Four reasons to visit Makarska in the winter months
The view of the mountain Biokovo leaves you breathless. Not far from Makarska, at the foot of Biokovo, lies the magical village of Kotišina, which hides many treasures worth admiring. Ancient roads leading from Makarska to this place will provide you with an unforgettable enjoyment of the charms of nature.
1.Plant lovers can enjoy the “Garden of twelve flower months” all year round
In Kotišina there is the Biokovo Botanical Garden, which is an integral part of the Biokovo Nature Park. It was founded in 1984 on the idea of Dr. Fr. Jure Radić, his associates and volunteers, and was conceived as “Biokovo in miniature”. The garden is specific in its appearance and characteristics because it contains native flora that is indigenous to the area of the Nature Park and Podbiokovlje. On a relatively small area of 3.5 ha, you can find various habitats, rocks, arable land, cliffs and the canyon Proslap, where during heavy rains, a waterfall of the same name is created. About 250 different plants can currently be seen in these habitats, many of which are endemic or strictly protected species. Since all species are native, in any part of the year, regardless of climatic conditions, you can see the plants in bloom, so this garden bears another name “garden of twelve flowering months”. Seven zones of the garden (Plants of Biokovo gorges, Plants of Biokovo rocks, Medicinal plants of Biokovo area, Agricultural plants and cultures, Plants of wider areas, Plants of sipari and Other plants of Biokovo) are connected by footpaths, where in some places there are educational boards and benches for rest and rest.
2. A paradise for a walk in untouched nature
In this area you will find a number of educational trails where you can learn something about the history of Kotišina and its population. Tourist agency Tip Extreme offers two very attractive hiking and adrenaline tours – Kaštel Kotišina and Kotišina – forgotten farming routes that will take everyone who wants adventure. And you can take a walk in the beautiful nature and discover historic buildings on your own.
3. Interactive discovery of archaeological, ethnological and natural heritage
If you like to learn something new, be sure to visit the newly opened Interpretation Center Veliki Kaštel. It is equipped with the latest multimedia technology. The central place of interpretation and presentation of the cultural and natural heritage of Kotišina, through three themes of the exhibition: archaeological, ethnological and natural heritage. You will see some of the archeological exhibits found at the Kotišina site under the direction of the Makarska City Museum. Ethnological stories present the way and style of life of the population with special emphasis on the connection between the actions of man and nature. Most of the center is dedicated to the natural heritage and the phenomenon\of great plant diversity in the wider local area, especially the heritage of the Biokovo Botanical Garden Kotišina and the legacy of its founder, Fr. Jure Radić.
4. A newly equipped bike path will satisfy any explorer on two wheels
The bike path that leads from the center of Makarska all the way to Kotišina provides real enjoyment of nature. Along the way, cyclists will come across three innovative, fully equipped rest areas, one of which also serves the purpose of bird watching. Thanks to the project “Revitalization of the cultural and historical heritage of the hamlet of Kotišina” which is funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds, Kotišina has received a number of new contents that will delight you when you visit them.
