One Day in Omiš- The Adventure Capital of Croatia

03.10.2022.

Omiš is a picturesque town where river Cetina blends with the sea. It’s lying just next to Split being the dream of many outdoor lovers. Omiš has been on my bucket list for so long as I was waiting for perfect opportunity for adventures. In my opinion, I would pack myself and company but it never happened. So just grab your spare time and enjoy it even on your own. It’s an excellent day trip from Split.

Read more: Mosor, excellent hike near Split

The mountains surrounding Omiš offer the spectacular background. Omiš is the town of pirates and rich history. Even one day in Omiš bursts with the fascinating discoveries.

About the history of Omiš

Thousands of years created the dynamic beats that define Omiš, merely thanks to its pirates. Once the town was known as Oneum, lying at the threshold of the mighty mountain- Omiška Dinara.

The name Omiš itself takes the roots in the Illyric name Onaion or Oneon, meaning a little hill. Nestos is the second version giving praise to the river Cetina.

The pirate time

The golden time of Omiš pirates was 12. and 13. century. From Omiš to Dubrovnik they scattered the rule. Any ship passing by Omiš needed to pay the taxes to the pirates. Saggitas were their boats which were pretty lightweight. Kačić family and its dukes took the main role in leading the pirates. Almost two centuries belonged to Omiš pirates. Finally in the 15th century they had to accept the rule of Venice.

Austrian Empire followed the Venetian rule in 1797 and lasted till the beginning of the I World War. Though shortly under Napoleon’s France Austria underlined the leading position.

Historical treasure Omiš reflects its architecture, its fortresses and ancient churches. The historical centre once occupied the northern side of the Cetina river which is eastern day.

Adventurous spirit of Omiš

Omiška Dinara created the fabulous canyon, which is very suitable for tones of adventures. Even if you don’t have time to experience the adrenaline rise, don’t miss the boat ride. It’s the most convenient way to explore the scenery and people that enjoy sports like kayaking or zipline.

Hearing the stories of challenging hikes and stunning view I prolonged my visit for so long. Where river spices up the stunning views the new set of adventures start. Exploring the river gives the panorama of enchantment. High cliffs add the miraculous notes so abundant game take the thrill.

Stunning views bring the hiking to the surface so go exploring Starigrad fortress.

Enjoy the river to the fullest and kayaking will bring you the most stunning opportunities. Canyoning shine along the picturesque gorges and waterfalls.

Zipline is the longest in Croatia, if you’re brave for this kind of game.

Other adventure opportunities

Canoe safari absorbs the delightful scenery.

Canyoning covers all kind of activities at amazing Cetina canyons. Enjoy cliffs, waterfalls and underground tunnels on the way. If you’re more brave, try extreme canyoning and you’ll get near Gubavica Waterfall.

Zipline- offers 65 km of adventure, i’m not sure that I’m brave for this.

Climbing- Planovo with its cliffs amazes beginners and experts.

Rafting- what a better way to have fun than this?

Paintball- because life in colour is more cheerful

Paragliding- the best views are from the above

Cycling- just take it easy and enjoy, village of Poljica is pretty picturesque

Scuba diving- not for me but amazing colours await

Don’t miss the boat ride

It’s easy to get a boat ride from the central Omiš. The vendors will approach you, it’s a pity that I even didn’t have in mind about this possibility. The price is 10€ for 2h so you can enjoy the stunning natural wonders.

The landscape is miraculous and you can see where people go kayaking to enjoy adventures. Each new canyon brings new feast to the eyes. A bit of splendid mountain and a bit of grass waves through the water.

Watch the boat ride here on instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CisEACdgeW8/

Having 1h break in the restaurant will offer you a slice of relaxing time in the nature. It’s quite a big restaurant and I was enjoying some picnic time with my mexican colleague. The resturant is situated at the far end of this river track as this is where the forest begins. It includes the children’s playground and chess game. On the way I saw one more restaurant but smaller.

A boat ride is definitely something you don’t want to miss in Omiš. It will uncover the true spirit of the town and totally delight you in one day.

