles-kee]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMolio bih da vidim meni, molim
  [Moh-lee-oh bee dah vee-deem meh-nee, moh-leem]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dehm meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vyeh-lee]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Upomoć!
  [Oo-poh-mohtch]
• Go away!Idi odavde!
  [Ee-dee oh-dahv-deh]
• Call the Police!Pozovite policiju!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo]
• Call a doctor!Pozovite doktora!
  [Poh-zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah]
• I'm lostIzgubio/la sam se
  [Eez-goo-byoh/lah sahm seh]
• I'm illBolestan/na sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn/nah sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-shta]
• That's too expensiveTo je prevelika cijena
  [Toh yeh preh-veh-lee-kah tsee-yeh-nah]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-seht)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVeče
  [Veh-cheh]
• YesterdayJučer
  [Yoo-chehr]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [O-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...?
  [Gdyeh yeh]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee nah kahr-tee]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh slyeh-deh-chee ow-toh-boos]
• A ticket (to ....)Jedna karta (do ....)
  [Yehd-nah kahr-tah doh]

The slopes and valleys of Biokovo were once home to ancient Illyrian tribes. Archaeological evidence suggests that these early inhabitants established fortified hilltop settlements known as 'gradine' to protect themselves from invaders. These settlements provide a glimpse into the early cultures that thrived in the region before Roman conquest.

During the Roman era, the importance of Biokovo increased due to its strategic location. The Romans built extensive road networks that traversed the mountain range, facilitating trade and military movements. Remnants of these ancient roads can still be found, attesting to the significance of Biokovo in the Roman provincial framework.

In the medieval period, Biokovo was dotted with fortresses and monasteries that served as defensive strongholds and religious centers. The most notable is the Kotišina Fortress, which played a crucial role in protecting the local population from Ottoman invasions. Nearby, the Kotišina Botanical Garden, established by the Franciscan monk Jure Radić, showcases the region's rich biodiversity.

The 16th and 17th centuries saw numerous Ottoman incursions into the Biokovo region. These invasions had a profound impact on the local communities, leading to the construction of defensive structures and the migration of populations. Oral histories and local folklore still recount tales of bravery and resistance against the Ottoman forces.

During the early 19th century, Biokovo became a theater of conflict during the Napoleonic Wars. The rugged terrain of the mountain range provided a natural refuge for local resistance fighters and a strategic advantage for controlling movements in the region. The legacy of these conflicts can be seen in the ruins and historical markers scattered throughout the park.

In the 20th century, efforts to preserve the natural and cultural heritage of Biokovo gained momentum. The area was officially designated as a nature park in 1981, recognizing its unique biodiversity and historical significance. Conservation initiatives have focused on protecting the park's flora and fauna, as well as preserving its rich historical sites for future generations.

Biokovo Nature Park is located in southern Croatia, near the town of Makarska. The nearest major airport is Split Airport, approximately 80 kilometers away. From Split, you can rent a car or take a bus to Makarska. The bus journey typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can reach the park from Dubrovnik, which is around 150 kilometers away. The drive from Dubrovnik takes approximately 3 hours.

Once in Makarska, you can reach Biokovo Nature Park by car, taxi, or organized tours. The main entry point is the Biokovo Road, which is a narrow, winding road leading up to the park. Driving is the most convenient way to explore the park, but be prepared for steep and curvy roads. There are also cycling and hiking routes for the more adventurous travelers.

The official currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Makarska and the surrounding areas. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and for entry fees to the park. ATMs are available in Makarska, but less so within the park itself.

Biokovo Nature Park is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, be cautious when driving on the narrow and steep roads within the park. It is also wise to stick to marked trails when hiking and to be aware of potential wildlife encounters. Petty crime is rare but always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The nearest hospital is in Makarska, around 20 minutes away from the park entrance. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and adventure activities. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Makarska.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and practical clothing suitable for hiking and outdoor activities. Sun protection is essential. Avoid wearing flip-flops or sandals when hiking. Religion: There are no specific religious customs to observe in the park, but respect any religious sites you may encounter. Public Transport: Do use public transportation to reach Makarska, but note that public transport options to the park itself are limited. Renting a car is more convenient. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Dobar dan' (Good day) and a smile. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties in Makarska, such as seafood dishes. Don't litter in the park; always carry your trash with you.

To experience Biokovo Nature Park like a local, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the peak crowd and heat. Bring a picnic and enjoy it at one of the many scenic viewpoints. Don't miss visiting the Biokovo Skywalk, a glass walkway offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Engage with locals in Makarska for tips on less-known hiking trails and hidden gems within the park.