If you have chosen Podgora for your vacation destination in Croatia, you have chosen well. Makarska Riviera (on which Podgora is located) is one of the most famous places for holidays in Croatia. But your holiday won’t be the same if you spend your time not aware of the best things to do in Podgora.
And that’s where this article kicks in. As we are locals living near Podgora, we pretty much know all the best things you can do in Podgora that will make your stay even more pleasurable and memorable. You don’t need to visit or try all the things we mention in this post, but make sure you try at least one. We leave it up to you to choose which one will be.
About Podgora
Podgora is a small town on Makarska Riviera, located just a few kilometers away from the city of Makarska, the largest city in the vicinity and the central part of Makarska Riviera. Like many other places of Makarska Riviera, Podgora started as a small fishing village on the coast of Dalmatia and gradually evolved into what it is today – a great place for a great vacation.
In ancient times, most of the population lived in old villages that were located (and still are, just now they are abandoned) on the slopes of Biokovo mountain. As the years progressed and tourism became a more and more relevant economic branch, the people slowly moved closer to the sea. And as tourism grew so the accommodation capacities grew with it. Old villages became abandoned and most of the people moved closer to the sea. Nowadays, old stone houses of these old villages are being rebuilt into stone villas with luxurious amenities.
Podgora today is a modern small town with tourism as the main economic branch. Being situated near the larger city of Makarska, Podgora offers everything you need for a pleasant vacation in Croatia.
Our list of the best activities to try in Podgora area
How to Reach Podgora
Getting to Podgora is easy like with any place in Makarska Riviera. Most of the tourists come to Podgora either by car or by bus. There are no airports near Podgora and the closest one is Split airport, some 1 hour and 30 minutes of driving away.
Many bus lines pass through Podgora and buses are very frequent in the summer months with main lines connecting the cities of Split and Makarska. But beware that public transport can often be delayed because of the dense traffic during the summer months. Many tourists who come to Croatia by airplane choose to rent a car and that’s one of the best things you can do if you’re coming to Croatia this way. It simply gives you many opportunities to explore Croatia in your own way and at your own pace.
Driving in Croatia is easy, the roads are pretty wide, you drive on the right side here and most of the roads are in very good condition. If you are coming to Podgora by car from some of the nearby countries, the fastest way to reach it is by using a main Croatian motorway (A1) and taking the Makarska exit.
- By Car:
- Podgora is about 10 km from Makarska and 150 km from Dubrovnik. The Adriatic Highway (D8) provides a scenic and convenient route.
- Parking is available in and around the town and possibly your accommodation will have a parking spot too
- By Bus:
- Regular bus services connect Podgora with nearby cities like Split, Dubrovnik, and Makarska.
- The local bus stop is close to the town center although the bus schedule is not so reliable during the months with dense traffic
- By Air:
- The nearest airport is Split Airport, approximately 90 km away. From there, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use shuttle services to reach Podgora.
Best Time to Visit Podgora
Overall, summer is the season that attracts most of the visitors to Croatia. The weather is very hot and dry during that period which is perfect for enjoying one of the Makarska Riviera beaches. The Adriatic Sea is at its warmest at this time of the year too. So if you want to enjoy the sun and the sea combination, then summer is the best option.
However, you must be aware that it can get pretty crowded during the high season in Croatia. A good alternative if you like fewer people around you would be visiting Podgora in June, the first half of July, or in September. The weather is pretty much the same as in August but it’s not as crowded.
- Spring (April to June): Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, with pleasant temperatures and blooming flora.
- Summer (July to August): Perfect for beach lovers and all kinds of water sports and activities, though it’s the busiest season.
- Autumn (September to October): Offers warm weather and fewer crowds, making it great for exploring and swimming.
- Winter (November to March): A quiet time for relaxation and mild outdoor adventures. There is nothing much going around and pretty much everything is closed.
Introduction to Things to Do in Podgora
As Podgora is located near the Adriatic Sea, people come here to visit it and mostly enjoy the sun and the sea combination. But there are many more things to do in Podgora if you are not that type of visitor.
With Podgora being on the sea, water sports and activities are prevalent. Then there is a Biokovo mountain just above the whole of Makarska Riviera and it’s worth exploring too, especially if you are a hiking enthusiast. Just beware of the heat that can become unbearable during the summer months and it’s better if you start land outdoor activities as early as possible.
