Croatia. Omiš

  After Hvar, we reached the mainland by taking a ferry to Split, where we then caught a bus to the charming town of Omiš. We stayed for a night in a unique hostel nestled close to the towering rock mountain, where one wall of the hostel was literally part of the mountain itself - an incredible blend of nature and architecture...

Map of the trip...

  Omiš has a rich history as a pirate stronghold during the Middle Ages. The town was known for its fierce pirates who terrorized passing ships in the Adriatic Sea. The remnants of this history can still be seen in the fortifications and castle ruins that overlook the town...

  Omiš is situated at the mouth of the Cetina River, surrounded by stunning cliffs and lush greenery...

   From the terrace of  Omiš hostel... 

 Our fancy private room had a rock wall instead of a traditional wall. Interestingly, the next day, when we had strong rain outside, part of this mountain wall was wet, likely due to the many cracks in the rock...

 First of all, we decided to climb to the ruins of a medieval castle, which offered breathtaking views of the city below and the dramatic landscape surrounding us. On our way, the beauty of the streets captivated us...

 The panoramic vistas made the hike worthwhile, revealing the stunning juxtaposition of the rugged mountains and the waters of the Adriatic Sea...

After our castle adventure, we rented a kayak and set off to explore the breathtaking canyon...

  The Omiš Canyon, carved by the Cetina River, is a stunning natural marvel characterized by its steep limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. It's a hub for adventure activities like canyoning, kayaking, and rock climbing, making it a paradise for us...

  

  Also, we were impressed by the Omiš Canyon Bridge, which spans the Cetina River near Omiš and was officially opened to traffic in May 2024. This bridge connects the Komorjak and Omiš tunnels and is part of a larger infrastructure project aimed at improving transport routes along Croatia's Dalmatian coast...

  The bridge is approximately 223.45 meters long and suspended about 70 meters above the river, making it a significant engineering feat. It is designed primarily for vehicular traffic, helping to alleviate congestion on busy routes during the tourist season...

  Paddling through the crystal-clear waters, we covered a 10 km route, surrounded by steep cliffs and lush greenery. It was a perfect way to connect with nature and experience the stunning scenery from a different perspective...

 After our kayaking adventure, we wandered through the narrow streets of Omiš, enjoying the quaint charm of the town...

 As we strolled, we picked up some delicious food for dinner and a bottle of wine to complement our meal. To commemorate our visit, we also found a magnet - an already established tradition for us - and a perfect keepsake to remind us of our time in this beautiful place...

  In the evening, we enjoyed dinner on the hostel terrace, where we were had a beautiful view to the mountains. The peaceful ambiance made for a memorable dining experience, allowing us to reflect on the day’s adventures...

  On the next morning, we encountered some rain as we left Omiš, walking through the empty streets that were devoid of tourists...

  On this day, we had to take a bus to another beautiful place - Baška Voda - where we planned to stay for the next night...