5 AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN OMIS, CROATIA

Wondering what to do in Omis? Here are some of the best things to do in Omis, whether you’re visiting for a day trip or staying longer!

If you’re spending time in Split, you might want to explore some of the smaller towns nearby, such as Omis. It’s an absolutely charming little town that’s perfect for a day trip. It can also be a great base if you want to stay near Split but prefer a quieter destination with better beaches. As a local Croatian, these are some of my favorite things to do in Omis, so make sure to check them out!

WHERE EXACTLY IS OMIS?

Omis is a small town on the Adriatic coast, about 25 kilometers from Split. It’s known for its stunning scenery where the Cetina River meets the Adriatic Sea. The landscape of mountains, cliffs, and beaches makes this area truly unique. Omis is a very popular day trip from Split, but it’s also a great holiday destination for travelers who prefer staying in smaller towns. Many visitors choose it as a base for exploring nearby places, including Split and the surrounding coast.

IS OMIS WORTH VISITING?

Many people would say absolutely, and they would be right! Omiš is definitely worth visiting, especially if you love nature.

First, Omis offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Croatia, with mountains, the Cetina River, and the Adriatic Sea all in one place. This makes it perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. The town also has a rich history, with two medieval fortresses, ancient churches, and charming narrow stone streets in the old town. If you like adventure, Omis is ideal! You can zip-line over the Cetina Canyon, go kayaking or rafting on the river, or hike the surrounding mountains. And of course, there are beautiful beaches where you can relax, sunbathe, and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic.

What’s not to love?!

HOW TO REACH OMIS FROM SPLIT

It’s really easy to reach Omis from Split, as they’re very close to each other.

The most convenient option is to drive, which takes about 30–40 minutes. Driving down Jadranska Magistrala gives you some of the most scenic views of the Croatian coast, and there’s a large parking lot right outside the old town. If you don’t have a car, there are regular buses from the main bus station in Split (Autobusni kolodvor Split) that take roughly 30–40 minutes. Tickets cost 4–5 euros and can be bought at the station. For more comfort, you can also take a taxi or Uber, which costs around 25–40 euros per trip.

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, so it has a lively atmosphere. 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 or 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 and admire the historic architecture, including ancient churches, medieval fortresses, and charming squares. Sit down at for a drink or a meal 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. It does have quite a lot of stairs, to be prepared for that. The views are definitely worth it!

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 there!

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:

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 Plaza. It’s a long, sandy beach with many amenities, you you’ll definitely enjoy your time swimming and sunbathing there. If you’d like something different, explore the beaches in the surrounding villages. All of them are stunning!

MY PERSONAL TAKE ON BEST THINGS TO DO IN OMIS

Omis is perfect if you just want to enjoy nature, from the crystal-clear sea to thrilling adventures like zip-lining and rafting. It’s really close to Split, so you can either make it a day trip or even use it as a base and pop over to Split for a day. The mountains and the amazing views all around Omis are honestly breathtaking, so I promise you’ll love spending time there! It’s a small town, so there’s not a ton to sightsee, but if you’re a nature lover, Omis is absolutely perfect.

CONCLUSION: THINGS TO DO IN OMIS

Omis doesn’t have a lot to do in the town itself, but the nature around it is absolutely incredible and totally worth your time. Make sure to visit for at least a day from Split, but if you can spend a few days staying in or near Omis, trust me, you won’t be disappointed!