Visit the Biokovo Nature Park
Biokovo Nature Park is the protected part of Biokovo Mountain and it’s one of the most famous non-sea-related things to do in Podgora and the rest of Makarska Riviera too. It attracts many tourists with each passing season. The entrance to the Biokovo Nature Park is not far away from Podgora and you can reach it in approximately 20 minutes if you are using the route that passes through old Podgora village.
There is a paved road going through the whole Biokovo nature park and you need to pay the entrance fee to get in. You don’t need to pay an additional price for your car, you pay only for the passengers and the ticket is relatively cheap (please check the official website for price updates). The main attractions of Biokovo Nature Park are the newly built Biokovo skywalk and the highest peak of the Biokovo mountain Sv. Jure. We suggest you visit Vosac Peak too, as it’s the Biokovo peak with the best view of Makarska city and the nearby Makarska Riviera.
Keep in mind that the road through the Biokovo Nature Park is narrow and you’ll need to have some driving experience before you embark on this adventure. Prepare your nerves too. The alternative is to book one of the guided tours that explore the Biokovo Nature Park and visit it stress-free.
- Why Visit: This nearby Biokovo nature park is a paradise for hikers, cyclists, and nature lovers.
- Highlights:
- The Biokovo Skywalk is a glass platform offering panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea.
- Trails lead to the Sveti Jure Peak, Croatia’s second-highest peak.
- Tips:
- Wear proper shoes and bring a lot of water for hikes.
- Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking at famous spots such as Biokovo Skywalk.
Try the Zipline in Tučepi Near Podgora or Zipline in Omiš
Ziplines are a very popular adrenaline attraction lately and Croatia is full of them. Many have been built in Croatia in the past few years. One of the most popular zip lines in Croatia, one located in the canyon of Cetina River near the city of Omis, is just 40 minutes of driving away from Podgora and we definitely recommend you visit it too.
But there’s an even closer one. There’s a zipline located in Tucepi with 6 cables and a total length of 1000 meters and you descend them all when you book a tour. All while enjoying great views of the Adriatic Sea and Makarska Riviera below you.
The whole tour with the transfer and introduction lasts for around 2 hours. This zipline is one of the most adventurous things to do in Podgora.
- Why Try It: Experience the thrill of soaring above forests and rocky landscapes near Podgora.
- What to Expect:
- Multiple zipline routes offer breathtaking views of the Makarska Riviera.
- Professional guides ensure a safe and fun experience.
- Pro Tip: Wear comfortable clothing and proper shoes.
Explore One of the Secluded Beaches in the Area
Like many other places on Makarska Riviera, Podgora has a large central beach situated right in front of the town. And in the summer, it might seem to you that all the visitors are right there on that beach. That’s not far from the truth though.
But you can try something else, something different. Instead of struggling to find your place on an overcrowded beach, you just need to find a secluded one and a great thing is that there are plenty of these hidden bays around Podgora. They are usually a bit harder to reach so not everybody goes swimming there. Few of these are FKK beaches so don’t get scared if you see naked people around you. You can still choose the way you want to swim and enjoy the silence of these secluded beaches.
- Why Visit: Podgora is surrounded by hidden and secluded beaches, perfect for escaping the crowds.
- What to Do:
- Relax on a secluded beach like Djevičanska Plaža.
- Enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
- Tips: Bring a picnic and beach essentials as facilities are limited or nonexistent at all.
Go Kayaking in Makarska or Explore Podgora by Kayak
Kayaking is one of the best activities you can do on any sea and it’s one of the most relaxing things to do in Podgora. Whether you choose to rent a kayak and explore around or choose one of the guided tours available, you can’t miss it. Makarska Riviera is a beautiful stretch of coastline and there are many great places to explore by kayak.
- Why Try It: Kayaking allows you to discover the stunning coastline and hidden gems of the Adriatic Sea, all while staying fit and in eco-friendly way
- What to See:
- Paddle around picturesque bays and secluded beaches.
- Enjoy a guided tour for insights into the local marine life.
- Tips: Book a sunset kayaking tour for a unique experience.
