Omis
Formerly the pirate capital of the Adriatic and now an active Croatian resort, nestled between the famous Split (25 km away) and the attractive Makarska Riviera (30 km away). Omiš is located in one of the most picturesque places in Central Dalmatia, at the mouth of the Cetina River, where it flows into the Adriatic Sea, at the foot of the Dinaric Mountains. This unique combination of sea, river and mountains creates stunning views and attracts tourists wishing to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Pirate past and rich history
Omiš is famous for its fascinating and turbulent history, especially its reputation as a pirate's nest in the old days. Due to its strategic position, the inhabitants of Omiš, known as the Omiš pirates, have long controlled shipping in this part of the Adriatic, clashing with Venetian merchants, robbing and collecting tribute from passing ships.
In the Middle Ages, in the 12th and 13th centuries, the town of Omiš (then known under the Italian name Almissa) was ruled by the Kačići princes, one of the most authoritative (in every sense) Croatian families, leaders of local pirates. They attacked papal galleys and the ships of the trading cities of Venice, Dubrovnik, Split, Trogir and Kotor. Several crusades were organised against the pirates. First, Pope Honorius III in 1221 was angered by pirate attacks on crusaders travelling to Palestine. The pope's campaign failed, the pirates won. And continued to plunder the Adriatic, including the Italian coast. Now the king of Naples was outraged, and together with the trading cities of Split and Sibenik forced the pirates to sign a peace treaty with them. The pirates, as usual, broke the treaty. Later, the Venetians organised their own crusade, which led to the capture of Omiš. The influence of the Kačići family diminished, although piracy was not completely ended.
In summer, Omiš used to host a colourful, memorable show called Gusarska bitka (Pirate Battle), a historical reenactment of a 13th century battle between pirates and Venetians. But when Covid-19 came, all public events were banned. After the epidemic, the city started a big renovation of the harbour and the sea battle is still not held. But the Pirate Days festival continues to live on. Tourist blogs and websites will of course tell you that the battle takes place annually – alas, the last time it took place was in 2019 and has been put on pause for now. There's no information on it resuming in 2025.
What to see in Omiš
The old town of Omiš, which can be travelled around in just a few hours, captivates with the beauty of its ancient narrow streets.
At first glance it may seem like a small town, just run around the Old Town and climb the fortress. But it is the same as licking the cream off the dessert, leaving all the deliciousness in the cup. Because there is really a lot to see in Omiš and its surroundings – there are ancient fortresses, majestic mountains and a beautiful river canyon.
Mirabela Fortress, Omis
Fortresses: Two tall stone towers left from an ancient pirate fortress are the hallmark of Omiš. This is the 13th century Romanesque-style Mirabella (Peovica) Fortress , whose observation deck offers a magnificent view of the town, the neighbourhood and the island of Brac.
View of the Old Town and the island of Brac from the Mirabel Fortress
Another significant fortress is Starigrad (Fortica), located on a hill above the town and also illuminated at night. It is so high and far away that you have to have excellent eyesight to see its tower and wall. I had to enlarge a fragment of the overall photo: zoom in on the fortress for a better view. In the photo of the beach (below), the arrow marks the point where the fortress is.
Fortress Starigrad (Fortica) above the town of Omis
Thanks to its favourable defensive location, the town successfully repelled Ottoman attacks during the Venetian-Turkish wars. During the season, a weekly Pirates treasure tales excursion is organised in Mirabella Fortress. The tour itself is free, there is only a 5€ entrance fee to the fortress. If my memory serves me correctly, children's tickets are cheaper. In 2025, the tour was held on Fridays, at 7.30pm (7.30 PM). This is actually an invitation to admire the sunset to pirate stories.
The Starigrad Fortress (Fortitsa) is recommended to go up to meet the sunrise. In the heat of the day it is probably not realistic to go up there at all. The way is long, uphill, ask local guides how long it usually takes. I didn't go up, so I can't tell you.
St Peter's Church, Omiš
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Churches: There are several old churches in Omiš, including the oldest, the Church of St. Peter (10th century) and next to it a later Franciscan monastery; the Church of the Holy Spirit (16th century) with a Renaissance wooden altar, and the parish church of St. Michael, a combination of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance style. The 18th-century Franciscan monastery houses a decent art collection, a friars' archive and a library.
