Municipality of Podstrana: Coast, Culture and Trails

In the Municipality of Podstrana, a varied coastline, trails on Perun Hill and historic sites come together. Podstrana lies below Perun, which rises to 533 metres, and stretches along a six-kilometre coastline. When planning your time here, you can choose between the beach, hiking and cycling routes, and traces of the area's cultural heritage — though not all routes are the same length or have the same character.

Coast and Trails on Perun

The coastline is mostly pebbly and is used as a beach along almost its entire length. Leisure facilities and amenities characterise this stretch of coast. For a route by the sea, the Lungomare is another option: it begins in Strožanac, near the mouth of the Žrnovnica, and runs to the municipality's southeastern boundary. This easy, flat cycling route by the sea is about six kilometres long.

Routes on Perun also vary considerably. Two newly equipped themed hiking and mountain trails are called Put pod Pole and Put preko Mure. Marked hiking trails start at several locations, including Strožanac, the Perun quarry, Mutogras and Gornja Podstrana; they are connected to the northern side of the hill. The Perun mountaineering club from Podstrana maintains the marked trails on Perun. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check locally before setting out.

Hiking Routes of Different Lengths

A three-kilometre circular hiking trail connects Gornja Podstrana and Pišćenica. It includes the Stations of the Cross leading to the Church of Sv. Juraj on Vršina and also offers wide-ranging panoramic views. Another route leads from the area of the former Perun quarry to the old village of Gornja Podstrana. This seven-kilometre trail has a gravel surface and is suitable for walking, running and cycling.

For a longer hike, the 20-kilometre Trans Perun runs from Podstrana to Omiš. The different route lengths offer an initial guide for planning your time, but do not indicate how long it takes to walk them. If you are interested in the remains of the prehistoric fortification of Vilanjski grad, the hilltop lies about 400 metres southeast of the Church of Sv. Juraj on Vršina. It is accessible, but there are no marked paths leading there.

Cycling and Paddling

There are also different route and bike-type options for cycling. The Podstrana–Stara Podstrana mountain bike route is 14.5 kilometres long and suitable for MTB, E-MTB, gravel and trekking bikes. The Lungomare, by contrast, is described as an easy, flat route by the sea. You can choose a route based on whether a longer mountain bike ride or a short, flat ride is a better fit for your outing. Check current trail conditions before cycling.

For recreational kayaking along the coast of Podstrana and in Stobreč Bay, you can continue your trip onto the Žrnovnica River. The landscape there is characterised by lush vegetation and various fish and bird species. Check with providers to find out whether kayaking is currently available.

History and Local Food

The first international Croatian peace treaty was signed in the village of Sv. Martin in 839, between the Croatian prince Mislav and the Venetian Doge Pietro Tradonico. The Sv. Martin archaeological site also includes an ancient necropolis with more than 25 inscriptions, mostly funerary inscriptions. The original stele is kept in the Church of Sv. Martin; a replica stands at its original location, among the stone blocks of the church enclosure.

In Strožanac, the Cindro summer residence was protected as a cultural monument in 1979 and later renovated. Its courtyard provides a setting for many summer cultural events; individual programmes are seasonal. Recommended local dishes include Poljica soparnik and Podstrana ujenak — two names to remember if you want to include local cuisine in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Podstrana, Municipality of Lovreć, Municipality of Komiža, Municipality of Vrgorac, Municipality of Nerežišća, Municipality of Solin, Municipality of Marina, Municipality of Runovići.

Go to the main travel overview: Split-Dalmatia.