Podgora

Podgora (1500 inhabitants) is a small town and port situated about 9 km southeast of Makarska. It consists of the older village on the slopes of mt. Biokovo, which are still sparsely populated, and the new part on the coast. In the village there are many natural resources of plain water and salty herbal Klokun.

Thanks to its geographical position Podgora was early populated. It was first mentioned in 1571. as one of the places under protection of Venice and from that time are remains of a cemetery with a couple of preserved tombstone. In the upper part of the settlement, in the hamlets Roscici and Marinovic, are towers built in 17th-18th century to defend against the Turks.
From the baroque summer residence of Mrkušić family was only preserved a portal at the entrance to the park and interesting octagonal chapel. The cemetery has few mediaeval tombstones and a monument to politician and writer Michael Pavlinovic which is a work of sculptor Ivan Rendic.
Long tourist tradition reflects in the numerous luxurious hotels and private apartments, numerous restaurants and taverns .
Recreational facilities include numerous sports grounds. There are sailing, diving, windsurfing and water skiing. In tourist season are organized many cultural and entertainment events, theater performances, folk groups and Fishermen's evenings. Particularly interesting is the largest festival in Podgora, the celebration of St.. Vicenza's patron.