Omis. Church of St Michael, altar
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City Museum: Croatia is reverent about its history, and of course in the centre of Omiš there is a museum with archaeological exposition. I would like to point out that the area here is ancient, in antiquity it was inhabited by the Illyrian tribe of Delmatians. In the Roman era appeared the settlement of Oneum. But I will not bore you with the story of history up to nowadays. Let's “walk” along the beaches.
The beaches of Omiš
The Omiš Riviera stretches for about 35 kilometres and is famous for some of the best sandy beaches in Croatia. The mild climate, warm sand and pine groves along the coast make Omiš beaches suitable for family holidays with children. The main town beach offers many restaurants, cafes and entertainment for children. Pine trees line the kilometre-long coastline, saturating the air with the healing scent of pine needles.
Big city beach (Velika plaza), Omiš. The arrow indicates where Fortica Fortress is located. See above for a larger fragment.
In August at night on the beach you can watch the meteor shower, the ancient name of which is the tears of St Lawrence. We came to Omiš in the evening from Makarska riviera – to wander around the town and chose not a hot September day, after the rain. That's why the beaches in my photos are deserted and the sand is wet. In my opinion, the beaches, which are located next to the mountain river flowing into the sea can not be called an ideal place for swimming. Until the first rain in the mountains. Then you have a weekend – you can go on excursions, while all that glass from the mountains, will dissipate on the sea. Rains are rare in summer, but still.
Velika plaža na pozadini tvrđave Mirabela u podnožju planine Peovica. City beach against the backdrop of the Mirabela fortress at the foot of Mount Peovica
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Active recreation and entertainment
Omiš combines the sea, mountains and river. This is where lovers of active holidays really have something to do.
Omiš, Cetina River
Cetina River: Yes, it happens – you come to the sea, and you get a river as a bonus. The turbulent Cetina River is a good place for rafting, kayaking and fishing. It is worth visiting the picturesque Cetina River canyon with its rapids and waterfalls, the largest of which is Velika Gubavica (48 metres), visiting Radman's mill and swimming in the river. Boat trips and hikes in the canyon are also popular, as are trips to the sanctuary of St Leopold Bogdan Mandić in Zakučašće.
Omiš. Evening sea with a boat at sunset
Water sports: The Adriatic Sea off the coast of Omiš with its sea grottoes and underwater caves attracts divers. For example, diving in the bay of Vrudža. Windsurfing (especially for beginners on the beach of Galeb camping site with its sandy and shallow bottom), water skiing and catamaran sailing are also popular.
Other activities: For lovers of outdoor activities on land, Omiš offers rock climbing on the surrounding mountains, hiking in the mountains, cycling, football and basketball. Football fans can catch matches of the local team.
Festivals: There are many cultural events in Omiš in summer, the most important being the International Festival of Dalmatian “klap” (traditional a cappella singing), which takes place in July-August and is on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. At the end of July, the costume festival “Pirate Nights” takes place. I mentioned the “Pirate Battle” earlier. Other events include the “Cultural Summer of Omiš”, “Folklore Nights”, “Fishermen's Nights ” and “Mila Goisalic Days”.
Where to eat
Gemelli Confectionery and Coffee Shop, Omis
Numerous small and cosy restaurants, most of them concentrated on the seafront and in the old town, offer national cuisine. They serve the traditional “brodet”, a fish stew with spices and red wine. Popular restaurants in the city centre are Antula, Milo, Puljiz, while along the Cetina River are the colourful restaurants Kastil Slanica and Radmanove Mlinice, where you can enjoy a meal in nature. Pizza is found everywhere, it is also traditional.
Restaurants in the Old Town are packed in the evening. Omis
Climate
Omis enjoys a mild and warm weather. The average air temperature in summer is +30°C and the water temperature is +25°C. The best time to visit the city is from June to early October.
Omiš offers everything you need for a comfortable holiday: sports grounds, children's amusement park, market, shops, pharmacies, bank and bus stop. This town, where antiquity and modernity meet, is sure to leave unforgettable impressions.
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