Podgradina: Wine and Prehistoric Traces

Podgradina brings together prehistoric hillforts and archaeological finds with wine from Vina Bora, the Gradina swimming spot, and views of the Velebit peaks and Novigrad Sea.

Hillforts, Finds and a Church

Budim is a prehistoric hillfort in Podgradina, listed in the Cultural Heritage Register under number 763. Another prehistoric hillfort is located on the summit of a hill in Podgradina. This gives you two distinct archaeological points of interest: Budim, with its register listing, and a second hillfort distinguished by its position on a hilltop.

A coin from the mythical island of Korkira was discovered at the prehistoric site of Budim. The construction of a harbor made of wood and stone near Budim is dated to the 2nd or 3rd century BC. The two pieces of evidence are distinct: one concerns a single coin find, while the other relates to the dating of a structure.

The parish church of the Holy Spirit in Podgradina is designated in the spatial plan of the Municipality of Posedarje. It adds a religious point of interest to the archaeological theme.

Wine from Vina Bora

Vina Bora operates a tasting room at Žuže 59, 23242 Podgradina, Posedarje. Visits are possible by prior registration and arrangement. The traditional grape varieties Maraština, Pošip, Svrdlovina, and Plavina are grown in Vina Bora’s vineyards. These named varieties give the wine offering a specific character; a tasting should be planned in advance.

Swimming Spot and Landscape

The water quality at the Gradina swimming spot was rated “excellent” in 2025. This rating is based on monitoring carried out in 2025, so check conditions for the current season before making your swimming plans.

From Podgradina, you can enjoy views of the Velebit peaks and Novigrad Sea. Gradina Hill above Podgradina offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. These scenic features complement the archaeological attractions with far-reaching views and a panorama of the area.

Regional Context: Općina Posedarje

As a broader setting, Općina Posedarje provides additional coastal and transport context. The Municipality of Posedarje lies on the coast of Novigradsko more and is bounded by Podvelebitski kanal, Masleničko ždrilo, and Novigradsko more. The A1 motorway runs through the municipal area and forms part of the Adriatic–Ionian Corridor. The Posedarje interchange is an important link toward Ražanac and the island of Pag.

The cultural context of Općina Posedarje also includes buildings in Posedarje itself. The Church of St. Mary is a medieval single-nave structure built on the site of an earlier Romanesque building. The Church of the Holy Spirit in Posedarje dates from the 12th century. It is single-nave and stands on a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. These details broaden the regional perspective with further churches and distinct historical architectural forms.

Discover more destinations: Donji Karin, Smilčić, Donji Lepuri, Donje Biljane, Buković, Korlat, Lisičić, Podlug

For the broader travel guide: Općina Benkovac.