If you’re visiting Split, you might be interested in exploring some of the small towns close by, such as Omis. This is an absolutely adorable little town perfect for a day trip or a longer stay for a relaxed holiday. Read more about the best things you can do in Omis!
WHERE EXACTLY IS OMIS?
Omis is a small town situated on the Adriatic coast, around 25 kilometers from Split. It’s known for its stunning scenery where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic Sea. The picturesque landscape of mountains, cliffs, and beaches is truly one of a kind.
It’s a popular day trip from Split, but also a popular holiday destination for those who prefer staying in smaller towns. Many tourists choose Omis as a base to see the surrounding places, Split included!
IS OMIS WORTH VISITING?
Many, many people would tell you absolutely! Omis is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re a nature lover.
Firstly, Omis has some of the most breathtaking natural scenery, combining mountains, the Cetina River, and the Adriatic Sea. Because of so many natural beauties, you can do tons of outdoor activities.
Next, the town has a rich history which is really worth checking out. Omis has 2 medieval fortresses, ancient churches, and gorgeous narrow stone streets in the old town.
Finally, Omis is perfect for outdoorsy people and adventure seekers. You can try many thrilling activities in Omis, such as zip-lining over the Cetina Canyon, kayaking and rafting along the river, or hiking the gorgeous mountains. You can also enjoy beautiful beaches where you can relax, sunbathe, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
What’s there not to like?!
HOW TO REACH OMIS FROM SPLIT
It’s really easy to reach this tiny coastal town for Split as they’re really close to each other.
Firstly, the most convenient option is to drive from Split to Omis, which takes around 30-40 minutes. You can follow the Adriatic Highway (Jadranska Magistrala) along the coast, which will gift you with some of the most scenic views of the Croatian coastline. There’s a big parking lot right outside the old town so you won’t have any problems finding a parking spot.
Next, if you don’t drive or don’t have a car, there are regular bus services operating between Split and Omis. You can catch a bus at the main bus station in Split (Autobusni kolodvor Split) and it will take you approximately 30-40 minutes to reach Omis. The tickets are 4-5 euros and you can buy them at the bus station.
Finally, if you don’t mind spending a bit more on comfort, you can grab a taxi or an Uber to take you directly to Omis. Uber will cost you somewhere from 25-40 euros per way.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT OMIS
Omis is always stunning, but depending on your wishes and preferences, some parts of the year might be a bit better for a visit than others.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Omis, with warm weather and plenty of sunshine. This will be the perfect time to visit if you like going to the beach and enjoy water activties. The town is also full of cultural events, festivals, and outdoor concerts, offering a vibrant atmosphere for visitors. However, as all over Croatia, summer is usually very crowded and expensive.
If going to the beach is not a priority to you, spring or autumn might be a much better choice for a visit. These 2 seasons have milder temperatures compared to summer, so they’re more comfortable for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing. There are way less tourists, giving you a relaxed experience and better opportunities to explore without the crowds. On top of all that, prices for accommodations and activities are lower compared to summer.
Winter is the off-season, with much cooler temperatures and barely any tourists. Winter can be a good option for you if you want a quiet getaway without the crowds. The accommodation will also be really affordable. Some of the negatives are many closed businesses (less restaurants and things to do). Additionally, outdoor activities like hiking kayaking might not be possible due to weather.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN OMIS
Although Omis is a really small town, there’s lots you can do here in a day, or even in a week if you prefer a relaxed holiday. I do have to say it’s definitely more appropriate for those who love spending time in nature, because the outdoor activity options are definitely much better than the sightseeing options. Here are some of the best things you can do in Omis:
Explore the Old Town
The first and most important thing to do is to enjoy and explore the Old Town. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets admire its historic architecture, including ancient churches, medieval fortresses, and charming squares. Sit down at incredible restaurants and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the town.
Visit the Omis Fortresses
Omis has two popular fortresses, and both are worth seeing. Mirabella Fortress is easier to reach as it’s right there in the Old Town. It will give you stunning views of the town and the Adriatic Sea.
If you’re up for a bigger challenge, hike up to the Starigrad Fortress (Fortica), perched on a hill overlooking Omis. This fortress is much higher up than Mirabella and it offers even better panoramic views of the town, the Cetina River, and the Adriatic Sea. If you don’t feel like hiking you can also drive up.
Go River Rafting
The Centina River, which passes right by Omis, is famous for excellent rafting activities. If you’re an adventurous person, you should experience the thrill of water rafting on the Cetina River. There are plenty of guided tours you can book in the Old Town or online – I’m leaving you with some recommendations:
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Try Zip-lining
Another very adrenaline-packed adventure in Omis is their famous zip-line. There’s a whole system of 8 cables which offer over 2 kilometers of zip-lining fun over the Cetina Canyon. You can try zip-lining for 65 euros per person and you can book it here!
Relax on the Beach
If you prefer relaxing over the adventure, or you’ve done all the adventurous activities by now, spend some time soaking up the sun on one of the town’s beautiful beaches. The most popular beach is Velika Plaža. It’s a long, sandy beach with many amenities, you you’ll definitely enjoy your time swimming and sunbathing there.
