Podstrana

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Podstrana is a municipality in Croatia in the Split-Dalmatia county. It has a population of 7,341 (2001 census), 97% which are Croats.

Podstrana is a small yet sprawling coastal resort situated about 8 km (5 miles from Split) on the Dalmatian Coast.The centre of Podstrana is not where you would expect it to be as the original town was built way up in the hillside and the centre is the old church built in typical Dalmatian style. It's quite a small town but boasts some good cafe/bars with weird names like "Insomnia" and "Popaj's" to name but two. There is also "Derby" which offers drinks but is the local "bookies". Both Derby (Ante and his father) and Popaj's (Josko) are excellent hosts. Josko even invited me down to Popaj's as he was going to show the live Celtic v Dundee Utd game for me which was the SPL championship decider. Celtic won!!! Thanks Josko, I owe you for that. If you want to get to know the locals then really try to get to know them and they will reciprocate.

Although a small place it has plenty to offer. There is a 5 star hotel, the beautiful Le Meridien Lav, on the seafront which has 8 bars and restaurants, tennis courts, indoor football, an indoor sea-water swimming pool, huge casino and my personal favourite "inmotion" nightclub, a proper nightclub, plus much more. Amigos is a highly rated restaurant by the locals and I am sure a few of the hotels dotted by the beach would serve up a few delicacies. They are renowned for their food, which is always fresh but don't expect it to be served up in 2 minutes. Good food takes time and their seafood and local Dalmatian recipes are superb. Pizzas are also a big plus here and will rival any pizzeria anywhere. If you want food served fast, go to McDonalds but fortunately they don't have one there. Meals are very reasonably priced, cheaper than the UK and much nicer too with proper coffee whilst the local wines and beers all come up trumps both on taste and price. A beer will cost you about £1.10 a 500ml bottle for Karlovacka and Lasko. The local bakery serves up freshly baked bread which is the best you'll get and their cakes are absolutely delicious and cheap.

Accommodation is another big plus here as a lot of the houses have one or two bedded apartments for rent at very reasonable prices. I stayed on the top floor apartment of Villa Gunjaca which is absolutely great value, absolutely spotless with stunning views all along the coastline to Split and across to the island of Brac. There is a large bedroom with a kingsize comfortable bed, w/c - shower room, 2 kitchens with all mod cons and a lovely large balcony with tables,chairs plus a swing type sofa. For 20 Euros a night (I got this apartment on e-Bay, just look up CROATIA: XXL Apartments and the seller is ggunjaca) this is absolutely excellent value. The owner Grgo is on hand to answer any questions as are his parents. The hospitality shown by Grgo and his family is second to none. Grgo actually sent me a text to my mobile phone saying if I hadn't any plans then I was more than welcome to watch the Chamions League Final with him and his friends and it was a great night. All part of the service? No, just friendly people and Grgo's dad even gave me a lift to Split at 6am in his pyjamas!!!

Getting around from Podstrana couldn't be easier by bus. The bus stop is on the main road and they are very reliable, every half hour either way. The buses go from Omis to Split. In Omis you have a lovely old pirate town with the River Cetina for trout fishing and stunning views from the 13th century fortress which is absolutely beautiful. Also there you have a lovely 4star hotel in the Plaza and the breakfast is superb whilst cheap. From Omis you can reach Makarska which is the Dalmatian Riviera, now that place is extra special. Going in the other direction is Split where you can have a game of golf just outside Podstrana or catch the ferry to the island of Brac for approx £2.50 and it's a nice 3/4 hour sail. Alternatively take the ferry to Dubrovnik via 2 or 3 islands for the princely sum of £10.00. On board you can have a meal and drinks but at an extra charge. This is certainly cheaper and more luxurious than a 4.5 hour trip to Dubrovnik by coach from Split especially in the hot summer weather.

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