TRAVEL BLOG 22/10/2018
CROATIA – PART 3

After a few days in the city, my travels took me down the Dalmatian coast, for further adventures south of Split. The road infrastructure was good. Sensible speeds and considerate drivers made cruising easy and unusually pleasurable for a foreign country.

After nearly an hour of being dazzled by the sun on the calm seas, I stopped in Omis. A town which really does have it all. Beaches, culture, a castle, a port, a gorge, high octane sports and real old-town appeal.

Omis has a chequered history. Once ruled by the Venetians, Bosnians, French and Austrians, it is best known for its ruthless 14th-century pirates. The dominant gorge, carved over the centuries by the Cetina river, was once the hiding place of the notorious pirates. It now attracts a different type of adventurer. Rock climbing, rafting, canyoning and zip wire thrills are all on offer within the limestone canyon. I explored its majesty on a very sedate, pleasant 6 km river cruise to the shady restaurant at the old Radman Mills.

Two fortresses guard Omis. Mirabella is situated behind the old town and is the easiest to access. The climb is not too strenuous if you are reasonably fit. And the entrance fee of 20 kunas is a modest price to pay for such stunning views. The second more inaccessible fortress, Starigrad, dates from the 15th-century and is situated above Mirabella on one of the limestone peaks which dominate the town. The climb, if you are physically fit, should take an hour.

For a more leisurely exploration of the town, you’ll find the shops reasonably priced and the souvenir prices much lower than in Split. The olive oil is delicious here. As is the green walnut liqueur (Orahovac), especially if you can find a local seller. Excursions to the beautiful island of Brac and sophisticated Hvar are also on offer if you fancy a day out across the water.

I returned to this lovely town a number of times during my stay and never tired of exploring its intriguing back streets or lounging in its waterfront cafes with friends.