Omiš: Old Town, Cetina Gorge and Velika plaža

Omiš combines a culturally and historically protected Old Town with the Cetina Gorge and the sandy beach of Velika plaža. This gives you a range of options for planning your trip: historic buildings and a museum, activities on the river, and beach and water sports. When looking for a hotel in Omiš, you can decide which of these to focus on according to the experiences you want to shape your days.

Old Town and historic buildings

The Old Town of Omiš is protected as a cultural and historical whole in Protection Zone A under designation Z-4066. The historic fabric is particularly evident along the eastern city wall, which has been preserved almost to its full height.

The City Museum is located next to the eastern city gate, at the entrance to the Old Town. Its permanent exhibition features archaeological, cultural and historical artefacts from the Omiš area. The museum also organizes creative programs and workshops for children.

The Staro Omiško Cemetery was established in the 16th century as the town cemetery. The present-day parish church in Omiš was built and fully furnished in the first quarter of the 17th century. This building history adds further testimony to the town’s past alongside the older city wall.

The 13th-century Mirabela Fortress served as a lookout over the Brač Channel for the pirates of Omiš. Steps lead from the main entrance of St. Michael’s Parish Church to the fortress, from where there are views over Omiš. Fortica is more than 500 years old and offers views of Brač, Hvar, Šolta and the Cetina Gorge. These historic sites and viewpoints offer distinct points of interest.

Cetina Gorge and river activities

The Cetina Gorge is a protected natural landscape. Canyoning, kayaking, rafting, scenic boat trips and walks along the river are among the activities available there. The options range from adventures on the water to routes along the river.

The zipline adventure in Cetina Canyon uses two kilometres of cables, with some sections more than 100 metres above the ground. Radmanove mlinice old mill is also a visitor attraction in the Cetina Gorge. River activities, the landscape and the historic mill building each offer a different way to experience this natural setting.

Beach at Velika plaža

Velika plaža is a sandy beach within walking distance of the Old Town. Facilities include jet ski, boat and kayak rentals, as well as sea trampolines, pedal boats and beach volleyball. The beach and its leisure activities offer a distinct focus alongside the cultural and historical sites and experiences on the Cetina. When planning your trip, you can decide whether beach activities, the river or the history of the Old Town should take centre stage.

Culture and events throughout the year

The Festival of Dalmatian Klapa was founded in 1967 and has been held annually in Omiš ever since. In July, klapa music fills the streets and squares of the Old Town. The festival helps preserve traditional klapa singing and Croatian cultural heritage. Music in public spaces and the preservation of a singing tradition go hand in hand here.

Gusarski dan is a full-day summer program for all generations, held several times during the summer. The program includes pirate activities for children, tours of the Omiš Town Museum and Mirabela Fortress, a pirate parade through the centre of Omiš, and an evening concert. Individual program items may vary.

In spring, the Spring Trekking Cup takes place around Omiš, featuring a series of hiking and trekking marathons. These seasonal events take place at different times of year: the Trekking Cup is held in spring, the Klapa Festival and its performances in the Old Town streets in July, and Gusarski dan in summer. When choosing your travel dates, these specific event periods can help guide you alongside the historical and natural attractions described as available year-round.

Discover more destinations: Svinišće, Smolonje, Pisak, Tugare, Naklice, Mimice, Čelina, Donji Dolac.

For the broader travel overview: Općina Omiš.