Two forts of Omiš

You can see them at the boat ride in the splendid way. Its fortresses define the marvellous secrets of Omiš, its history.

Mirabella fortress

Mirabella fortress is the city fortress, only 15 minutes by foot above Omiš. You will need to pay a small fee to enter, I think it’s about 5€. The breathtaking views scatter from this steepy cliffs. The river canyon from one side enchants and stunning seaside colours of Omiš from the other. Binoculars are certainly here and fortress itself can be reached from the tiny stairs. Definitely include Mirabella fortress into your itinerary.

This 13th century castle was built in the Romanesque style by the Kačić family. It was a place of retreat for Omiš pirates providing the safety. According to the legend, in 1537 happened the attack by Turcks but they ran away. It was a consequence of the shouts that Omiš defenders provided. Peovica is its another name.

Starigrad fortress

I didn’t visit this one but my recommendation is: include it in your itinerary only of you have enough time. Start early in the day but choose the off season because of the high temperatures. Brings comfortable shoes and lots of water.

There are two ways to visit Starigrad Fortress or Fortica. One is easier and longer which means 1h from Omiš. The other is steeper and more challenging but shorter (about 45 minutes). The shorter route is not advisable as it’s pretty steepy.

The longer route follows the road and signs on the way with two tracks to the top. Also count on the small entrance fee.

The views are breathtaking and beyond comparison to Mirabella fortress. River canyon and turquoise blue sea scatter along the magical fortress frame.

Fortica belongs to the 15th century and Venetian empire. Offering the stunning postcards of Omiš, it served once as the significant protection from the Turcs. It was also the additional refugee from attackers but it didn’t happen.

Enjoy cute caffe bars and shops

Omiš surprises with the cozy atmosphere at its streets. So many lovely caffe bars, pastries and restaurants you’ll find in the historic centre.

My friend works at the lovely decorated shop and its name says all- Origin Croatian Cosmetics.

I Gemelli- you’ll enjoy here the pretty decor and relaxing courtyard. The owner has some prestigious educational diplomas. Don’t miss this place with affordable prices and handmade products. Gourmandise in Zagreb gets the ingredients with the highest quality.

Slastičarnica David in Omiš is a small place (not even sitting places are included) but the offer is fantastic. It attracts with ice cream quotes on the entrance. Premium balls have some splendid flavours, I tried carob-fig.

At Nina-ice you can make your own ice-cream, the rolls are their speciality.

At the town of pirates you cannot ignore to take photos with the picturesque Pirate’s kitchen. Event he waiters are dressed as pirates.

Beaches of Omiš

Velika Plaža- the central beach and its sandy vibes offer the coza atmosphere. Right on the beach you have the hotel Plaža.

10 minutes from the centre towards Makarska there’s a lovely beach bar- Fortica. This beach is more peaceful than the central Velika Plaža and very relaxing also.

The adjacent town Duce offers some lovely beaches. These are the sandy beaches with some camping spots and the pretty Shooko Beach Bar. Mala Luka Beach is a true paradise at Omiš Riviera.

Beach Brzet within 15 minutes by foot from the central Omiš is perfect recomendation. The crystal clear sea and mountain background is just so inviting.

Pirate Festival

Pirate Festival keeps the tradition alive every year around the 18th of August. Pirate Battle is just so picturesque taking you back in the ancient times. With one hundred actors and sword’s play this event attracts thousands of visitors.

Kids pirate day add to the vibe. Music spices up the event with the rich gastronomical offer.

What to include into one-day itinerary

Definitely come earlier and enjoy the boat ride, then go to the Mirabella fortress. Pretty streets of Omiš and its shops will give you some relax time in the afternoon. Before going home, check the beach bar Fortica. Unfortunately there will be no time for Starigraf fortress but if you come early (maybe even around 8h), you can try.

Final thoughts

Omiš is so picturesque so even if you’re coming further from Split it can an excellent day trip. I was coming from Supetar (island Brač) for a day trip for instance. It’s pretty small and relaxing but adventure lies as the main adut.

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