Cetina Canyon

The Cetina canyon is the deep, winding gorge that the Cetina river has cut through the limestone as it drops from the Dalmatian hinterland to the sea at Omiš. For much of its lower course the river runs between high, steep cliffs, in places several hundred metres deep, and the canyon has become the centre of inland adventure activities on this stretch of coast.

The Cetina is the river that the Omiš corsairs once used to escape up when pursued, and the canyon that made that possible is now used for rafting, kayaking, canyoning and zip-lining, with operators based in Omiš running trips up into the gorge. The water is cold and clear, the cliffs rise sheer on both sides, and the canyon holds a string of beaches, caves and the old mills and restaurants of the riverbank.

The most visited single feature is the Gubavica waterfall, the highest waterfall on the lower Cetina, reached by a walk along the river. Further up, the canyon opens out into the Cetina fields, the karst plain behind the mountains where the river begins.

For photographers, the cliffs above the river and the Gubavica falls are the shots. Use Omiš as the base, take a rafting or canyoning trip to see the gorge from the water, and climb the Fortica fortress above Omiš for the view down to the river mouth.

Every spot here is mapped and verified. Share this guide if it helped plan your trip.