Omis Riviera – a description, photos, beaches - Croatia

History of Omis

Omis is a real jewel for knowledgeable and experienced tourists who are interested in discovering out of the ordinary destinations. This small town is situated at the mouth of the Cetina River on the Adriatic coast in the vicinity to Split and it is mentioned in past by the Romans who named it as Onaenum. Town Omis carries its unique urban character and even though is similar to other Dalmatian towns it is one of a kind town jewel with centuries old history. Mosor and Dinara slopes surpass like a wall surrounding areas and part of the coast where Omis is located which makes great scenery.  Real haven for rafters and paragliders is precisely a notch which the river Cetina brokeand it is also the one thing that gives to Omis unique standpoint.

To its guests Omis offers sandy and pebble beaches and unforgettable excursions into the Cetina canyon as well as Radman’s Mills. Same route leads visitors to the inland to Cetina waterfalls, Small and Large Gubavica, in addition to Blue and Red Lake (nature phenomenon in Imotski).

Harsh cliffs and bays along the coast that stretches deep into the inland are the reason why the pirates chose Omis for their base at the time of Venetian rule in Dalmatia. They have controlled for hundreds of years much of the coast where many merchant caravans were passing by, consequently even the mighty Venetians were often forced to sign treaty contracts to buy peace.

Sights and events

In memory to the glorious days of Omis pirates every year a traditional pirate battle is being held on 18.08. Visitors can see in this battle a reconstruction of the 13th century original Pirate battles. In addition to this event in the first half of July each year (besides the pirate victory shouts) one can hear harmonious a capella singing – unique throughout the world - at the festival of Dalmatian male and female klapa singing.

Remains from the Stone Age were found in the area of nowadays Omis and its surrounding area. Fortifications ruins are a proof of turbulent past in this area. The place was protected by walls on three sides while the fourth was protected by mountains. Parts of these ruins were demolished in the 19th century but some have survived to this day.

Omis centre is actually a crossroads of streets and squares, some of which are the real tourist attractions such as the Renaissance house where the owner engraved his entrance and inscription in Latin says: Thank you Lord that I was in this world.

Poljica - description

Along with Omis its history and cultural identity it is impossible to omit near by place called Poljica which is situated in the area surrounded by the River Cetina in the east and north side, sea sore in south and River Zrnovnica in west side. In history of Poljica this place and its borders are mentioned for the first time in document called Poljica statute in 1482. Approximately twenty villages constitute Poljica and it is an area a little more than 250 square kilometres that are divided naturally and historically into three parts. Throughout the centuries mountain Mosor was shelter and River Cetina was the border and defence barrier from invaders. Poljica were once even separate principality and its population is still traditionally engaged in agriculture and livestock farming.

Poljica society was made up of nobility that is “grandpas” and gentry, free commoners and peasants and according to historical interpretations their independence was preserved even when Poljica  was forced to acknowledge the Venice or Turkey sovereignty.  When the Turks invaded Poljica in few battles Mila Gojsalic stood out. Both Jakov Gotovac and John Mestrovic were inspired by her story when composer wrote music for the opera and famous artist known as local Michelangelo made a statue that can be seen on the road Omis-Gata.

The largest village in Poljica is Jesenice with Krilo port and along with the Adriatic highway is Dugi Rat with beautiful beaches Ruskamen, Mimice and Pisak. Nearby is the village Tugare and downstream Cetina place called Zadvarje. All these places are part of the beautiful Omis Riviera.

Not to miss:

• See or participate in the reconstruction oft he original 13th Pirate battle
• Climb the fortress Fortica or Mirabella and enjoy in beautiful panoramic view over the city centre and the River Cetina
• Visit interesting restaurant called Flinstone in Svinisce 15 minutes driving distance from Omiš. It is modelled on well known cartoon and is impossible not to enjoy in unforgettable combination of specially designed interior and excellent gastronomy.