Booking.com

Podgora is a vibrant town nestled along the stunning Makarska Riviera. While historically rooted in fishing and seafaring, tourism has flourished over the past fifty years, drawn by the town’s mild climate, prime location, and untouched natural beauty.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited for thousands of years. Podgora first appears in written records after the 1571 Battle of Lepanto, under the protection of the Republic of Venice following the Turkish defeat. The town's name reflects its proximity to the slopes of the Biokovo mountain range. As a key defensive stronghold against Turkish incursions, it played a crucial strategic role in regional history.
Podgora is divided into two sections: Upper (Old) Podgora and Lower Podgora. Upper Podgora was established when locals fled to the Biokovo hills to escape Turkish invasions. Lower Podgora was built after a devastating earthquake in 1962, which reshaped much of the town’s natural beauty. This reconstruction period sparked rapid tourism development.
In 1962, the iconic Seagull Wing monument was erected on the Biokovo slope above Upper Podgora, commemorating the partisan navy founded in the town two decades earlier. Standing over 20 meters high, the monument is the work of sculptor Rajko Radović and symbolizes the victory over fascism. The broken wing represents the fallen, while the uplifted wing celebrates the triumph. This monument was unveiled by President Josip Broz Tito on the 20th anniversary of the Yugoslav Navy’s founding, marking an important moment in the town’s history.
Podgora also has a rich prehistoric past, with the nearby "Three Graves" site, a series of noble burial grounds that once served as guard posts. In Upper Podgora, visitors can find the ruins of the Roščić Tower, part of the 17th and 18th-century defense system, which was severely damaged in the 1962 earthquake.
The beaches of Podgora are renowned for their pristine, ecologically clean waters. Spanning over 5.5 kilometers, these beaches are shaped by the unique interplay between the Biokovo mountains and the Adriatic Sea. Numerous freshwater springs, many of which are well-maintained, add to the town’s natural charm.