Closure of popular Skywalk attraction frustrates local tourism operators

Skywalk (Photo: Marko Jukić -Majkl/CC BY-SA 4.0)

On 31 October, Biokovo Nature Park officially closed its doors for the season, including its popular attraction, the Skywalk.

The park will reopen on 31 March 2025, as outlined on the Biokovo Nature Park website.

Visitors are reminded that, due to ongoing restoration in fire-affected areas, the Biokovo road will remain closed to traffic on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. until further notice.

The early closure has stirred frustration among local tourism operators, especially as Makarska’s beaches remain active, most hotels are open, and around 2,000 tourists are still in the area.

Goran Zeljko, a Makarska-based mountain guide and owner of a company focused on cycling and hiking tours, expressed disappointment over the decision to daily Slobodna Dalmacija.

According to Zeljko, many cycling tourists were eager to visit the Skywalk, and the extension of the tourist season—largely thanks to favourable weather and continued efforts by the tourism sector—has made the park’s closure seem out of step with current demand.

“This decision doesn’t just harm the image of Makarska as an outdoor destination; it also directly impacts the business and income of everyone working in tourism here,” Zeljko stated. He noted that Biokovo Mountain has become a valuable asset for year-round tourism on the Makarska Riviera, attracting visitors from across the region, especially since the Skywalk opened.

Skywalk attraction (Photo: Marko Jukić -Majkl/CC BY-SA 4.0)

Tourism officials in Makarska believe the park’s opening schedule should better reflect the realities of the extended tourist season. Zeljko highlighted that, aside from beaches, the Skywalk has become a mainstay of Makarska’s tourist appeal.

Marina Josipović, director of Makarska’s tourism board, invited Biokovo Nature Park’s management to a meeting to explore possible adjustments based on seasonal tourist demand and mild weather conditions, rather than adhering strictly to the calendar.

“We hope our meeting will lead to a positive solution, as we have been receiving many inquiries from guests asking why the Skywalk is closed,” Josipović added.

Biokovo Nature Park director, Slavo Jakša, explained that the park has traditionally closed on 1 November for nearly three decades, emphasising the unpredictability of autumn weather and the need to preserve the Skywalk for winter.

He pointed out that the early November closure has long been standard practice, and with forecasts of a polar vortex on the horizon, the decision aligns with safety and preservation requirements.

The park will reopen on 1 April, 2025, marking the start of the next season.