Villa Gisou | 3-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Podaca Zaostrog

Eight guests, three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a private swimming pool positioned 75 metres from the Adriatic—this is what a luxury villa rental in Podaca, Croatia delivers. Villa Gisou commands the northern edge of this quiet coastal settlement, where turquoise water meets terracotta-tiled roofs and the Dalmatian hillsides rise dramatically inland. From the moment you arrive, the Mediterranean rhythm slows everything down.

Inside Villa Gisou

Villa Gisou sleeps 8 guests across 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The ground floor opens into a generous living and dining area flooded with natural light from full-height windows framing sea views. A convertible sofa bed in this space accommodates two additional guests. The kitchen flows directly from the living zone—a fully equipped workspace featuring a dishwasher, microwave, coffee machine, blender, toaster, and kettle. Stainless steel appliances catch the afternoon sun, and the counter space runs deep enough for proper meal preparation, whether you’re assembling mezze platters or roasting whole fish from the local market.

A ground-floor bathroom with shower serves the main entertaining space, while a separate laundry room houses both washing machine and dryer—essential for longer stays or families managing sandy beach clothes.

Three bedroom suites occupy the upper floor, each with identical appointments: a double bed, generous closet storage, and an ensuite bathroom with walk-in shower. All three bedrooms command southern views across the water toward the Biokovo massif. The light in these rooms shifts throughout the day, amber-gold at sunrise, brilliant white at midday, and soft pink as the sun descends toward the Italian coast.

A north-facing roof terrace and two separate garden areas extend the living footprint beyond the house walls. Air conditioning runs throughout, and Wi-Fi connectivity reaches every corner—neither intrusive, both present when needed.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The private infinity-edge swimming pool dominates the property’s focal point. Surrounding this are multiple sunbed stations, a dedicated outdoor shower for rinsing salt and sand, and a covered dining pavilion with integrated barbecue grill. The terrace catches sea breezes from mid-morning through dusk, making this the natural gathering space for evening meals and aperitifs.

Two distinct garden zones offer privacy and refuge. The upper garden connects to the roof terrace, offering panoramic views and morning light. The lower garden provides shaded retreats and direct access to the coastal path leading toward the beach. Parking accommodates three vehicles on the property itself.

The view from the main terrace never changes, but it never becomes ordinary either. It’s the kind of vista that stops mid-conversation, that makes guests reach for their cameras repeatedly, then eventually stop photographing because the real image in your mind outperforms any lens.

Location: Podaca and the Surrounding Area

Podaca itself is a working fishing village, not a resort town. Fewer than 200 permanent residents maintain a handful of restaurants, a small supermarket, and the kind of quiet that attracts people specifically seeking to escape crowds. The pebble beach lies immediately accessible—a 5-minute walk from Villa Gisou—with calm, shallow water ideal for swimming and small boat launching.

Makarska, 32 kilometres south via the Adriatic Highway, is the region’s principal town. Its half-moon bay has attracted settlers since Roman times—Venetians, Ottomans, and French occupiers all recognised the strategic and natural harbour advantage. Today, Makarska functions as the Makarska Riviera’s primary hub, hosting a maritime museum, seasonal festivals, and waterfront restaurants ranging from casual konobas to fine dining establishments. Our Makarska travel guide details dining, water sports, and cultural events specific to each season.

The Biokovo Nature Reserve rises precipitously from the coast directly behind Villa Gisou—a 25-minute drive accesses the summit road where panoramic viewpoints offer unobstructed views across the Adriatic toward Italy on clear days. Walking trails range from leisurely coastal paths to challenging mountain ascents, with guided nature tours available through Makarska operators. Croatia’s second-highest peak, Sveti Jure, stands within this reserve at 1,762 metres.

To the north, Zaostrog (12 kilometres) maintains a quieter character than Makarska, with a Franciscan monastery dating to the 17th century overlooking the waterfront. The village hosts a modest but lively summer market and serves as a gateway to inland hiking routes. For regional property options, explore our villas in Zaostrog and our broader luxury villa collection across Croatia. Those seeking accommodation in nearby Opcina Gradac district should review our villas in Opcina Gradac.

Split International Airport, 65 kilometres north, handles most European flight connections—approximately 75 minutes by car via the coastal highway. Dubrovnik Airport lies 85 kilometres to the south, accessible in roughly 90 minutes. Both routes wind through dramatic limestone scenery and offer compelling reasons to drive slowly rather than hurrying between airport and villa.

