Podgora is a small town located about 70km southeast along the coast from Split, and about 10km south along the coast from Makarska. It is one of the most southern towns of the Makarska Riviera. It is a popular holiday town, thanks to its relatively wide range of accommodation.
Getting to Podgora
There are several buses per day from Split, with a journey time of about 1 hour 30 minutes. Buses from Makarska take only about 10 minutes.
Some of the long-distance buses from Dubrovnik to Split stop in Podgora; from Dubrovnik, the journey time is about 3 hours.
If you’ve otherwise hired a car and are making the drive from Split Airport – the nearest airport to the town – it’s about 1 hour 30 minutes, utilising the inland motorway for part of the route.
What to See and Do in Podgora
Beaches
Podgora Beach in the centre of the town is the most popular beach here due to its location. This pebble-y beach has a wealth of amenities, including changing facilities and beach chairs and umbrellas for hire, and is located right by many cafes and restaurants for refreshments when you get a little tired of the sun. There are also facilities for disabled swimmers, including an access ramp and a sea lift.
Plisivac Beach is in the north part of town and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in this region. Although quite narrow in places, the beach is surrounded by palm trees offering welcome shade. There’s also plenty of cafes nearby.
Garma Beach is further north still and smaller. This rocky/gravel beach is a perfect place for those looking to get away from the crowds.
Sightseeing
Just above Podgora is the Seagull Wings (Galebova krila) monument which was constructed in 1962 in tribute to the Partisan navy that was founded in Podgora during WWII. The monument features a “broken” wing that symbolises those who lost their lives in the battle for freedom, whilst the other wing points upwards to symbolise the path to victory.
Churches are unsurprisingly everywhere along the Croatian coast, but for such a small town Podgora surprisingly has 20! The most prominent ones in the town include the Church of St. Tekla from 1626 and the Church of St. Roko from the 17th century.
You may spot Ijak Chapel and Lighthouse on a little islet out to sea. No longer in use, this lighthouse is thought to be one of the oldest preserved lighthouses in the Mediterranean, although it is unknown when it was actually built.
Activities
There’s a diving club in town – Birgmajer-Sub – through which you can go diving at nearby locations or hire diving equipment (if you’re an experienced diver) or learn more through one of the diving courses.
There are local hiking and cycling bikes if you’d like to take part in these activities, as well as plenty of water sports available. Podgora Puls is an agency you can rent bikes (or boats!) from.
Head to Uljara & Kusaonica Acinger to try local olive oil.
Excursions
We’d certainly recommend an excursion to Mount Biokovo/Biokovo Nature Park and its relatively new Biokovo Skywalk, a glass platform that extends 11 metres out from the cliff face at a height of 1,228m above sea level. You can visit by car or ask locally for an organised trip.
Events in Podgora
Outdoor Podgora takes place at the end of May each year and is a sports festival that combines cycling, trail running and sea kayaking.
As with many coastal locations in Croatia, Podgora also hosts its own cultural summer with many outdoor music, dance and theatre performances taking place from early June through to the end of September. Check locally for listings.
Eating and Drinking in Podgora
Roko Restaurant in the centre of town is an excellent place to try all manner of meat, fish and pasta dishes in a friendly setting.
Restaurant Vruja offers beautifully presented dishes, especially fish and seafood options.
2 Monkeys is a fun place with a wide menu, including tasty burgers and pizzas, and offers very generous portions. Lovely location overlooking the sea.
Portobello Bar Pizzeria is another place to try top quality pizzas.
Banana Bar is one of the top places for excellent cocktails, live music and other nighttime fun!
Kuka Wine & Spirit Bar is another great place for evening drinks.
Accommodation in Podgora
There are several lovely hotels in the town, including the four-star, family-friendly Medora Auri Family Beach Resort with its beachfront location, pool, sports and fitness facilities and kids entertainment; and the four-star Aparthotel Natalia Podgora and the Aparthotel Villa Mozart. There’s also the three-star Hotel Primordia and the Hotel Sirena.
Campers will be interested in Medora Oris Camping and Glamping Resort which offers luxury mobile homes – some with their private heated pool – as well as glamping options and pitches for tents.
There are also plenty of apartments and villas for rent – take a look at both hotels and rentals available on the map below:
More info
Pogora has a very information tourist board website, and it’s worth taking a look to see the full extent of what you can see and do in the town.
Podgora has a live underwater webcam which shows what’s going on in the Adriatic Sea at a depth of 8m. You can view it here: Underwater live cam – Podgora, Croatia.