Omiš Riviera, Croatia

Dear visitors, we invite you to visit the town of Omiš and surrounding Riviera, which is located in the heart of Dalmatia, on one of the most beautiful and interesting spots on the entire Croatian Adriatic. Omiš today is a small tourist town, with population of approximately 15 000 inhabitants, and the entire municipality of Omiš has around 35 000 inhabitants. The area of municipality of Omiš can be divided in two obvious geographical areas, one is coastal area with places like Duće, Nemira, Stanići, Pisak, Marušići, Mimice, Medići, Lokva Rogoznica, Ruskamen. These villages are the main objective of visitors from all around the world, who come here to experience the beauty of Adriatic sea, superb pebble beaches and well known hospitality of local people, who have long tradition and experience in tourism, primarily in private apartments and houses.

The other part, somewhat less know of the municipality of Omis, is it’s hinterland, with streams of ancient villages like Blato na Cetini,  Cišla, Dubrava, Gata, Kucice, Naklice, Podašpilje, Podgrade, Putišici, Seoca, Slime, Smolonje, Srijane, Svinišce, Trnbusi, Tugare, Zakučac, Zvečanje. When we say ancient, we are not over exaggerating – some of these villages are millennium old settlements, and they keep some of the oldest architectural and archeological sites in entire Croatia, mostly those located in ancient Poljica Republic, which is located between rivers of Cetina and Zrnovnica. It is there where you can best experience old folk tradition of everyday living together with the nature. These villages in modern days are also slowly turning towards tourism, and these days it is possible to find nice accommodation there, taste locally grown food and beverages and explore the beauty of the nature and local history. If you visit this part of Omis municipality during the summer, you will be astonished by the peace and tranquility there, having in mind that you are just 10 – 20 minutes away from the sea (by car, of course). And you do not even need to get to the sea to find the refreshment; you can swim in the river Cetina, one of Dalmatia’s world renown beauties.

What to see in Omiš

First, we recommend you visit town’s forts and fortresses, like Mirabela (Peovica), Stari Grad (Fortica) and Visuc. These forts were built during the early middle-ages, for the protection of the town from many of those who did they best to conquer it, but they never managed to do it by force. The main reason is geographical position of the town, surrounded by massive cliffs, river Cetina from the West, and the sea from South and Southeast, and enclosed by city walls which are today non-existent. The second reason is the courage and bravery of Omis defenders, and this is the reason why Ottomans never conquered Omis, and why Omis held as the only free town in Dalmatia for more than 20 years, after it decided to became the part of the mighty Venice Republic, but keeping it sovereignty and its privileges.

It is important to say, that local residents of Omis during the early Middle Ages, were not only brave defenders, but mainly unscrupulous attackers, as the main source of their income was piracy. The Pirates of Omis were the most feared sailors on the entire Adriatic, attacking Venetian merchant sailing boats and even papal ships on their way to Holy Land to fight the crusades. Today it is hard to imagine that this small town with its small and fast ships called “Sagittae” ruled the entire Adriatic, and that most powerful empires had to pay them the fee for safe passage through the Adriatic sea. Surely, their ability to defend themselves in their pirate nest, the town of Omis, was the most important part of this.

Take a stroll around the old town of Omiš, in its narrow and millennia old streets you will find many evidences of the proud history of Omiš. You should visit local churches, with impressive artifacts and paintings, visit the old graveyard which is located just above the town port, or some of ancient cultural sites, like for example the Church of St Peter in Priko neighborhood - part of Poljica Republic, which is one of the oldest Croatian churches.

Omiš is not and never was big, rich or very important town, but it always had its soul and it is still present today. You will best experience this, if you visit Omiš during the “Festival of Dalmatian Klapa singers”, which is the most important traditional and cultural manifestation in the entire Dalmatia. There you will be able to feel the Dalmatian soul, such beautiful and ancient sounds and melodies sung by acepella singing groups, called “Klapa”. This is one of the most notable and well recognized cultural features of Dalmatia, unique and ancient – some of the songs performed are more than 500 years old and they were preserved in folk tradition. Definitely the thing to visit while in Omis.

