We happen to live pretty close to Omiš, a town which is often considered to be the adventure capital of Croatia because of all the adventure activities you can try there. And many of these are tied to the Cetina River Canyon. You could say that Cetina is the most adventurous river in Croatia. And this article will be all about it. The Cetina River meets the Adriatic Sea in Omiš, a famous place known for its pirate history.
The lower and calmer part of this river is excellent for kayaking and boat tours. Its middle part is reserved for some of the best rafting tours in Croatia, while its upper part is for some of the best canyoning tours you’ll ever try.
In this article we’re going to present you with the best adventure tours that you can try in the Cetina River Canyon. Some of them are relaxing, like kayaking and boat tours, and some of them will make your heart go wild, like rafting and canyoning. Oh, we didn’t mention on of the best ziplines in Croatia that is also located in the Cetina Canyon. It’s easy to get lost in all these adventurous things to do in Omiš. Let us present to you the Cetina River Canyon.
Introduction to the Cetina River and Canyon The Cetina River flows through Croatia for a length of 101 kilometers. The source of this river is near the Dinara mountain, the highest mountain in Croatia. This is one of the rare rivers that flows only through Croatia from its spring to the mouth, which is located in Omiš. Through the millennia, Cetina has carved a stunning canyon, a true marvel of nature, full of high cliffs that rise above the river, serene pools, and cascading waterfalls and rapids.
Why Visit the Cetina River Canyon?
Unique blend of adventure and natural beauty.
Great option for all types of travelers, from families to adrenaline junkies.
This canyon is very close to Omiš, a picturesque town with a rich history.
Omiš: The Gateway to Cetina Canyon Omiš, a town located at the mouth of the Cetina River, is a place famous for its pirate heritage and stunning landscape with steep cliffs surrounding the whole town. Omiš is the perfect base for exploring the Cetina River Canyon and enjoying its activities. Many tours also start in Omiš and transfer to the starting location and back is included in many tours.
What Else to Do in Omiš :
Visit the Fortress of Mirabella and Fortress Starigrad (Fortica) for some great panoramic views.
Enjoy a walk through the old town, full of narrow streets and old Dalmatian stone houses.
Enjoy local Dalmatian cuisine at any of the local restaurants.
Top Tours and Activities in the Cetina River Canyon Ok, now that we learned a bit about Omiš and what else to see in Omiš, it’s time to embark on a journey through the Cetina River Canyon and explore the best activities to do there. Here we go. We’re also going to provide you with a link to the highest rated tours for each of these activities so you can explore them further and book them if you like.
1. Rafting on the Cetina River We are starting with the rafting tours on the Cetina River since these are among the most famous rafting tours in Croatia. It’s something you have to try if you’re visiting this part of Croatia.
Overview : An adventurous but beginner and family-friendly activity, rafting on the Cetina River takes you through gentle rapids, serene parts of the river, and through lush scenery.Highlights :
Feel the adventure while navigating the rapids of the Cetina River.
Opportunities for swimming and cliff jumping during the tour.
Tips :
Wear quick-drying clothes and water shoes.
Great activity for beginners and families with children.
2. Kayaking on the Cetina River We were kayak guides in Croatia for almost a decade, and kayaking is one of our favorite activities and you bet we’re going to put it on this list. It’s not as adventurous as some other activities on this list, but kayaking on the Cetina River will be something you’ll remember.
Overview : Kayaking offers a more relaxed way to explore the Cetina River, allowing you to paddle at your own pace and take in the peaceful surroundings.Highlights :
Discover secluded spots along the river and take a break for swimming.
Kayaking is the best option for those looking for a more relaxed adventure on the Cetina River.
Tips :
Start early in the morning for the calmest waters if you’re going to start kayaking from the sea.
Bring a waterproof bag for your belongings.
Bring sun protection – hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
3. Canyoning in the Cetina River Canyon From the relaxing activity like kayaking, we go straight to the most adventurous activity you can try in the Cetina River Canyon. Canyoning is an activity in which you combine various techniques to progress through the canyon. Sounds fun? That’s because it is. Canyoning is the ultimate adventure on the Cetina River .
Overview : Canyoning combines hiking, climbing, swimming, and rappelling through the natural obstacles that can be found in the Cetina Canyon.Highlights :
Slide down natural rock formations.
Rappel down Gubavica Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Croatia.
Tips :
Great activity for adventurers and active individuals. Guides provide all necessary equipment before the tour starts.
There are 2 types of canyoning tours on the Cetina River – basic and extreme, so choose one that suits your needs.
4. Via Ferrata in the Canyon Via Ferrata is a mix of hiking and rock climbing, and one of the best such trails is located in Omiš, at the edge of the Cetina River Canyon. The views from Omiš Via Ferrata are absolutely amazing, and it’s something you have to try if you’re into this kind of activity.
Overview : The via ferrata in the Cetina River Canyon offers a unique climbing experience in which you use a fixed steel cable to climb steep cliffs safely.Highlights :
Incredible views of the surrounding cliffs and Omiš below.
An Omiš Via Ferrata guided experience is suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers.
Tips :
Wear comfortable clothes and use proper via ferrata gear (helmet, harness, Y system).
Don’t forget to bring water and sunscreen because you’ll be exposed to the sun during the whole climb.
5. Ziplining Over the Cetina River Canyon Finally, we reach one of the most famous ziplines in Croatia, the one in the Cetina River Canyon. Omiš zipline is also one of the first ziplines in Croatia and, together with the rafting tours, it’s one of the most chosen activities in Omiš.
Overview : Ziplining offers a flying experience in the canyon as you descend across multiple lines. The longest line of zipline in Omiš is 700 meters long.Highlights :
Reach speeds of up to 65 km/h and enjoy panoramic views.
This activity gives you a unique perspective of the Cetina Canyon.
Some of the lines even cross the river.
Tips :
Morning zipline tours offer cooler temperatures.
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes.
Additional Tips for Travelers We hope that you have already found the best activity for you by now. Let us share few more useful tips and pieces of information.
Best Time to Visit :
Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) because of pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The Cetina River also has a higher water level at this period which is great for some tours like rafting.
Summer (July to August) is great for all kinds of water-based activities but expect more tourists visiting this gorgeous place.
What to Pack :
Comfortable outdoor clothing and proper footwear.
Waterproof gear for water-based activities.
Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water.
Safety Tips :
Always book adventure tours with licensed operators.
Follow your guide’s instructions, especially when engaging in high-adrenaline activities.
Inform guides of any health conditions before starting a tour.
Combining Activities :
Many tour operators in Split and Omiš offer combination packages, such as rafting and ziplining. This is a great option for a full day of adventure.
Plan your itinerary so it includes time for relaxation in Omiš or anywhere by the river. Radmanove Mlinice is a very famous restaurant in the nature, located just by the Cetina River.
Before You Try any of these Cetina Adventures If you’re staying anywhere near Cetina River Canyon (Split, Omiš, Makarska Riviera), we suggest adding at least one of the activities we mentioned in this article to your itinerary. Croatia is famous for beaches, the Adriatic Sea, and warm sun. But when staying anywhere near Omiš, it would be a shame not to embark on a more adventurous side of the vacation. The best vacation memories are made through such activities.
Enjoy your adventure in the Cetina River Canyon!
