The aerial views taken overOmiš speak for themselves. No need for long speeches to understand the power of nature at this particular place in Croatia. At the mouth of the Cetina River, the crystal blue freshwater lace flows into the sea after crossing a canyon. An exceptional landscape for this city on both sides, which is connected by a single bridge and as if housed in a deep land crevice.
Over a length of about 100 km, the character of the Cetina varies considerably. The spring arises from five powerful wells under two mountains, Dinara (1,831 m) and Gnjat (1,801 m). In these upper regions, the spring gushes out in numerous rapids, carves ravines with rocky outcrops, and then calms down. It meanders towards the south-east and irrigates the agricultural fields of small localities, Sinj, Trilj, interesting from a historical and archaeological point of view. But in Zadvarje, the river falls for almost 50 m, which causes a beautiful natural waterfall (Vodopad Gubavica). In the lower regions, with its slower flow, the Cetina resembles a lake. It is bordered by the walls of the canyon, with flatter areas, where villages, forests and green meadows are nestled. Finally, its course ends in the sea, narrowing to the west to Omiš.
A region full of water
Thanks to the accumulation of water through diversion tunnels, the river flows 4-6m3/s in the summer, but during the rainy season and the melting snow, the flow increases and, despite the drought, the region remains lush. The Cetina even provides drinking water to a large part of Dalmatia. In Omiš, on the right bank, near the bridge, river tourism is organized because the river is navigable for 6-7 km. You can opt for a guided tour or rent a small motorboat. Some boats are waiting for groups of visitors. The destination is the former agricultural site of the water mills (Radmanove Mlinice), which date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it is a favorite place for picnics for locals and tourists as well as for kayakers, who are happy to rest after descending the rapids. For freshwater canoeing and rafting, this mythical river is one of the beautiful natural sites in Croatia. A water sports and leisure base has been set up. You can even swim there!
Further upstream, the stop at Kaštil Slanica is less crowded in summer. There is a good restaurant there, which offers classic cuisine (fish or game specialties), with homemade bread baked on a wood fire.
Omiš has not always had this peaceful atmosphere of lunch on the grass. From the end of the 15th century, during the Venetian occupation, it was the hideout of some of the most dangerous pirates in the Mediterranean! They had their headquarters in the port of Omiš, they knew the geography of the place perfectly and in three centuries they plundered a lot of ships and galleons, which they diverted into the river. A past that the city does not deny! On the contrary, it is part of its legend - to learn more about it, you should visit the Municipal Museum and come to Omiš in August to attend the battle reenactments, more real than real... As for heritage, the historical center also preserves some beautiful small churches, old stone houses, remnants of ramparts and picturesque quays.
Thrills or beach vacations
The Mirabella fortress was built in the 13th century on a steep rock. It is reached on foot by a path, which starts from the old town with some steep steps. But you are rewarded by the panoramic view of the city in its natural setting. The same goes for the Starigrad fortress, built further east in the 15th century. There is another breathtaking viewpoint, about 5 km from the center, at the statue of Mila Gojsalić. It was made by the master sculptor Meštrović. Legend has it that this young girl from Poljica, a nearby village, saved its inhabitants from the Ottoman threat by using her charms, and then, to escape them, she threw herself off the cliff.
Just as vertiginous, the Omis Zipline experience will delight those who are looking for a nice adrenaline rush. For almost 2 km, you will fly through the canyon, well harnessed to your cable. An activity that is practiced with instructors in complete safety. Other sportsmen climb on the via ferrata, while hikers climb to the highest peak in the region (Omiška Dinara - vrh Kula).
Another challenge will be to find a place on the Velika Plaza, the long urban sandy beach, and then, 6 km away, along the sandy beaches (Galeb, Duce) or pebble beaches (Brzet, Mala Luka), the beautiful Omiš Riviera unfolds before our eyes.
FUTURE INFO
When to come?
For those who like active vacations, water sports, rafting, canyoning, the best seasons are summer and autumn.
Hikers will be satisfied all year round, with additional precautions to be taken with the weather.
Duration
If you want to see everything, do everything, count on a week, because the outdoor activities are quite physical. It is necessary to count the time of relaxation, the idleness near the water, the discovery of the riviera.
Public
The long sandy beach (Velika Plaza) of Omis attracts families who will find facilities for children. Kayakers and other enthusiasts of rafting and canyoning, climbing and hiking. Senior citizens will appreciate the boat trip on the river, the restaurant break at the old mills.
The pluses
- Due to its central location, there are many excursions from Omiš.
- The proximity: Split 25 km to the south, Trogir, the bays and beaches of the Makarska Riviera, the mountains of Biokovo, the island of Brač opposite.
- Day trips are organized in Omiš, with a choice of river tourism, water sports, zip line.
- It is also possible to stay here. A relatively modest hotel capacity compared to the huge choice of seasonal rentals, from rooms to the most luxurious apartment or villa with sea view.
- The national coastal road D8 (Jadranska Magistrala) passes through the town. Well served by regional buses.
Minus
- Radmanove Mlinice water sports base with restaurant is open only from May1.
- A deserted city center in winter, with many outdoor sports activities at a standstill.
- A rather concrete modern city that lacks charm.
Useful
- MUNICIPAL TOURIST OFFICE - More information at
Fošal 1a
21310 Omiš
Croatia
Tel: + 385 21 861 350
