Hike from Bol to Vidova gora

The route at a glance

The summit of Vidova gora is 778 m. Distances and heights are from the Bol to Vidova gora loop on Visorando; your phone or watch may differ a little.

Step by step

1. Start at the church of Our Lady of Carmel (Gospa od Karmela), the parish church just above the harbour. Walk north-west up Novi put and out of the town.
2. Cross the main road after about 750 m. This is the road across the island to Supetar, and cars come fast: cross with care.
3. Walk up through Donje Podbarje, the old upper village, past the little church of St Joseph (sv. Josip). At the last houses, follow the signs for Vidova gora north.
4. At the fork, about 1.4 km from the start, keep left onto the old path to Vidova gora. From here the real climb begins: a stony path in long zigzags up the slope, with Bol and Zlatni rat getting smaller below you.
5. At the crossroads on the ridge, about 4.7 km from the start, turn left. The hardest part is behind you. Follow the ridge east towards the telecommunications antennas.
6. Pass the antennas and carry on to the ruins of the 13th-century church of St Vitus (sv. Vid), which gives the mountain its name. Walk to the edge for the view straight down onto Zlatni rat, with Hvar across the channel and Biokovo on the mainland to the east.

Getting back

• The same way: the quickest and the one most people choose. Go slowly on the loose stones; the descent is hard on the knees. Walking poles help.
• The long loop via Murvica: from the antennas, follow the tracks west along the top and then a winding path down the cliffs to Murvica, and walk back along the coast past Zlatni rat. The whole loop is about 18.6 km and 790 m of climbing, rated difficult, and most people need seven hours or more.
• A lift from the top: a road reaches the summit area from the inland side of the island, so a friend or a taxi can collect you. Agree the place and time before you start, because there may be no phone signal on the way.

When to go

• Summer: start at first light. The slope faces south, there is little shade above the first houses, and by mid-morning it is in full sun.
• Spring and autumn: the best months for the hike, with cooler air and the clearest views after a front has passed.
• Wind: check the wind at the top of this page before you go. A strong bura, from the north-east, is cold and gusty on the ridge even on a warm day.
• Sunset: beautiful from the top, but do not walk down the stony path in the dark. Take the lift down, or bring a head torch and allow extra time.

What to carry

• At least two litres of water each. There is no water on the route.
• Proper walking shoes with a good grip. Trainers slip on the loose stones.
• A hat, sun cream and a layer for the top.
• Food, a charged phone and the emergency number, 112.

Questions about the hike

How long does it take to hike from Bol to Vidova gora?

Most walkers take two to three hours to climb the 6 km from the harbour and nearly as long to come down. Fast, fit walkers are quicker.

Is the trail to Vidova gora marked?

Yes. Signposts point the way from the upper village of Podbarje, and the path is well trodden. Keep left at the fork above Podbarje and turn left at the crossroads on the ridge.

How hard is the hike?

It is a steep, steady climb of about 770 m on a stony path with little shade. It needs no climbing skills, but you need to be fit, wear proper shoes and carry water.

Can children do the hike to Vidova gora?

Older children who walk regularly can, early in the morning and with plenty of water and breaks. For younger children, drive up from the inland side and walk the last few minutes to the viewpoint.