If you’re looking for a budget-friendly holiday spot near Split, Croatia, consider Podstrana, a 9000 inhabitant relaxed coastal village just 10 km south of the city.
Podstrana stretches about 6 km along the Adriatic coastline, from the Žrnovnica River southward. Perfect if you want sea views, easy access to Split, and more affordable accommodation than in Split.
Check out my Video of Podstrana to get a feel for what Podstrana is like.
Holiday in Podstrana
Here’s what you should know before deciding to spend your holiday in Podstrana:
As mentioned above, Podstrana has a 6 km long coastline, which means regardless of where you are staying, you have a 50 to 60% chance of having a sea view from your accommodation.
But not all sea views are created equal 🤔
Podstrana is divided by the coastal road (the famous Jadranska Magistrala): places on the seaside are the priciest, but they guarantee direct sea views, a short stroll to the beach, plus easy access to restaurants and coffee bars.
Many accommodations on the mountainside (above the road) offer the most spectacular panoramic sea views, but the terrain can be steep in spots. It’s super important to check not just the walking distance to the beach, but also the elevation gain. Climbing 30 meters uphill in 35°C heat isn’t the most fun way to end a beach day!
Also important to know, Parking is scarce near the beach, so even having a car would not fix the issue with the elevation. Also, Uber and taxis are not viable options for transport to and from the beach.
Beaches in Podstrana
The key reason to spend a holiday in Podstrana is the easy access to the beaches—almost the entire 6 km coastline is one long pebble beach.
As you can see in the photo below, the beach is quite narrow, and along the beach there is a nice walking path. (Check my video to see footage from the beaches)
Good to know about the beaches in Podstrana:
- Coffee bar and restaurant along the beach – ✅ several along the beach.
- Watershoos recommended – ✅
- Sunbeds and Sunshade for rent – ✅
- Rentals: Jetskis, Pedalboats, SUBs. (Available near Hotel Antonio)
- Beach Activities: Inflatable Aquapark (There is at least one along the beach)
Accommodation Podstrana
The majority of accommodation in Podstrana consists of apartments, but there are also hotels along the coast and some houses with pools, which are usually located on the hillside.
You can book apartments on the major platforms, but I would recommend checking out this website – Link, or the website of the tourist board – Link, where you can book directly from the apartment owner. This is usually the cheapest way to secure accommodation.
What to see in Podstrana
I think there are two things you should definitely do during your stay in Podstrana:
The most obvious one is, of course, to visit Split. If you don’t have a car, you can easily get there with a public bus (line 60 or line 30). Use the Promet Split app to buy a ticket for just €1.25.
You can also, of course, take an Uber or Bolt—as I’m writing this, a standard Uber ride from the Riva in Split to the center of Podstrana costs around €14. Let me know in the comments what price you paid!
If you have a car, I would also recommend driving up to Gornje Podstrana (the old village on the mountainside). From there, you have a stunning view over Split and the islands. If you have extra time, enjoy lunch or dinner at Konoba Argola (Map Location).
If you want to visit popular places like Trogir, Plitvice Lakes, and Krka National Park, you would need a car, or you would need to go to the Split Bus Station to catch an intercity bus.
From Split, you can also take a day trip to Hvar Town or Bol on the island of Brač.
A popular nearby activity is Canyoning or Rafting on the River Cetina
FAQ Podstrana
Is Podstrana a good base for visiting Split and nearby attractions?
Yes, Podstrana is a great base for visiting Split. It is cheaper, and more accommodation offers sea views.
How often do buses run between Podstrana and Split, and how late do they operate?
Buses between Podstrana and Split run every 30 minutes and operate until midnight.
Do you really need a car when staying in Podstrana?
No, you do not need a car when staying in Podstrana, but having a car makes it easier for shopping, and if you plan to take many day trips.
Is Podstrana walkable, especially in the evening?
Yes, most parts of Podstrana are walkable in the evening.
Are the beaches in Podstrana better than those in Split?
No, I would say the better beaches are located in Split.
Is Podstrana suitable for families or better for couples?
Podstrana is best suited for couples.
What is Podstrana like outside the peak summer season?
In the shoulder season, there is still activity in Podstrana. In the early and late seasons, Split is a better choice.
How far are apartments from the beach in reality?
In Podstrana, you can find apartments directly on the beach, as well as apartments located around 500 meters from the beach and at an elevation of 50 to 100 meters.
