Omis – (read Omish) is a lovely little town, diverged by a very interesting history and a most peculiar position, situated at the very mouth of the gorgeous Cetina River.
Beside the famed Mediterranean charm and hospitality that attracts tourists since the ancient times (which is typical for all small Dalmatian towns) here, one can also feel the continental spirit brought out by the river. This blending of the sea and the river water, the blue and green, wild and pleasant, makes Omis absolutely unique and interesting to the visitors.
In the last few years, Omis has become a synonymous for extreme adventure sports and adrenaline holidays, thanks to the Cetina River and its canyon. Rafting, free-climbing, paragliding, scuba diving, canyoning and canoeing are the very reasons for coming here for those who want adrenaline rushes and direct contacts with the nature. There are numerous excursions - which include trekking, walking along the canyon, exploring caves, all the way accompanied by experienced and expert guides.
During your adventure you can have dinner in the near villages known for their healthy home-cooked meals. For those who are here to rest and enjoy the sun, there are sandy beaches and their many facilities including sea sports like wind surfing and scuba diving.
The main symbol of cultural life of the town is the "Festival dalmatinskih klapa" (Festival of Dalmatian Folk Songs), which is held every year during the month of July. If you miss the official part of the Festival, you certainly won’t miss the music nights, because, those days you’ll be able to hear singers almost everywhere - in traditional restaurants - konobas , on narrow streets of the old town, and you are probably going to enjoy their traditional a cappela singing.
The Omis area has a very mild Mediterranean climate, with short and not so cold winters and long and pretty hot summers. The sea has a significant role in this, as it is colder then air in summer and warmer then it in winter. In Omis, as on all of the Adriatic coast, autumn is warmer than spring. The climate is also influenced by the river Cetina and the northern wind which blows through its canyon, but fortunately it does not have a significant impact.
HOW TO GET THERE By plane – the closest airport is Airport Split, about 50 km (34 mi) away. By train – to Split, and then by local bus to Omis By car – Along the Adriatic Highway, which is a special adventure. By boat – if you have an experienced guide or a skipper who will take you here.
WHAT TO SEE Church St. Petar at Priko – the one of the rare Pre-Romanesque buildings in Croatia, built in the X. century and well preserved until now days. Mirabella – Romanesque fortress, built in the XIII. century above the town. Fortress Starigrad (Fortica) – built in XV. century (situated at the top of the hill from where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the town, the Bracki canal , including the islands (Brac, Hvar and Solta) and the mouth of the river Cetina which can be reached climbing uphill for about 20 min (steep mountain path). Lots of other cultural monuments in the town (I don’t want to spoil the experience)
WHERE TO EAT AND HAVE FUN Konobas (pl.) one konoba - (traditional restaurants and wine houses), as well as small bars situated within the old town where you’ll feel comfortable and be pleasantly welcomed.
