21 Things To Do In Omiš Croatia: It’s Not Just For Pirates

Travel Croatia like a local with these 21 things to do in Omis Croatia. Fishing, sandy beaches, adventure sports and history, Omiš has it al!

Omiš is a historical town located 25 km south of Split on Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Omiš lies between the Cetina River and the Adriatic Sea.

Once a famous pirate town in the Middle Ages, Omiš town’s economic prosperity was born from piracy. Omiš had excellent seamen who navigated the Adriatic sea, keeping the town wealthy. This wealth saw the erection of fortified walls in the late 12th century to protect it from invaders. The pirates of Omiš were fierce and were known to have fast ships, protecting the city for over 400 years. The pirate’s alliance was defeated in 1444 by the Turkish invasion, ending the pirate’s rule forever.

Now, what things can you do in Omiš?

Volleyball On The Beach

Okay, so I know I said that Omiš was more than a place for beach bums… and as you can see by this impressive list, it is. I was not going to include the beach. However, a day (or more) at the beach is very much warranted. The beaches of Omiš are not just for (safe) tanning; head to the sandy beach stretching half a kilometer not far from the town center. It makes a great day for families with little ones and offers beach volleyball.

And if you want more beaches, Omiš has a few. Plus, you could take a day trip to the Makarska Riviera and enjoy the blue flag beaches along that stretch of coast.

Chilling On The Square

Sit, have coffee in the beautiful Old Town, and take a trip to St. Michael’s Square. There are charming alleyways to get lost wandering. If you have extra time, stop by the Church of St. Peter, which dates back to the 10th century.

Visiting Tvrđava Mirabela – Mirabella Fortress

This 13-century  fortress is settled on a steep cliff, high above the city; the sweeping views go all the way to Brač bay. It is easy to reach via a staircase, but it is a steep trek, so ensure you wear comfy shoes. 

Fun fact: This was once a reliable hideout for the Omiš pirates who used to retreat into the safety of the Cetina gorge. Legend says that in 1537, during an attack by the Turks, the defenders of Omiš confused the attackers with their shouting and shots so much that they overestimated the number of defenders and fled.

Canoe Safari

Paddle along the Cetina River, taking in the incredible natural scenery. Canoe down one of Croatia’s prettiest rivers with one or two of your best buddies, and then enjoy a picnic lunch by the river.

Canyoning

The calcareous canyon on the Cetina River is the ideal place for canyoning. The cliff face reaches up to 180 meters, with underground tunnels, waterfalls, and lakes all calling your name.

Extreme Canyoning

One of the popular things to do in Omiš is only for the serious of serious adventurers. Descend Gubavica Waterfall on the Cetina River. You’ll need professional alpine gear, and if you book it as part of a tour, you’ll be paired with experienced instructors.  

Ziplining

Eight wires. 65 km an hour, set over 150 meters off the ground. That’s what you call heart-racing fun! Experience Zip Lining Croatia as we did. You’ll love it.

Trekking

Experience the sea and mountains all in Omiš. Nature-lovers will want to lace up their boots for a trekking adventure, offering you a trekking experience like nowhere else in Croatia.

You can also sail to Brač and Hvar’s islands for the day, where trekking overlooks the glistening Adriatic sea.

Free Climbing

On the left bank of the Cetina River in Planovo, a 200-meter-high cliff set awaits, ready for you to climb. Both experienced climbers & beginners meet at Planovo all year round. 

Rafting The Cetina River

Of all the things to do in Omiš, enjoying the foam of the rapids on the Cetina River has to be one of the best ways a family can spend an active day together. Starting at Penšići and finishing at Radmanove Mlinice, rafting the 9 km route on the Cetina is a day to remember.

Paintball

Adrenaline-pumping paintball makes for a great day when the weather is ho-hum in Omiš. Just be sure you’ve done your last sun tanning. After all, those welts don’t look so pretty in a bikini. 

Paragliding

Soar high above the pirate town of Omiš overlooking the Cetina River. Beginning from Imber, paragliding trips are not as well known as the beaches of Croatia, but once you’re in the know – you won’t be able to stop at just one glide.

