Podgora Couples Guide: Romantic Getaways 2027

01Why Podgora Works for Couples

Podgora is a small town on the Makarska Riviera, between the Adriatic and the Biokovo mountain range. It has about 5.5 km of coastline, more than 2,750 sunshine hours a year, and a calmer pace than Makarska, 9 km to the south-east. Evenings are for walking the seafront and eating fish. There is no club scene. That is the main reason to choose it over Makarska for a romantic trip.

Opinion: For a couple, Podgora is a better base than Makarska. It has the same beaches, ferries and excursions within 15 minutes by car or bus, with far fewer crowds after dark.

02Best Beaches for Couples in Podgora

Plišivac Beach

Plišivac lies just north of the centre. Fine pebbles, pine shade and very clear water make it the best all-day beach in town. Arrive before 10:00 in July and August to get a spot under the trees. Bring sea shoes, as sea urchins live on the rocks.

Garma Beach

Garma is a pebble cove about 25 minutes on foot north of the centre. It is the most private option near town, with no beach bars and little infrastructure. Pack water, snacks and shade, and walk there in the morning before the heat builds.

Klokun Beach

Klokun, between Čaklje and Drašnice, is a good choice for snorkelling in clear water. Facilities are minimal, so bring a picnic.

Podgora Town Beach

The central beach has changing facilities and rental sunbeds and umbrellas, with cafes right behind it. It is the easiest option for a short swim and a drink. Expect sunbed prices of roughly €10-20 per pair in high season.

03Romantic Things to Do in Podgora

Walk the Seafront at Sunset

The promenade runs from the harbour past the beaches and is car-free in the centre. Sunset in July is around 20:30. The Seagull Wings Monument, a large memorial above the town, has an amphitheatre with views over the bay and is a quiet spot for the last light.

Visit the Biokovo Skywalk

The glass-floored Skywalk sits at 1,228 m inside Biokovo Nature Park. Park entry runs around €10–15 per person depending on season, and guided cabrio, Land Rover and tuk-tuk tours from the Makarska area start at about €56-67 per person. Sunset and morning departures avoid the midday heat, which can be severe in summer. Take a jacket, because the summit is clearly cooler than the coast.

Take a Speedboat Day Trip

The most popular excursion is the 5-hour 3-island speedboat tour from Makarska to Brač, Hvar and Zečevo. It includes a cave swim and a stop at the Blue Lagoon. Prices start around €77 per person. A private option is a self-drive licence-free boat, for roughly €50-90 per group depending on hours and boat size. It suits couples who want quiet bays without a group.

Go Kayaking or Snorkelling

Sea kayaks can be rented along the Podgora and Makarska coast. Paddle early, when the sea is flat, and stay close to the shore.

Day Trip to Omiš or Krka

Omiš, with its canyon mouth and river, is about 40 km north. The Krka waterfalls day trip from the Riviera takes a full day and is better booked in spring or autumn.

04Where to Eat and Drink in Podgora

Roko Restaurant

Central seafront spot for fish, meat and pasta. It is the usual choice for sunset tables, so reserve for 19:30-20:00 in summer.

Restaurant Vruja

Known for carefully presented fish and seafood.

Konoba Klemić

Traditional home-style Dalmatian cooking on Obala Petra Krešimira.

Portobello Bar Pizzeria

Casual, for a cheaper pizza night.

Banana Bar

Cocktails and live music on the beach side.

Kuka Wine & Spirit Bar

Quieter evening drinks.

Expect €25-45 per person for a fish dinner with wine. Grilled fish is usually priced by weight, around €60-80 per kg, so ask the price before ordering.

05Where to Stay

Medora Auri Family Beach Resort is a 4-star hotel on the car-free promenade with direct access to a pebble beach and heated outdoor pools. Despite the name, it works well for couples in the shoulder season. Podgora also has private villas and apartments on the hillside, with sea views and pools. These typically cost several hundred euros per night in high season, and the top-end villas cost considerably more.

Insider tip: Rooms and apartments on the hillside above the old coastal road give the best views, but the walk back up is steep. Check the access route before booking.

06Best Time to Visit

September is the best month for couples. The sea is at its warmest and prices drop from the August peak.

07Getting There

Split Airport is about 75 km away, roughly 1 hour by car. Makarska has regular buses, and a taxi from Split Airport typically costs €90-120. A rental car helps for Garma, Klokun and Biokovo.

08Local Tips for Couples

1. Book sunset tables at least one day ahead from late June to August.
2. Go to Biokovo first thing in the morning, or at sunset, to avoid heat and tour buses.
3. Wear water shoes on all pebble coves.
4. Carry cash for small beach kiosks and for parking near the coves.
5. Medora Hotels often include an excursion such as a Skywalk or island boat trip with direct bookings, so check their offers before booking a tour separately.