Villa Orsolia

Villa Orsolia is located on the hillside in an old part of Krilo Jesenice. It is very peaceful. The town offers two pebbly beaches, but the amazing 5km of sandy beach at Duca is just 4km away. As well as the sandy beach, Duca has some charming restaurants, shops and a mini-market.

The scenic town of Omis is 8km from the villa. Omis has great shopping and is popular for its gastronomy. It is known as the ‘Pirate Town’ due to its location at the Cetina River's mouth and its history of pirates. The Omis Riviera is often thought to be one of Croatia’s best-kept secrets. The coastline is incredibly dramatic, with sharp, jagged mountains all around, contrasting beautifully with the turquoise sea. For a small town, Omis certainly packs a punch. Omis is brimming with ancient buildings and churches such as the 13th-century Fortress Mirabella and 15th-century Fortress Starigrad, also known as Fortica Fortress. The Omis Summer Festival is great fun with capella singing in the churches and pirate performances.

The incredible Cetina River can be reached very quickly from Villa Orsolia. It offers so much fun, in and out of the water. Thrill seeking visitors enjoy kayaking, rafting, canyoning, rock-climbing, ziplining and paragliding. It is very entertaining, unforgettable and will certainly be a highlight of your holiday.

Split's stunning town is only 18km away and offers visitors incredible architecture, fantastic shopping, and delicious food. The Diocletian’s Palace is a notable 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 city's most amazing view, you should climb the bell tower of Saint Domnius Cathedral, which dates back to the 7th century. If you do not have much time in Split, you may want to take a walking tour with a guide to make sure that you do not miss anything. You can also take a segway tour. Split’s Riva, the pretty promenade lined with palms and charming cafes and bars, is fabulous for an evening stroll. 

It is very easy to visit the islands of Hvar and Brac. On Brac, Zlatni Rat Beach is one of Croatia’s best beaches and adorns many Croatia posters. Brac Island is blessed with stunning scenery. The island is famous for its very attractive white stone. The White House in Washington is made from Brac stone. It is also famous for its  ‘buhavica’ olive oil, cheese, wine, honey and wine. The Stina Winery on the waterfront at Bol is lovely and the Prosec, a little like Australian muscat, is delicious! Brac definitely worth a visit, as is the glittering and vibrant Hvar.

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.