Villa Iyla

Villa Iyla enjoys a wonderful location close to Duca's sandy beach, restaurants, shops and mini market. This golden stretch of sand is 5km long. The fabulous attractions of Omis are just 2.5km away or five minutes in the car.
 
The scenic 'Pirate' town of Omis is located at the mouth of the Cetina River. The Omis Riviera is often considered one of Croatia's best-kept secrets. The coastline is dramatic, with sharp, jagged mountains breaking up the scenic picture. This little town packs a punch with pretty sandy beaches for relaxation, historical buildings and activities such as biking, kayaking, rafting, canyoning, rock climbing, and ziplining. It also boasts an incredible dining scene. Omis is brimming with ancient buildings and churches, including the 13th-century Fortress Mirabella and 15th-century Fortress Starigrad, also known as Fortica Fortress. The Omis Summer Festival is magical, with Capella singing in the churches and squares around the town. There is also a lot of pirate entertainment. Omis enjoys a number of beaches, including Velika Plaza and Bacvice in the centre of the town and Slavinj and Brzet Beaches, roughly ten minutes from the centre. The popular Camp Galeb Beach is on the way towards Split, not far from the villa. Many posters and advertisements for Croatia show the amazing Zlatni Rat Beach on the island of Brac, one of Croatia's best beaches.
 
The stunning town of Split is only 25km away and is a must-visit! The Diocletian's Palace is a fantastic landmark built in the 4th century. It contains a military camp, the magnificent Golden Gate and a villa where the Roman emperor Diocletian retired. For the most fantastic view of the city, you should climb the bell tower of Saint Domnius Cathedral, which dates back to the 7th century. It is the most well-preserved temple in Europe. If you do not have much time in Split, you should take a walking tour with a guide to ensure you do not miss anything. Split's Riva is the perfect place for an evening stroll. You can admire the wonderful boats and stop at the cosmopolitan cafes and bars. Palm trees line the Riva adding to its atmosphere.
 
As well as wonderful cuisine, Croatia is known for its excellent wines. You can visit the Putalj Winery for an authentic wine-tasting experience during your holiday. It is only twenty minutes from Split. If you book in advance, they may even be able to pick you up.
 
The beautiful Makarska Riviera is 38 miles long, starting at Brela in the north and ending at Gradac in the south. It offers stunning beaches, including Punta Rata. The Riviera is popular for its ice cream parlours, nature park, nightlife, harbour, beach, shopping and dining. Kacic Square is overlooked by the majestic Baroque Church of St Mark and is brimming with buzzy restaurants, cafes and bars. It is vibrant and lively, with entertainment and a daily local produce market. The pretty harbour is lined with lively restaurants and offers day trips to Jelsa on Hvar and Zlatni Rat Beach in Bol on Brac.

Read more about Omis

The Dalmatian coast is a veritable treasure trove of stunning landscapes and historic towns, and Omis, situated halfway between the famous port city of Split and the energetic town of Maksarka, is no exception. With its rich history, scenic backdrop, and a plethora of attractions, Omis stands out as a unique and captivating destination for those seeking to explore the charm of Croatia. The town's history is deeply intertwined with its dramatic geographical setting, which is dominated by the imposing Cetina River Canyon and the Mosor Mountain Range.

The old town of Omis, with its narrow cobblestone streets and stone houses, is a place where history and culture converge. It’s a charming place to explore on foot and soak up the local way of life. There are a number of historic churches that you’ll come across while exploring - the Church of St. Michael, the Church of St. Peter, and the Church of St. Rocco, which all showcase intricate architectural details and a sense of reverence. The old town is also home to an abundance of restaurants, cafes, and local shops, it’s an excellent spot to savour authentic Croatian dishes and find unique souvenirs.

One of the most prominent historical attractions in the town is the Mirabella Fortress, often called Peovica. Perched high on a rocky outcrop, this fortress was built during the 13th century and was used as a hideout by the notorious Omis pirates who terrorised the Adriatic Sea. Today, visitors can climb up the steep path to the fortress and enjoy panoramic views of the town, the coast, and the surrounding landscapes.

Omis boasts a pristine stretch of coastline with a variety of beaches, each catering to different tastes. One of the most popular is the sandy beach at the mouth of the Cetina River, offering calm waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Adventurous spirits may prefer the pebbly beach of Brzet, known for its perfect conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Just a short drive from Omis, there's the small village of Stanici, which is renowned for its unspoiled beaches and crystal-clear waters. It's a serene place to relax and escape the crowds often found in more touristy locations.

The Cetina River is a defining feature of Omis, and one of the most exhilarating activities here is to take a rafting excursion along its emerald waters. The river cuts through the impressive Cetina Canyon, creating a thrilling white-water rafting experience that appeals to adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. The journey offers panoramic views of the rugged cliffs, lush forests, and the charming villages that dot the landscape.

The nearby Biokovo Nature Park is an outstanding natural attraction. The Biokovo Mountain Range, part of the Dinaric Alps, offers incredible hiking opportunities, with well-marked trails leading to panoramic viewpoints where you can marvel at the Adriatic Sea and the islands scattered along the coast. The juxtaposition of the rugged mountain terrain and the azure waters is simply stunning and will leave a lasting impression.

The history, natural beauty, and cultural vitality of Omis combine to create a destination that is rich in character and charm. Whether you're seeking adventure on the Cetina River, exploring the medieval fortresses, or simply savouring the local cuisine, Omis has something to offer every traveller who ventures to this utterly enchanting corner of the Dalmatian coast.