Throughout the 12th and 13th centuries all the ships passing through Omis were required to pay tribute for free passage to the notorious Omis pirates. For centuries, Omis pirates ruled the area, and the traces of that history are still visible today, in the preserved medieval town core, the remnants of city walls, and well-preserved fortresses watching over the town.
The pirates of Omis couldn’t have chosen a more beautiful place to make their own. Omis is a town located right next to the Adriatic sea, with plenty of sandy and pebble beaches. In addition, the lovely river Cetina flows right through the heart of the old town, emerging between two mountains. In this section of the guide to Omis, you can find out more about natural and historical sights of Omis. Click on the icons below to skip to a section.
BEACH VELIKA
Located right next to the old town core of Omis, easy to access, Velika beach offers stunning nature combined with plenty of fun activities. You can also view a map of Omis beach locations here.
Over 700 m long and with shallow waters, it is ideal for all ages.
BEACH BRZET
A lovely pebble beach, with plenty of shade and vegetation, Brzet is a 400 m long stretch of beautiful bays with a mountain view. You can also view a map of Omis beach locations here.
Only a 10 minute walk from the town center, it is ideal for kids and adults alike.
BEACH GALEB
Bordering the town of Omis and Duce, the sandy Galeb Beach offers plenty of activities, such as windsurfing, volleyball, jet ski rental, an aqua park and much more. You can also view a map of Omis beach locations here.
The perfect choice for adventurers looking for more than just relaxing on the beach.
BEACH SLAVINJ
Slavinj beach is an adorable, cozy little beach with naturally formed pebbles, located only a few steps away from the medieval town core of Omis town, suitable for all ages. You can also view a map of Omis beach locations here.
Only a few minutes away from the town center, Slavinj is the place for a quick dip
BEACH RAVNICE
Marching from Omis towards the quiet neighboring place of Nemira, you will find a cute little pebble beach, officially classified as dog-friendly. You can also view a map of Omis beach locations here.
You and your pets are welcome to enjoy the sun and the sea all you want at Ravnice.
BEACH GOLUBINKA
Neighboring the town of Omis, the quiet little place of Duce offers a breathtaking strand of sandy beach, with plenty of natural shade. You can also view a map of Omis beach locations here.
Nothing but the sea, the beach and the sun, the perfect place to relax.
BEACHES DUCE
Traveling further through Duce, towards the town of Split, you will find numerous sandy beaches, each more lovely than the other, such as Glavica or Rogac beaches. You can also view a map of Omis beach locations here.
Plenty of sandy beaches to choose from – just pick one and relax!
BEACH NEMIRA
A wide pebble beach surrounded by pine trees, this lovely beach is located in the small, quiet place of Nemira, neighboring Omis town. You can also view a map of Omis beach locations here.
The perfect spot to relax and enjoy the summer air, and let your worries disappear
First inhabited over 2000 years ago, the Omis area has a well-documented history. From small agricultural settlements way back then, through the famous Omis pirates ruling the area in medieval times to being under Venetian rule during the renaissance, traces of the rich history are present throughout every corner of the town and the area.
OMIS
MIRABELA FORTRESS
Just above the roofs of the old town, as a permanent reminder of the glorious pirate history, stands one of the most famous Omiš landmarks – the fortress of Mirabela whatches over the town to this day, only steps away from the modern city life. You can see the map of the historical landmarks in Omis here.
Only a 5 minute hike from the old town center, there is no excuse not to visit Mirabella.
STARI GRAD FORTICA
A 14th century fortress, Starigrad – Fortica, used as a lookout and a place of refuge in times of danger, still stands proudly, and well-preserved, watching over Omis. You can see the map of the historical landmarks in Omis here.
It will take an hour to hike up to Fortica and witness an unforgettable view of the coast.
OMIS
OLD TOWN
Taking a walk through the old town core of Omis, you will find numerous historical sights, from medieval churches and landmarks, through traditional Dalmatian houses and streets, there are traces of the rich history at every step. You can see the map of the historical landmarks in Omis here.
The old town core is still the center of modern-day Omis, so you will definitely take a walk down history lane at some point.
Go to the main church in the center of the old town (St. Rocco). Just left to the main church entrance you will see a set of stairs climbing up. Take the stairs and follow the signs leading to Mirabela. opening hours are 9 am – 10 pm and the entrance fee is symbolic.
If you want to witness some history, you don’t have to go out of your way in Omis. In fact, you can’t miss it! Odds are that during your stay, you will find yourself in the medieval town core. From the Cetina river, just head towards the sea and you will be passing through the heart of Old town, witnessing medieval churches, traditional-style Dalmatian houses and the Mirabela fortress, eventually passing through the Eastern Town Gate, still standing as a remnant of the old town wall.
There are several paths you can take up to the Fortica. The easiest and most frequently used path is from the town port, just left from the fire department. After climbing up the curvy local road for a couple of minutes you should see a sign marking the path to Fortica on your left. From this point you have no more than 50 minutes of easy climbing along a well marked forest path. The entrance fee is symbolic. But please never climb up to Fortica after 6 pm as it could be very tricky to climb down after it gets dark and always have enough water and proper shoes.
In addition to the Mirabela and Stari Grad – Fortica fortresses, which are most famous around Omis, there are plenty of other sights to see in Omis. Just walking through the old town core, you can see mediaval churches, the famous House oof the Happy man, the Pole of Shame, tradional Dalmatian houses and narrow streets (kala) and so much more. You can also hike up to the Mila Gojaslic statue, for a stunning view of the river canyon, Omis itsekf and the sea. The tradional coat of arms of Omis pirates is hidden throughout the town as well, so try and find as many as you can 🙂
Yes, there is a museum in the very center of the old town. Working hours are 8—11, 12—15, 17—21 and there is no entrance fee, so feel free to visit and learn about the rich history of Omis and the area all you want! Don’t forget to ask around about the many manifestations held in Omis, sucha as the Klapa song festival or the reenactment of the famous Pirate Battle, held every year.
All over Omis! There isn’t a corner of old town Omis where some history has not been preserved, so you can’t miss it. If you prefer a map, you are welcome to check the locations of the more notable historical landmarks here.