Seasonal rhythms matter here. June through September deliver guaranteed sunshine, warm sea temperatures, and crowded beaches. May and October offer Mediterranean warmth with substantially fewer tourists and lower accommodation rates. April and November bring unpredictable weather but rewards in terms of solitude and authentic village life. Winter months see reduced tourism infrastructure, though the climate remains mild by Northern European standards.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Three or four families travelling together find Villa Gisou’s bedroom count and bathroom ratio perfectly balanced—no queuing for showers, adequate privacy, and shared entertaining spaces that encourage communal meals. The private pool eliminates beach-based childcare concerns, while the gentle nearness of water creates natural supervision sight-lines across the terrace.

Couples seeking active retreats appreciate proximity to Biokovo’s hiking network and the Makarska Riviera’s water sports infrastructure—kayaking, diving, and boat charter operators work from the nearby towns. The quietness of Podaca itself appeals to those wanting to retreat from resort-style entertainment.

Multigenerational groups—grandparents, adult children, grandchildren—benefit from adequate space to decompress independently while maintaining easy gathering points. The ground-floor sofa bed accommodates teenagers or young adult guests without requiring additional bedroom allocation.

Remote workers appreciate the reliable Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and the psychological reset that comes from working with an Adriatic view rather than an office wall. The covered terrace functions as an outdoor office during cooler morning hours.

Practical Information

Villa Gisou accommodates 8 guests maximum: 6 in the three double bedrooms, 2 additional on the ground-floor sofa bed. The property includes 4 bathrooms—3 ensuite, 1 ground-floor—plus a dedicated laundry room with full-size appliances. Air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and television are standard. A cot and highchair are available on request, making the villa adaptable for families with infants.

The property accepts pets by prior arrangement—enquire during booking to confirm terms and any additional charges. Parking accommodates three vehicles. The nearest supermarket is located in Podaca village centre, a 7-minute walk. The closest petrol station is in Makarska (32 kilometres), though petrol is also available at a small shop in Zaostrog (12 kilometres).

Utilities including electricity and water are included in the standard rental rate. Pool heating operates seasonally. Wi-Fi, bed linen, bath towels, and a welcome cleaning on arrival are included. Hot tub or spa facilities are not present—the private pool serves as the primary water amenity. Check-in times are flexible depending on the preceding guests’ departure; early arrival or late checkout can usually be arranged with advance notice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa Gisou

How many guests does Villa Gisou sleep?

Villa Gisou sleeps 8 guests: three double bedrooms accommodate 6 guests, and the ground-floor convertible sofa bed accommodates 2 additional guests. A cot and highchair are available on request for families with infants or toddlers.

What is the nearest airport to Villa Gisou in Podaca?

Split International Airport is the closest major facility, located 65 kilometres north of Villa Gisou (approximately 75 minutes’ drive). Dubrovnik Airport, 85 kilometres to the south, provides an alternative with approximately 90 minutes’ transfer time. Both airports connect directly to major European cities year-round.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa Gisou?

June through September offer guaranteed sunshine, warm sea temperatures averaging 24–26°C, and reliable daily weather—ideal for beach and pool use. May and October deliver Mediterranean warmth with fewer tourists and lower rates. April and November are unpredictable weatherwise but reward visitors with authentic village atmosphere and empty beaches. Winter months (December–February) see mild temperatures but reduced commercial infrastructure; tourism effectively ceases.

Is Villa Gisou suitable for families with children?

Yes. The private pool provides safe, supervised swimming without navigating public beaches. Podaca’s main beach lies just 5 minutes’ walk away with calm, shallow water suited to young swimmers. Makarska’s family-oriented facilities, ice cream shops, and waterfront entertainment are 32 kilometres away. The villa includes a highchair and cot. The covered terrace provides sun-safe supervision space. Biokovo’s easier walking trails suit older children interested in nature exploration.

What is included in the rental price at Villa Gisou?

The standard rental rate includes electricity, water, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, bed linen, bath towels, initial welcome cleaning, pool access, and use of all kitchen appliances and outdoor facilities including the barbecue grill. Pool heating is included during warmer months. Cot and highchair use are available on request. Utilities for longer stays (14+ nights) may be subject to separate billing depending on consumption and season.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa Gisou?

Podaca village centre (7-minute walk) hosts two to three restaurants serving fresh fish and traditional Dalmatian fare, plus a small supermarket and bakery. Zaostrog (12 kilometres) offers additional restaurants and a summer market. Makarska (32 kilometres) provides a comprehensive range: formal dining establishments like Riva Grill and Thalassa specialising in seafood, casual waterfront konobas, a covered market selling fresh produce, and supermarket chains. Water sports operators, boat hire services, and diving schools operate from both Zaostrog and Makarska harbours.