Omiš – pirate town at the mouth of the Cetina gorge
Omiš lies where the Cetina river flows out of a narrow gorge between sheer rock walls into the sea. In the Middle Ages the town was a feared pirate base, as two fortresses still recall. Today Omiš is Dalmatia's hub for rafting, kayaking and ziplining – and with Velika plaža it has one of the region's few sandy beaches.
At a glance
Region
Central Dalmatia
To Split
approx. 25 km
Beach
Velika plaža (sand/fine pebbles), riviera with pebble beaches
Activities
rafting, canyoning, kayaking, zipline, hiking
Best time to visit
May to September
Ideal for
active travellers, families, couples
Things to do
Mirabela Fortress (Peovica) above the old town, a short climb with views of the river mouth
Fortica Fortress (Starigrad) high above town, a steep walk of about an hour, superb views
Rafting on the Cetina from gentle family trips to sportier sections, usually from Penšići or Slime
Zipline several lines across the canyon
Boat trip upriver to the excursion restaurant Radmanove mlinice
Beaches of the Omiš Riviera
Velika plaža right at the river mouth is wide, shallow and child-friendly. To the east lie Duće, Lokva Rogoznica, Mimice, Pisak and Marušići with pebble and rocky coves beneath the mountains – quieter and cheaper than the Makarska Riviera.
Honest verdict
The D8 coastal road runs right through Omiš and regularly jams in summer. The old town is small but atmospheric. If you want to combine adventure and beach, this is the place; for nightlife alone, Split or Makarska are better.