Horseback Riding

A short trip to Sinj will see you horseback riding. The town of Sinj has a long history of horses and horseback riding, including a UNESCO inscribed event that dates back to 1715. Regular riding options are available, as are riding schools for those just starting.

Cycling

Cycling trails stretch across the whole country, with Omiš being no exception. Away from the village, set in the hinterland, are paths of various degrees of difficulty. Cycle through the village of Poljica and try the famous Poljica soparnik – a flatbread filled with chard made by the people of Poljica for centuries.

Want a more challenging, more gritty biking experience? Then head into the mountains for some extreme mountain biking.

Hunting And Photo Safari

The Mosor Mountain of over 12,000 hectares provides an expansive hunting ground. You can legally hunt wild boar, chamois, barbary sheep, and deer. Also, the rock partridge, rock dove, and rabbits can be found. With an expert guide, you’ll be taken to places of extraordinary beauty to photograph.

If one day of hunting is not enough, you can also pre-arrange an overnight stay in the open-air hut.

Scuba Diving

It’s Croatia, after all. So there are places to dive everywhere; head out on a day trip to the islands of Brač, Hvar, and Šolta for the very best diving experiences.

Fishing 

Leave Omiš early in the morning for the open sea, where you’ll have the chance to reel in over a dozen fish species. Prepare them for lunch, and enjoy a swimming spot before returning to Omiš in the afternoon. 

The Cetina River is the place for river fishing. Your likely catch of the day will be trout, chub, or carp. Not far from Radmanove Mlinice, you can fish for eel and mullet.

Sea Kayaking

Spend the day paddling in the Adriatic clear blue sea. Magic.

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Getting Lost

Wander the narrow cobbled streets of Omiš and take in her historical sites & churches. Look out for the sign claiming the best pizza in Dalmatia – try it and let me know what you think.

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Getting Musical

During the summer, Omiš hosts a famous Dalmatian Klapa Singing Festival. The festival is one of the biggest in Croatia and is held annually and inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Renting A Small Boat 

The Cetina River is calm, which makes renting a boat fun and safe. Small boats can be hired with or without a skipper. Either way, you’ll make your way up the river through canyons, so have your camera handy.

Visiting Starigrad Fortress

Also known as Fortica Fortress, this 15^th-century stronghold is one of the main attractions in Omiš, Croatia. Starigrad Fortress sits on cliffs high above the old town and is accessible only via a hiking trail. The 1-hour hike from Omiš to Starigrad Fortress is easily one of the best things to do in Omiš. The glorious view of the town and sea below at the fortress makes the effort well worth it.

Seeing The Mila Gojsalić Statue

Located about 5 km from the Omiš town center, the viewpoint at the Mila Gojsalić Statue by Ivan Meštrović is one of the greatest in the entire region. Get a rental car in Omiš and follow the winding road up the hills/cliffs. At this iconic statue, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Omiš Canyon and the surrounding mountains. This is without question one of the top Omiš attractions.

Best Beaches In Omiš

Yes, I did say that Omiš is about much more than sunbathing, swimming, and lazing around on the beach, but the town’s stunning beaches have to be mentioned.

After all, the beaches of the Omiš Riviera also contribute to the area’s popularity as a tourist destination. From the town’s own Velika Plaza to sandy beaches in nearby villages, as well as hidden coves and bays, there are plenty of great beaches to enjoy. These are some of the absolute best beaches near Omiš:

• Velika Plaza Beach
• Duće Beach
• Brzet Beach
• Ruskamen Beach
• Mala Luka Beach

Accommodation In Omiš

We recommend you stay at the Hotel Villa Dvor, where we spent several nights as their guest while we toured the sites of Omiš.  Nestled between two canyons along the Cetina River, Hotel Villa Dvor is set high above a sheer marble stone cliff. Your stay is surrounded by the warm hospitality of the entire Curlin family & they also have a rooftop jacuzzi..seriously.

So, are you tempted? How many things to do in Omiš do you want to try?