Book a Boat Tour to Nearby Islands from Makarska
Makarska is a great place to visit if you are staying in Podgora and we are sure you will spend at least one day in this beautiful and vibrant city. But we are writing about it because of another reason and that is numerous boat tours that can be booked in Makarska and that will take you to some of the most famous places of nearby islands.
- Why Book a Tour: Makarska, just a short drive from Podgora, is a hub for boat excursions to Croatia’s famous islands.
- What to Expect:
- Explore islands like Brač and Hvar or visit the famous Blue Cave on Biševo island near Vis.
- Visit charming island villages, swim in secluded bays, and enjoy local cuisine on board.
- Tips:
- Book in advance during the summer months to secure your place.
- Look for tours offering stops at multiple islands for a more diverse experience.
Aerial view of the bay and old core of the famous touristic city of Makarska in Dalmatia, Croatia.
What Else to See on Makarska Riviera and Near it?
All these things to do in Podgora we mentioned in this article are located in the vicinity of this town. However, we urge you to discover other places on Makarska Riviera too. While being in Podgora, you are located in one of the most beautiful and most popular parts of Croatia. It would be a shame not to explore around.
And we don’t just mean that you should explore only Makarska Riviera. There are some nearby places worth exploring that are located not so far away. Take the city of Omis for example. It’s a beautiful city just 30 minutes of driving away from Podgora. And there are many things to do in Omis. There is a beautiful Cetina canyon, Omiš Via Ferrata trail, or one of the most popular zip lines in Croatia. The city of Omis is also one of the most popular places for rock climbing in Croatia.
Let us mention a few other places that are not so far away from Podgora either.
Visit Baćina Lakes
Baćina lakes is a group consisting of 7 lakes that are connected to each other and this environment is one of the most unique lake systems in Croatia. It’s located some 40 minutes of driving away from Makarska and getting to Baćina lakes is very easy since they are basically below the main regional road connecting Split and Dubrovnik.
- Why Visit: Located less than an hour’s drive from Podgora, these interconnected freshwater lakes are a serene escape from crowds and mass tourism
- Activities:
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, or cycling around the lakes.
- Join a traditional boat safari to learn about the area’s history and ecology.
Visit the Neretva River Delta
If you choose to go just 10 minutes of driving further from Baćina lakes, you’ll get into the beautiful landscape of Neretva Valley. It’s a place full of sandy beaches and one of the most famous places for kite surfing in Croatia. If you are into vast sandy beaches this place is a must-visit for you.
- Why Visit: Known as the “Croatian California,” this delta is rich in wildlife and adventure opportunities.
- Activities:
- Kiteboarding, birdwatching, or exploring the sandbars.
- Take a boat tour through the winding channels of the delta.
Visit Omiš
Omiš is often considered to be an adventure capital of Croatia. Located at the Cetina River mouth, Omiš provides you with a wide variety of adventure tours you can do there. At the same time, Omiš is a historical town worth visiting even if you are not into adventurous activities.
- Why Visit: This historic town, about 40 km from Podgora, is famous for its famous Cetina canyon and adventurous activities.
- What to Do:
- Go ziplining across the Cetina River.
- Try rafting or canyoning in the Cetina River Canyon.
- Explore the old town and its historic fortresses.
Best Outdoor Activities to Do in Podgora and Wider Area
Here’s a list of some of the best outdoor things to do in Podgora and around it.
- Hiking: Trails in Biokovo Nature Park and along the coastline.
- Cycling: Scenic routes along the Makarska Riviera and through nearby villages.
- Snorkeling and Diving: Discover underwater wonders around Podgora’s coastline.
- Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Ideal for exploring hidden coves and beaches.
- Rock Climbing: Try routes in Omiš or other climbing spots nearby.
- Boat Excursions: Explore nearby islands like Hvar and Brač or enjoy a coastal tour.
Before you Venture
As you can see Podgora is a great place for all kinds of experiences. From exploring Biokovo Nature Park and kayaking along the Adriatic coast to relaxing on secluded beaches and visiting nearby attractions like Baćina Lakes and the Neretva River Delta, there’s no shortage of things to do in Podgora. We hope this article helped to fing the best one for you and we hope you’ll enjoy your holidays in Croatia.