Hiking to Starigrad Fortress – Omis, Croatia

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starigrad fortress

Starigrad Fortress is a historic fortification located in the city of Omis, Croatia. The fortress is situated on a steep hill overlooking the Cetina River and dates back to the 13th century.

In our opinion, hiking up to Starigrad Fortress was one of the best things that we did whilst we were in Omis, and the views from the top are just incredible.

If you’re looking for something to do that involves hiking, a good bit of exercise, amazing views and something interesting and historical to explore, then this is the thing for you to do.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about Starigrad Fortress.

Starigrad Fortress
Views from Starigrad Fortress

What Is Starigrad Fortress?

Today, Starigrad Fortress Omis is an important historical site that can be visited by tourists and locals alike. The fortress features a number of preserved buildings and structures, including two churches, the city walls, defensive towers, and other military installations.

It was built by the Republic of Ragusa (modern-day Dubrovnik) as part of its defence system against invading armies, and it served as an important strategic location for centuries.

In addition to its historical significance, Starigrad Fortress Omis is also known for its breath-taking views of the Adriatic Sea and nearby islands. From the fortress, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the coast and take in stunning sunsets over the sea.

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Mountains surrounding Starigrad Fortress

Does Starigrad Fortress Have a Historic Backstory?

Omis has a history of being the ‘city of pirates’. Back in the 12th and 13th centuries, the pirates of Omis ruled the seas and they were known to be some of the most scary pirates in the Mediterranean.

The Starigrad Fortress was built during this time, when the Venetian Empire ruled the area, as a look out point. Not only was it a look out point but it also acted as a great place for people of the town to retreat to if they were under attack.

Where Is Starigrad Fortress Located?

Starigrad Fortress is located in the town of Omis, Croatia, which is only around a half an hour drive away from Split, so is easily reachable by car from Split.

It is situated on a steep hill overlooking the Cetina River and the easiest way to reach the fortress is to hike up to it from the town of Omis.

The hike up to the fortress is signposted from the town of Omis and is pretty easy to follow, or you can follow this route on the All Trails app – Omis – Starigrad | Fortica | Map, Guide – Split-Dalmatia, Croatia | AllTrails

Please be aware that the hike is quite steep, it is certainly not the most accessible fortress and I wouldn’t recommend the hike to anybody with any mobility issues. The hike took us around 1.5 hours in total up and down.

TIP – If you’re feeling adventurous, another great way to reach the fortress is by Via Ferrata – Via Ferrata Omis Tour: from Split or Omis | Croatia (tripadvisor.co.uk)

When is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Starigrad Fortress?

Starigrad Fortress can really be accessed at any time of the year, weather dependant.

We visited at the start of December and we had dry, pleasant weather which wasn’t too hot.

If you visit in the summer, please note this is quite a strenuous hike, and it especially would be in the hot sun, so we wouldn’t recommend doing this hike at hot points of the day, best to do it first thing in the morning before the sun rises or later on in the evening when the weather starts to cool down.

Just as much as we wouldn’t recommend doing the hike in really hot weather, we wouldn’t recommend doing it in rainy or stormy weather either as it’s steep with lots of loose ground which could be difficult in bad weather.

What activities are there to do near Starigrad Fortress?

With its rich historical heritage, the nearby city of Omis is an ideal place to stay and explore more of the area’s attractions.

Omis really has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a bit of adventure whilst you’re in Croatia, or just looking to chill out and relax.

In the summer time, you can enjoy rafting, climbing, sailing, canyoning and even zip lining!

Omis is also a wonderful town to stroll around and take in some of the attractions such as St Michael’s Square, the more easily accessible Fortress Mirabella or hit the beach to relax.

Final Thoughts

At Starigrad Fortress Omis, visitors can experience a historic location with incredible views and an awe-inspiring atmosphere.

Enjoy taking in the breath-taking scenery and explore one of Croatia’s most important fortresses.

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