Get to know Podgorje

Podgorje term refers to the Velebit coastal slope between Senj and Zrmanja. This belt is a meeting of mountain and sea, for human from ancient times one of the most fascinating natural elements. Velebit cross slope is dotted with numerous coves, which lower parts are flooded and turned into a shallow cove with pebble beaches. The most prominent example of this is about a kilometer long and 50 to 150 m wide cove Zavratnica near Jablanac.Forest vegetation, particularly in the lower parts of slopes under the influence of man was replaced by a variety of grassland communities, whose floristic richness, color and aroma throughout the area give special feature. Archaeological findings prove populated coastal area at the foot of towering pass from prehistoric times.

The most foothill village has always been Senj, which connects the islands of Kvarner and inland. Thanks to the intermediary function between them, Senj was already in the Middle Ages developed into one of the foremost national cultural focus.Under the Velebit, hidden by the sea, are situated quiet holiday places that attract tourists from the bustling metropolis, who can truly rest here far away from everyday life. There are St. Juraj, Lukovo,Klada, Starigrad, Stinica, Jablanac and Prizna.

The second important foothill village is Karlobag, located below the central Velebit Pass, which links Lika  inland and island of Pag. It was developed as ancient and medieval Vegium Scrissa or Bag. Near Karlobag which is also the municipal seat, the largest of the Riviera are Ribarica, Cesarica, Lukovo Šugarje, Baric Draga and St. Marija Magdalena and on Velebit is Baske Oštarije.