Things to See and Do in Split, Omiš, Imotski, and the Makarska Rivijera (Summer 2023)
Cetina River. Omiš, Croatia
I like exploring open-air markets, listening to music, hiking, and chatting with locals.
I also like visiting abandoned buildings and chatting with their ghosts (kidding about the ghost part).
Recently, a cousin asked me to recommend a few places and things to do in the area, and I put a short list together. Then I thought, why not share some of it here?
Maybe you’ll find it useful. Maybe not.
I’ll stick to sharing details about places I have seen, places locals have recommended, and places I want to visit because this is all about My Adriatic Adventure.
And I do hope you find something here that you can add to YOUR Adriatic Adventure.
And Now This:
This is a random list.
This list includes event dates- because I wouldn’t want to waste your time—no point in getting excited about an event that has already happened.
I will keep it simple and include websites and social media page links so that you can explore further.
I hope you learn something new while going through the list.
And if you don’t, I can recommend a few people in Croatia doing a GREAT JOB promoting the sites and sounds within Croatia. Add a note in the comments section, and I will direct you to those cool people.
Here we go!
Makarska Rivijera Tours
A group of fantastic storytellers based in the Makarska Rivijera created a collective: Udruga turističkih vodiča Makarska Rivijera i Zabiokovlje.
I’ve been on a few of their tours, including one in March called The Path of Brave Women. Check out my story about the tour here.
If you are visiting the Makarska Rivijera and want to learn about the area, I highly recommend checking out one of their tours.
The Path of Brave Women Tour
Split Park Festival (June 22, 2023-July 23, 2023)
This is a free-entry event. Music. Food. And lots of people. My eyes lit up when I read that the group Silente would be performing at the Festival. They are one of my favourite Croatian bands.
Read more about the Split Park Festival here and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.
Zadvarje Market
Zadvarje Market Stall of Handmade Wooden Items
The Zadvarje Market is not in any of the towns mentioned in the title but deserves mention.
This open-air market takes place every Tuesday—the second largest open-air market in Dalmacija.
You’ll find roasted lamb, music, lots of fresh food from the area, and other things typically found at an outdoor market. This is a morning activity. And it’s a 30 min drive from Makarska.
Read more about it here.
Magic Time Vinyl Festival (July 28, 29, 30 -2023)
The Festival takes place just outside Imotski. I have not been. I want to check it out this summer. No need to ramble about something I know very little about. If you like music festivals, read more about it here.
Omiš Summer Frei 2023 (June 1-October 2023)
The town of Omiš is a coastal town between Split and Makarska.
The Cetina River runs through the town. There is no shortage of boat operators in the area. You can find them without issue when you arrive.
In addition to the boat excursions, the town has done a great job coordinating and advertising several free summer events, including free guided city tours, hiking trips, museum and fortress visits, free open-air movie screenings, UNESCO-protected Dalmatian a cappella melodies and traditional dances.
Read more about Omiš Summer Frei 2023 here.
Meštrović Gallery
Ivan Meštrović was a Croatian sculptor, architect, and writer. The site of the Meštrović Gallery was once his summer home.
Last year, I ended up at this gallery by accident. I was on a walk and needed to use the restroom. I came for the restroom. I stayed for the art and the VIEW!
The view from the Meštrović Gallery; Split, Croatia
Melodija Jadrana, a three-day musical event, will be held at the Meštrović Gallery at the end of June. It’s a three-day event taking place: June 23, 24, and 25.
The last day is sold out, but tickets are still available for the other dates.
Find out more about the gallery here.
The Abandoned Children’s Health Resort in Krvavica
This site is one of my favourite in the Makarska area. Why? Because it’s abandoned. It’s located a few feet from the Adriatic Sea. The architecture is stunning.
Whenever I need inspiration, I go to Krvavica and walk through the abandoned building, exploring its present state and thinking about its past. It never disappoints.
Read more about it here.
Abandoned Children’s Health Resort in Krvavica, Croatia
And there you have it - some spots I have seen and plan to explore this summer in Split, the Makarska Rivijera, Imotski, and Omiš.
There’s much more to see and do in these parts, but that’s just some of what’s on my radar for now.
If you find yourself at any of these spots this summer, I hope they add some sweetness and fond memories to your Adriatic Adventure.
A few days ago, the plan was to make pizza dough.