Sveti Jure (Biokovo)

Croatia's most spectacular road climb and one of the great Adriatic ascents. Sveti Jure rises from Makarska on the coast to the summit of the Biokovo mountain at 1,762m — the second highest peak in Croatia — in 23km of sustained climbing that averages 7.4% and regularly touches 15% on the exposed karst limestone road above the treeline. The road was originally built as a fire access route and is technically a private road (cyclists pay a toll of approximately €5-10; verify current rate), but it has become the defining cycling pilgrimage in Dalmatia. The view from the summit — 1,700m of altitude directly above the Adriatic, with the islands of Brač and Hvar visible below — is among the most dramatic in cycling. On clear days the Italian coast near Pescara is visible 130km across the sea.