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CROATIA HAS MUCH MORE TO OFFER THAN JUST SUN, SEA AND BEACHES

Explore cities

Croatia offers many historical and modern attractions in large and small towns. The best known are Dubrovnik, Split and Omis. All places are ideal for day trips by bus, motorcycle or car.

Even the journey from Podgora is worth it. You drive along the coastal road and discover many small coastal villages, islands, mussel pools and cross the neighboring country of Bosnia and Herzegovina for around 30 minutes. Please do not forget your passport on your journey! In Dubrovnik itself, look for a free parking space (try the Dubrovnik Public Parking Garage) and you can reach the old town on foot in 5-10 minutes. Dubrovnik’s old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979: narrow alleyways, steep stairs and always a wonderful view of the sea – there’s no better way to spend an afternoon! Enjoy an ice cream, relax in a café or sit on the wall at the harbor. The possibilities are endless! Of course, “Game of Thrones” fans will also get their money’s worth. You can book guided tours at the sightseeing spots. Enjoy Dubrovnik – the pearl of the Adriatic!

The port city at the northern tip of the coastal road delights with a great market and wonderful moments by the sea. In Split, you can watch cruise ships and ferries on their way at the harbor and choose an island to visit by sea. The second largest city in Croatia is popularly known as the “capital of Dalmatia”, as it is the largest city in southern Croatia. Be sure to visit the Peristyle colonnaded courtyard and the Diocletian’s Palace, which comprises several buildings! You can already tell – you won’t forget this trip in a hurry!

Located at the foot of a road that leads into the depths of the surrounding mountains, Omis offers attractions such as hicking, trekking, rafting or zipline. Do you like hiking? No problem! Around 10 themed hiking trails offer every visitor a unique experience. The canyon also has two waterfalls to offer! Located next to the village of Zadvarje, you will experience a natural spectacle that you will never forget. The mouth of the river Cetina into the Adriatic is geographically exceptional and well worth seeing. It separates the new town from the old town, so that both parts of the town can only be reached via a bridge. And if you’re ever in Omis, you absolutely must find out about the town’s pirate history – as I said: an unforgettable visit!

Many other cities await your visit or invite you to explore them. We will be happy to help you with your planning and give you valuable tips!

Experience the sights

There doesn’t have to be a day when you and your family can’t get out and about! Croatia has so much to offer – read for yourself!

Drive to Makarska and stroll along the beach promenade. On your way back, don’t park your car in Podgora, but buy tickets for your family and car to take the ferry to the island of Brac! The largest island in Dalmatia, which you can also see from our terrace during breakfast and dinner, is the third largest island in the Adriatic at 395 km². Brac is best known for the different types of rock quarried on the island: limestone, sandstone, gravel, clay minerals and limestone red clay. The limestone from Brac has been in demand since Roman times and is used in many countries around the world for the construction of cities, palaces and tombs. The White House in Washington is also partly made of Croatian stone. If you have packed your swimming gear, you must visit the town of Bol and the nearby Golden Horn. The beach is generally considered to be the most beautiful in Croatia – and you shouldn’t miss it!

From Brac, you can either take the ferry back to Makarska or Split. After a visit to the old town of Split, take another ferry, because the island of Hvar is waiting for you! You can also see Hvar from our terrace or your balcony – the elongated island is the fourth largest island in the Adriatic and has a mild, pleasant Mediterranean climate. Various sights, such as the “Grapčeva pećina” cave on the south side of the island or the cypress tree in the Franciscan monastery, can be easily reached by car. But even just the drive across the island is worth the trip! A little tabloid aside: Did you know that Blue Ivy, daughter of US pop star Beyoncé and rapper Jay-Z, is an honorary citizen of the island of Hvar?

Once you have visited Hvar extensively, take the ferry to Drvenik and drive 20 km along the coast back to Podgora. We will be waiting for you at Villa Cascada with dinner!

Croatia is also popular with many vacationers because of its impressive national parks. The best known are the Krka National Park and the Plitvice Lakes. The nature park with sea views in the Biokovo Mountains is the shortest to reach. And this is located just a few minutes’ drive from Villa Cascada.

Bikovo Mountain Nature Park: The mountain range, over 1,700 meters high, stands out in every picture of the Makarska Riviera. It protects the coastline from cold and harsh winds and offers hikers and nature lovers an incomparable excursion. You will be rewarded with great views, undisturbed wilderness and breathtaking moments.

Krka National Park: The name of the nature reserve comes from the Krka River, which at 72.5 km is one of the longest rivers in Croatia. It should be emphasized that the Krka carries 49 km of fresh water and 23.5 km of brackish water. Have we aroused your interest? The nature reserve around the Krka consists of hiking trails, waterfalls, river rafting and ruins that invite you to visit. Several lakes in the national park are ideal for swimming, especially from May to August. A free festival is also held every year in summer. You can reach the national park, 150 km away, easily and quickly via the highway.

Plitvice Lakes: Croatia’s largest and oldest national park is located in the middle of the country, not far from the border with Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a UNUESCO World Heritage Site, it is visited by around one million people every year. Adults pay around 150 kuna per person during the main tourist season. This is the equivalent of 20 euros. Children under the age of 7 can visit the park free of charge. The cascading lakes are known far beyond the country’s borders. 16 are currently visible and separated from each other by natural barriers – a unique natural spectacle! We promise you: it’s worth it!

Of course, the Makarska region offers many more beautiful excursion destinations than those mentioned, which everyone should visit. But there is always more to discover! We are happy to help you with tips and planning your excursions.

Water fun by the sea

The crystal-clear water on the Croatian coast is impressive for swimmers. But those who venture further out will also discover the beauty of the coast from a completely different angle. At the port of Podgora or in the neighboring town of Makarska you will soon find a boat rental, even without a license. Gaze into the depths of the Adriatic Sea or look towards the Biokovo mountains – you will experience Croatia from a different perspective! The Croatian Adriatic is known for its clean, clear water. All beaches – of course also in Dalmatia – have already been awarded the “Blue Flag”, an international seal of quality, several times!

In terms of culinary delights, Croatia can hardly hold a candle to any other country. Freshly caught fish is offered at the Botts restaurant in Makarska harbor, among other places. You may have to wait a few minutes for a free table, but it’s worth it and you can pass the time with a glass of wine!

A few kilometers north of Split you will also find the “Solaris Aquapark Dalmatia” – if you and your family are more in the mood for slides or the lazy river! For an entrance fee of around 15 euros per adult, you can enjoy various water pools and even a kids’ zone.

Of course, the Makarska region offers many more beautiful excursion destinations than those mentioned, which everyone should visit. But there is always more to discover! We are happy to help you with tips and planning your excursions.