Tourism in Omiš

Omis has a long history of tourism; it started with small private hotels and pensions at the beginning of 20^th. Century, and today it is mainly oriented towards private accommodation in nice houses with private apartments and rooms, and unfortunately only few hotels. The main tourist attractions, besides sightseeing, cultural tourism and leisure on the beaches are active holidays; free climbing, rafting, kayaking, paragliding, diving, and of course rich gastronomical offer in many local restaurants and konobas. Besides “Festival of Dalmatian Klaps”, other cultural events are “Omis Cultural Summer”, “Omis Guitar Fest”, “Poljica Republic Fest”, “Carnival”, “Pirate Evenings” and “Pirate Battle”, a reconstruction of medieval battle between Omis pirates and Venetian ships.

Omiš Riviera

Omiš Riviera is a series of old villages and newer tourist settlements situated along the coast, and below mountains, which stretches for more than 30 kilometers along warm and crystal clear Adriatic sea. Omiš Riviera is famous for its beaches beneath the shades of pine trees, numerous coves where it is still possible to find your own private part of paradise. So, let’s explore each destination of the Omis Riviera, starting from the west.

Sumpetar, Omiš Riviera, Croatia

Sumpetar is a small village, located 12 kilometers to the west from the town of Omiš. It is part of Poljica Republic, and it is one of the oldest settlements in this area. The old village is located far from the sea, under the mountain, and the new part of the village is located by the sea, with small port, two nice pebble beaches and few restaurants and cafe bars. It’s main disadvantage is that it is divided in two by the main road, so you will have to cross it regularly when going to the sea or to the grocery store. The good side of Sumpetar location is its closeness to the town of Split and Omiš – if you would like to explore the larger area of central Dalmatia this could be ideal location for you. Sumpetar is primarily the village of sailors, shipbuilders and farmers, which only recently turned to tourism.

Duće, Omiš Riviera, Croatia

Duće is a series of small settlements, with its western tip located 6 kilometers from the town of Omiš, and its eastern part neighboring the town of Omiš. It is also part of ancient Poljica Republic. Duće is famous in entire Croatia for its 6 kilometers long stream of sandy beaches, with shallow entrance to the sea, which make Duce perfect holiday resort for families with children. It is also interesting for young people, who seek fun and nightlife, due to numerous beach bars in this area. Duće has a long tradition of tourism, since it is one of first places on the Omiš Riviera that developed as a modern holiday destination. Local residents once were primarily farmers and sailors, and today they are entirely oriented towards tourism. The old village Duće is also located above the sea, and under the mountain, it is slowly being renovated and it is possible to find accommodation even there, or just visit it to get some insight into the life of local people before the tourism. Accommodation in Duće is primarily organized in private house and pensions, with 2 smaller hotels available there. There are several restaurants there, two grocery stores and many café bars and beach bars. It is very well connected with Omiš and Split.

Nemira, Omiš Riviera, Croatia

Nemira is a small settlement 2 kilometers to the east from the town of Omiš, which make it almost the suburb of Omiš. It is a new settlement which emerged during last 50 years, with the development of tourism. Accommodation is possible in private houses and apartments, located by nice pebble beaches.  The entire settlement of Nemira is located below the main road, so you will not have to cross it, and you can take a stroll by the sea to the town of Omiš. Grocery store, a restaurant and a café bar is available there for you, with the possibility of renting a boat, a scooter or just to lay in the sun and embrace yourself into the beauty of local summer atmosphere.

Stanići, Omiš Riviera, Croatia

Stanići is one of the largest settlements on Omiš Riviera, consisting of two parts, Stanici Tice and Stanici Rape.  Located mainly below the main road, and with lots of tourist offer, Stanići is one of the most popular destinations of Omiš Riviera. Stanići boasts with excellent pebble beaches, and some of the best private houses and apartments located directly on the sea. The center of the village is located on the main road, where the grocery store, café bars and hotels are located. The bus connections are not so good like in Duce and Sumpetar, but you will be able to get easily either to Omiš, Split or Makarska, from local bus stop.

Ruskamen, Omiš Riviera, Croatia

Next to Stanići, in the direction of east, small holiday village Ruskamen is located. Ruskamen was famous in Croatia, because it had one of the first nudist beaches in Europe, which today is unfortunately only a shadow of its once attained name recognition. Ruskamen is one of the smallest settlements on Omiš Riviera, but it has the best hotel on the Riviera, excellent beaches, a grocery store and some very nice private houses and apartments. Villagers there are mainly oriented towards tourism.

