OMIS

Overview

The busy town of Omis lies at the mouth of the river Cetina, which flows through a spectacular rocky gorge. The picturesque old town is full of quirky shops, lively bars and quality restaurants hidden down charming narrow allies.

Navigation

Omis is easily visible due to the fortifications on the hillside, and the rocky gorge that the river flows through. The harbour sits at the E of the river’s mouth. There are several hazards to watch out for as you approach.

If you are coming from SE, keep at least 2 cables offshore. If you’re approaching from the west, take care to avoid the rocky spit at Dugi Rat – this is marked, to the W, by a lit cardinal buoy. From this buoy to Omis, the waters are very shallow due to the silt deposited by the river

An unlit buoy to the SE of the river mouth, just inside the harbour entrance, signals a dangerous wreck, so keep that well to the port side.

While it’s possible to enter the river, caution is needed as conditions can vary. Deeper water tends to lie on the E of the channel.

Where to anchor

Visiting yachts can tie up in the harbour to the E of the river, or near the mouth of the river itself.

Tie up along the pier or go bow/stern in the basin. If you enter the river, tie up near the mouth, or close to the low bridge, pointing upstream.

Anchor off the pier, in the sand, at 5m.

The harbour is particularly exposed to S and W winds. Once you enter the river, there’s good shelter, although you’ll still experience Bora gusts.

General Information

Fuel is available on the main road out of town, by the W bank of the river – berth on the quay near the bridge. Stock up on water from the beach shower.

There are several supermarkets, as well as a daily fruit and vegetable market, where you can also buy local wine, straight from the barrel. Banks, ATMs, a hospital, pharmacy, veterinary centre, tourist information, and other facilities you’d expect in a busy seaside town.

History and Culture

There are records of Omis from Roman times. It was fortified in the middle ages, and traces can still be seen today – parts of the wall and the south gate. The town gained notoriety as a centre of piracy, causing extreme annoyance to cities such as Split and Dubrovnik, as well as disrupting Venetian trade routes.

Beaches

Municipal Beach

The sand here is most often described as gritty, rather than pebbly, but it is still a relaxing place to stop in Omis. Safe for swimming and at peak times there’s a lifeguard. It is family-friendly, with a play area for kids, water sports and kitesurfing, and even an inflatable obstacle course in the sea. Plenty of places to grab drinks and snacks. Sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.

Places of Interest

Starigrad Fortress

Take one of 2 well-marked routes for this challenging climb and you will be rewarded with views that defy description- especially at sunset. Plenty of water and proper walking shoes are needed as this is a hike rather than a stroll.

Where to Eat

CoccoPazzo

Right in the heart of the old town, facing the church, soak in the atmosphere on their lovely terrace. Try the fish with caponata, spaghetti with mussels, and the truffle pasta (a local specialty). Good value, great local wines, and friendly service.  CoccoPazzo opens for breakfast, which is a plus.

Restaurant Bastion

Amazing freshly caught seafood, huge tasty pizzas and even huge chateaubriand steaks. Add a sea view and great service, and you have it all!

Things to Do

Omis provides a great base for river activities – kayaking, pirate rafting,  white water rafting, in a unique environment.  Or, if you’re just looking to experience the stunning canyon and mountain landscape, just take a serene cruise upriver through stunning scenery.

Ziplining Croatia

An adrenaline-filled experience in some of Croatia’s most spectacular scenery. Following a detailed training session, get ready to fly! The longest of the 8 ziplines is 700 meters long, and 150 meters high over the Cetina River. Unforgettable.

Places to Stay

There’s a huge number of apartments and B&Bs available in Omis, as well as luxury villas for rent.

We love: Hotel Villa Dvor

Best B&B:  Villa Acapulco Residence (dogs welcome!)