Omiš in Croatia is a charming small town of 15,000 inhabitants, and the beautiful medieval old town of Omiš is the heart of the Omiš Riviera, which is about 20 kilometres long. It is situated in an extremely picturesque setting right at the mouth of the river Cetina, and a walk through the centre reveals all kinds of beautiful things. Old stone houses, the remains of the old city walls, pretty alleys, the city museum and some beautiful small churches are the highlights of the city centre. The church of St. Michael and the picturesque square in front of it are particularly worth seeing. Shopping facilities, souvenir shops and supermarkets are also located directly in the old town.
The first settlements in the region were probably in the 3rd millennium BC. The town was later conquered by the Romans and transformed into a Roman city. Over the centuries Omis has been ruled by many different powers, including the Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans.
Omis also has a rich history in seafaring, as well as trade. The town was an important port and trading centre for the region and is still an important tourist destination today.
In the 12th and 14th centuries, the port of Omiš was a stronghold of pirates. For three centuries, merchant ships were captured and hijacked into the Cetina Gorge. Every year around 24 August, the great pirate battle of Omiš is re-enacted at the Pirate Festival.
Fantastic sights
- Church of St. Michael:
The Church of St. Michael is built in the Baroque style and is clad in marble on the outside. The interior of the church is also in Baroque style and houses important works of art, including paintings by famous artists such as Paolo Veronese.St. Michael’s Church is also known for its glass mosaics that decorate the chancel. The mosaics depict biblical scenes and are of high artistic value. - River Cetina:
The River Cetina is an important river in southern Croatia, flowing through the mountain ranges of the Dinarides. The river rises in the mountains near Sinj and flows into the Adriatic Sea near Omis.It is known for its beautiful landscape, characterised by deep gorges and green forests. There are many opportunities to explore the landscape along the river, including hiking, rafting and canoeing. The length is about 120 kilometres. - Mirabella Fortress:
This fortress is perched high above the city on a cliff and offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding mountains. Today, the fortress also houses a museum that tells the history of the town. - Starigrad Fortress (Fortica):
The fortress is an old fortress in the town of Omis on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. The fortress is perched on a hill high above the town and offers a breathtaking view of the sea and the surrounding mountains.The Starigrad Fortica fortress was built by the Venetians in the 14th century and served as a defence against attacks by pirates.Visitors to Starigrad Fortica can explore the old walls and towers of the fortress and learn more about the history of the town of Omis. The fortress is also a popular destination for photographers as it offers a breathtaking view of the town and the sea.
Popular beaches
Those who spend their holidays on the Croatian Adriatic naturally also want to go to the beach and enjoy the warm azure Mediterranean Sea. There is certainly no shortage of beautiful beaches in and around Omiš. We have made a small selection for you.
Velika Plaza
Velika Plaza is located directly in the city and is very popular and heavily frequented, not least because of this. Due to its length of 800 metres, it is simply called The Big Beach by the locals. Velika Beach has everything your heart desires – from restaurants and bars to beach volleyball courts and windsurfing and jet skiing. It is a natural sand and fine gravel beach formed by the current of the Cetina River. It slopes quite shallowly into the water, which is good for the little ones’ swimming fun. Thanks to some planted trees, there are also shady areas.
Duce and Vavlje
A little west of Omiš, in the village of Duce, there are two more beautiful sandy beaches. At Duce Plaza there are bars and restaurants as well as parking spaces and sunbeds for rent. Vavlje next door is considered a very clean and shady children’s and family beach.
Slavinj, Brzet and Zvizdan
If you follow the coastal road south from Omiš, you will reach another stretch of coast with several great pebble beaches. These are usually not as crowded as the sandy beaches, but no less beautiful. You should only remember to bring bathing shoes. Otherwise, pine trees provide some shade and mighty rocks criss-cross the bathing spots.
Mala Luka
There is another alternative beach between the towns of Nemira and Stanici. Mala Luka beach is comparatively little known and therefore less crowded. The natural beach has no large infrastructure and only a small café. On the other hand, you are more likely to have peace and quiet here.
Omiš is guaranteed to offer the right environment for an unforgettable holiday. Let yourself be pampered by the surroundings and enjoy the breathtaking nature. Do you want your holiday in Croatia to be unforgettable? Then rent one of the many wonderful accommodations and relax in your home after an eventful day.