Lokva Rogoznica, Omiš Riviera, Croatia

The entire eastern part of Omiš Riviera is also called “Omiš’s Rogoznica”, due to the name of once largest and most important village on this part of Omiš Riviera. Old village Lokva Rogoznica is located high above the sea, and just below Dinara mountain. There is a road that leads to it from the sea, and we invite you to visit the old village. Residents were primarily farmers, growing olives and wine. Today, they are mainly oriented towards tourism, in the new part of the village which is built by the sea, and the main road. You will find great beaches there, Ivašnjak and Artina, several camping sites, few restaurants, café bars, grocery store and a possibility to rent a boat or bike, or just lie down on the sun and enjoy crystal blue sea and the sound of crickets singing in the pine trees. Accommodation is possible in camps, private houses and apartments. The main road goes through the village, but local residents built under road passages, so you will not have to cross it that often.

Medići, Omiš Riviera, Croatia

Medići is a small settlement, most of it newly built during last 50 years, with the development of the tourism . With Ruskamen, it is one of the smallest settlements on Omiš Riviera. There are several old stone houses located above the main road, and from these houses residents moved closer to the sea, where they built new, modern holiday houses which are available for rent. These new houses are located mostly below the main road, and just above beautiful pebble beaches. In Medici you will find two café bars, a restaurant and for everything else, you will need to go to nearby village of Mimice which is just 500 meters to the east.

Mimice, Omiš Riviera, Croatia

Mimice is located 10 kilometers to the east from the town of Omiš, and it is one of the most important settlements on Omiš Riviera, with the longest tradition of tourism. You will not find any hotels there, but you will find excellent private houses and pensions, which have been accepting travelers from all around the world for more than 80 years.  Mimice is an old village, originally located by the sea, with an old port, two excellent pebble beaches (Juto and Kutleša), post office, grocery store, restaurants, café bars and possibility to rent a boat, a bike or a scooter. Local villagers were primarily farmers, specializing in the production of red wine, which is today almost gone, and the entire village is oriented towards tourism. Mimice is one of our favorite destination of Omiš Riviera, together with Duće, Marušići and Pisak, two of which we are to describe next.

Marušići, Omiš Riviera, Croatia

The village of Marušići is located 13 kilometers east from Omiš. The old village is located above the main road, and new parts of the village which are developed for tourism are located below the main road. You will not have to cross the road often, so this makes Marušići good destination for families with children. Another positive side of Marušići is the unspoiled beauty of its nature and fantastic pebble beaches that can be found here. These beaches have small pebbles and shallow entrance to the sea, which make them ideal for small children. The new part of the village consists of three parts: Lovrina Vala, Čapula and Put Borka. In Marušići you will find the most beautiful cove on the Omiš Riviera, called Borak with astonishing  pebble beaches and fresh water spring.  We have to notice that in Marušići there is not much tourist offer, other than one grocery store and a café bar, located high above the sea, by the main road. But, if you are looking for peaceful holiday in beautiful nature, then Marusici is our top recommendation for Omiš Riviera. It is just 6 kilometers away from noisy tourist centers Brela nd Baška Voda on Makarska Riviera, so visitors can find tourist offer there or in nearby Omiš.

Pisak, Omiš Riviera, Croatia

Finally, we came to the pearl of Omiš Riviera, old village of Pisak, which is located 15 kilometers east from Omiš, and it is last place on the Riviera, bordering with the village of Brela on Makarska Riviera. Pisak is located by the sea, and during its history it was the most important fishermen port on Omiš Riviera, mostly due to its location, across the eastern tip of the Brač island. Today, Pisak is mostly tourist settlement, with everything you need located in close proximity. In the village port several restaurants and café bars are located, just above two very beautiful and clean pebble beaches. If you are willing to take a stroll by the sea, either to the west or to the east, you will find some even more beautiful beaches, and possibly your own private part of Adriatic coast. There is a grocery store in the village, and the main reason we like Pisak so much, is the fact that Pisak is the place, wheer you can come with the car, and then forget about it. Everything you need is located within short walking distance, and you are fully able to lay back and enjoy your holiday, without worrying about single thing. And after day or two, you feel like local resident, as you were always here. We can definitely recommend Pisak – please be noted that accommodation is only available in private houses and pensions.