What is there to do in Omis, Croatia just south of Split? If you’re visiting Omis, here’s what you can do (with or without kids!).
Explore the old town of Omis
Omis, which is pronounced Omish, is roughly 25km from Split, Croatia’s second-largest city. Its name is still a bit of a mystery and it could mean place on the hill or donkey. Settlements date back to 500AD and like many Dalmatian Coast areas, it has a turbulent history with pirates hiding around the river’s nooks and crannies, waiting to steal visiting boats.
Omis is often overlooked in preference to Split, Dubrovnik and even Kotor (opens in new link) and although it is similar to those places it is much smaller and thus significantly less touristy.
It will take you roughly an hour to explore the cobbled streets of the old town, pop into a few shops and maybe stop off for a drink.
Voyage up the Cetina River
The Cetina River is 101km long and probably best known for its hair-raising white water rapids but don’t worry because the mouth of the river is wide and mostly flat.
There are a plethora of boats that you can rent yourself or have a tour in. There are about four agencies alongside the river that offer group and private tours.
We took a group tour and spent a nice two hours cruising the waterway, stopping at a Croatian restaurant en route for a glass of vino!
Alternatively, if you want to go canyoning locally in a bigger river, click here.
Eat Lunch
Croatian food is delicious and mostly revolve around seafood and cheese. If you’re an omnivore, you can eat anywhere.
There are a number of places where you can eat vegan food in Omis which surprised us. These three restaurants all offered vegan food. They are within the walls: Konig, Libero & Puljiz
Climb the castles
Omis has not one but two castles both accessible by foot. We made it to one through the Old Town which is steep in places and definitely not pushchair/stroller friendly.
You can reach the very top of the spire by climbing up black iron ladders which are attached to the castle. Only go if you have a head for heights!
One of the castles
Walk by the river
You can walk from the mouth of the river near the beach, along the quayside and through the tunnels and past the little fishing huts. After that the road gets a bit dicey but it does make for a nice stroll.
Go to the beach
The nicest beach in Omis is, in my opinion, not the city beach but Brzet Beach just a short distance away. Like all of Croatia’s coast line, it is stunning and hosts clear, shallow waters with tree lined banks.
Try to beat the puzzle sculptures
In the Green Forest Park, which is next to the city beach are a number of interactive puzzles made from driftwood. The creator of the unique didactic sculptures is a Bolivian artist Efra Avila who created the puzzles for all ages from kindergarten to adult.
Here’s a video of the park being opened and local school kids having a go at cracking the puzzles.
Video Of Things To Do In Omis
A very short clip from our trip up the Cetina River.
Have You Found Accommodation Yet?
YOu can use this interactive map to search for accommodation across multiple platforms.
We stayed up in the hills to the north of Omis and had the most amazing time. Click here to see where we stayed.
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