Pakline & The Napoleon Road: A Journey Through Time in the Biokovo Mountains

The hike to Pakline is far more than just a challenging climb; it's an encounter with Dalmatian history. As you ascend the steep slopes of Biokovo, you walk in the footsteps of a bygone era.

A significant portion of the trail follows the so-called Napoleon Road. Construction began in the early 19th century during the brief French occupation of Dalmatia. The goal was to create a connection across the mountains. What fascinates hikers today is the construction: Without modern machinery, enormous limestone blocks were precisely stacked to create a consistent gradient. Although the project was never completed after the French withdrew, the remaining sections still bear witness to an impressive architectural vision. The contrast between the rugged natural landscape and the man-made, symmetrical curves is a truly unique sight.

After leaving the historic road behind, the path leads into the Pakline Forest Reserve. The name derives from the word "paklina," which refers to the resin of the black pine trees, once used to seal ships. The trees stand like sentinels over the coast, offering a welcome, shady retreat on hot days.

The "Early Bird" Start: Those hiking in summer should definitely begin their ascent between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. The sun rises behind the mountain, meaning that the western faces of Biokovo are still in cooling shade in the morning. The Light Spectacular: Late afternoon offers the most photogenic light. As the sun slowly sinks towards the horizon, the white limestone cliffs are bathed in a warm gold glow. But be careful: Never underestimate the speed of dusk in the mountains. The descent should always be made in daylight.

After a rainy day, when the wind (the Bora) has blown the dust from the air, the visibility is best. On such days, you can often see as far as Italy. Trail markings: Pay attention to the red and white circles (“Knafelc markers”). Without these markers, it's easy to lose your way in the rocky terrain. Flora along the trail: Look out for the “Biokovo bellflower,” an endemic plant found only in this massif. No water on the mountain: There are no natural springs or wells along this route. Your supplies must last for the entire round trip. The hike to Pakline is much more than just a physical climb; it's an encounter with the history of Dalmatia. As you ascend the steep slopes of Biokovo, you walk in the footsteps of a bygone era.

Trail markings: Look out for the red and white circles (“Knafelc markings”). Without these markers, it's easy to lose your way in the rocky terrain. Flora along the trail: Look out for the “Biokovo bellflower,” an endemic plant found only in this massif. No water on the mountain: There are no natural springs or wells along this route. Your supplies must be sufficient for the entire round trip.