☰Omiš

The town beach at Punta, at the mouth of the Cetina, is convenient but crowded in summer. The better beaches are along the Omiška Riviera — a 30 km stretch of coast running south from Omiš toward Brela. The beaches here are a mix of pebble and shingle, backed by pine trees, and quieter than anything near Split. Duće, 3 km north of Omiš, is a popular and accessible option.

Omiš town itself has a narrow river beach on the Cetina, which is an unusual alternative to the sea — the water is calmer and the dramatic gorge scenery behind it makes for a distinctive setting.

Omis has a handful of good seafood restaurants along the waterfront, mostly concentrated on the south bank of the Cetina near the river mouth. Fish is landed locally and the standard of cooking is generally higher than the volume of tourists might suggest. Grilled fish served with blitva (Swiss chard with olive oil and garlic) and local Pošip wine is the default formula, and it is hard to improve on.

The old town streets have a few konobas (traditional restaurants) serving lamb and veal roasted in a peka — a cast-iron lid covered in embers, producing extremely tender meat. This requires ordering a day in advance. In summer, reservation for any of the better waterfront restaurants is advisable.

Omiš is 21 km southeast of Split on the coastal road. Buses from Split run regularly throughout the day (journey time about 45 minutes); the bus stop is in the town centre. Driving from Split takes about 30 minutes outside of peak season, longer in July and August when the coastal road can be congested.

The nearest airport is Split Airport (SPU), about 30 km northwest. Taxis and rental cars are the most convenient options from the airport.

Omiš offers two completely different types of visit: the coast and beaches of the Omiška Riviera to the south, and the dramatic Cetina gorge cutting inland from the river mouth. The two fortresses on the cliffs above the town — Mirabella and Starigrad — require a short climb but give views that make the effort obvious.

The gorge is the main draw for active visitors. The Cetina cuts through a canyon of limestone cliffs before reaching the sea, and the stretch between the gorge entry and the river mouth is used for rafting, canoeing, rock climbing, and zip-lining. Several operators in town run guided rafting trips; half-day trips are the standard format and no experience is required.