Position

Geographical location, relief and climate of Podstrana

The palette of the landscapes of Podstrana is truly remarkable: from the mountain peaks and the southern slopes of Perun, to the sea coast and aquatorium and the mouth and banks of the river Žrnovnica. The balmy Mediterranean climate and havens of tame, pristine nature are bound to make any tour or stay in Podstrana that you opt for truly unforgettable.

The territory of the Municipality of Postrana covers the southern side of Perun Hill, stretching from its peak ridge to the sea coast.

The northwest border of Postrana is drawn by the lower course and mouth of the Žrnovnica river, while the southeast border is marked by the coastal hill of Veliki Mutogras (98 m). The average distance between the mountain ridge and the coast is approximately 2.5 km, while the total area of the territory of the municipality is about 11.5 km².

The steep limestone ridge of Perun is the distinguishing feature of the entire landscape of Podstrana. It stretches parallel to the coast and measures approximately 6 kilometres, with an average altitude of 450 m.

The highest point in the municipality, the peak Križ (533 m), is located to the west of the village of Gornja Podstrana.

Towards the river Žrnovnici, Perun is sharply delimited by a presently defunct quarry dominated by a massive rocky cliff with three peaks: Perunsko (441 m), Veliki Perun (443 m) and Perunić (448 m).

Behind the ridge of Perun there is a rocky plateau, broad in places and widest at the point behind Križ peak while, towards the south, the hills descend to form cliffs with a height of up to 170 m, which in places terminate in clefts.

The greater part of the profile of the hill is comprised of fertile flysch slopes with an average incline of about  15°,  with a composition dominated by marl covered with loose earth, while the coastal alluvium is the youngest and narrowest geomorphological belt in Podstrana.

With the exception of  Veliki Mutogras and the hill of Kurilac, which steeply descends down to the sea, the coast of Postrana is mostly low, pebbled and poorly indented, and the only larger bay was formed by the sandy mouth of the  Žrnovnica river.

Turned towards the southwest in its entirety, and protected from the strong and cold south-easterlies, Podstrana is significantly exposed only to the maestral wind, which brings some welcome refreshment during muggy summer days, and to the gusts of the lebić wind, which blows on the coast several times a year.

The particularities of Podstrana’s microclimate had a specific influence on the autochthonous vegetation and directed the economy of Podstrana towards organic agriculture and tourism.