Podstrana Holidays 2025/2026
Located seven kilometres from Split, Podstrana is a wonderful destination to visit. You can escape the busy city centres while being close enough to explore some of Croatia’s best attractions. Podstrana itself is made up of five villages, all nestled at the foot of a mountain. Podstrana is becoming an increasingly popular place for holidays to Croatia, thanks to its location and abundance of activities. Whether you want to explore the city of Split or swim under waterfalls, Podstrana is the perfect place to do so.
Podstrana Holiday Deals
Relax on the big beaches
Like many in Croatia, Podstrana’s beaches are gravelly with a gentle slope into the warm sea. Podstrana holidays are often spent near the coast – there are more than six kilometres of beach to explore. As you move further down the coast, you’ll find concrete piers, hotels, resorts and restaurants. It’s easy to find accommodation on the seafront in Podstrana, and many of the hotels and villas have excellent beachfront facilities. You can rent chairs and umbrellas on most areas of the beach, and you’ll find places offering water sports, including kayaking, sailing and windsurfing.
Get to know the region
One of the first things you’ll want to do is get to know the individual villages that make up the town. The oldest and biggest is Gornja Podstrana, which is tucked into the foothills of Perun, a 290m-high mountain. The other four villages, Strožanac, Grljevac, St. Martin and Mutogras, are smaller and closer to the coast.
You’ll find some excellent restaurants in Podstrana itself. There’s a big emphasis on quality cuisine, so you can try some of the best examples of traditional Dalmatian dishes. The tavernas and pizzerias serve tasty dishes in a more relaxed setting, too. When the sun sets, head to the seafront for evening entertainment, sea-view bars and excellent cocktails.
Go rafting on the River Cetina
One of the unique elements of Podstrana holidays is the proximity to the wilderness. You can experience Croatia’s majestic landscape by rafting on the nearby River Cetina. Depending on the tour company you book with, you’ll spend a few hours navigating the fast-flowing waters, while stopping for snacks and photo opportunities.
Most tours are split into three sections: the beginning and end are relatively slow-paced, while the middle section is fast and fun. Halfway through the adventure, you’ll stop at a waterfall where you’ll take an alternative route, which can include venturing through a small cave.
Swim in the waterfalls at Krka National Park
From Podstrana, you can visit Krka National Park. It’s home to a huge number of glistening waterfalls that plunge into pristine waters. You’ll undoubtedly see pictures before you arrive, but nothing can do the reality justice. From shimmering, emerald lakes to deep, navy-blue plunge pools, the colours are vibrant and bright.
The best bit about Krka National Park is that you can swim in the pools at the bottom of the waterfalls. There’s also the opportunity to book onto guided tours, where you can sail along the upper part of the river and visit a Franciscan monastery.
Spend the day in Split
Podstrana is close to Split, so it makes sense to spend some time in the city. There’s a lot to see and do, including visiting The Diocletian Palace – one of the city’s most popular attractions. If you want to learn more about Split’s history, you can book onto a guided walking tour or visit the city’s three museums.
The markets are great to visit, too. You’ll find a variety of goods for sale, including fish, fresh fruit, flowers, local cheeses and Croatian olive oil. The restaurants and bars also offer excellent entertainment – for lively nightlife and great food, you can’t go wrong in Split.
Take a tour of Plitvice Lakes National Park
Plitvice Lakes is the other National Park to head to when you’re in Podstrana. Nestled into the mountainous Lika region, it has more than 90 waterfalls and 16 connected lakes. You can get around the park on foot, bike or shuttle bus, and a boat ride is included in your entrance fee.
There are eight hiking routes to choose from at Plitvice, each with varying journey times and difficulty levels. The shortest hike is around two to three hours, while the longest is eight. There are cafés and snack bars along the way, too.
Podstrana holidays give you the best of both worlds when it comes to Croatia. You can explore the majestic landscape, while drinking cocktails in the lively city of Split. With a warm Croatian welcome, you’ll feel at home wherever you stay in the town, and if you don’t fancy venturing too far, there are beaches and hiking trails to enjoy on your doorstep.