Omiš hiking guide
Hiking in Omiš: Biokovo, the Leopold Mandić Trail & the Cetina Towers
Hiking in Omiš gives you sea views, karst mountain and old stone villages within half an hour of town. The four routes we send walkers on are the Biokovo slopes from Gornja Brela (20.8 km), the short Leopold Mandić Trail above Omiš (5.1 km), the Borak–Podašpilje watchtowers walk above the Cetina canyon (13.1 km), and the easy Marjan loop in Split (8 km). Spring and autumn are the best seasons.
The four best hikes from Omiš at a glance
These are the routes we know best and plan our own walking trips around. All four start within easy reach of Omiš, which is 25 km from Split.
| Hike | Distance | Ascent | Time | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biokovo: Gornja Brela → Nevistina Stina | 20.8 km | +490 m | ~5 hrs | Moderate / hard |
| Leopold Mandić Trail, Omiš | 5.1 km | +320 m | ~1 hr 40 | Moderate |
| Borak & Podašpilje towers | 13.1 km | +664 m | ~6 hrs 20 | Moderate / hard |
| Marjan Forest Park, Split | 8 km | +186 m | ~2 hrs | Easy |
Biokovo from Gornja Brela: the big mountain day
The Biokovo hike starts and finishes in Gornja Brela and climbs the mountain's sea-facing slopes to the Nevistina Stina viewpoint and the chapel of St. Kajo, high above the Makarska Riviera. It is 20.8 km with 490 m of ascent and takes about five hours. It is the longest walk on this list.
Biokovo rises almost straight out of the sea, which is what makes this walk special: for most of the day you have the Adriatic and the islands on one side and grey limestone on the other. The route loops back to the Church of St. Nicholas in Gornja Brela, so you finish where you parked.
The distance is the challenge here, not the climbing. Plan for a full day, carry more water than you think you need, and start early from June to August — the slopes face the sun and there is little shade.
Leopold Mandić Trail: the short one with the best town view
The Leopold Mandić Trail starts in Zakučac, just above Omiš, and is the shortest of the four: 5.1 km with 320 m of ascent, about 1 hour 40 minutes. Rocky paths through Mediterranean scrub lead to wide views over Omiš, the mouth of the Cetina and the sea.
This is the walk to do on an arrival afternoon or a lazy day. It is short but not flat, so wear proper shoes — the path is rocky. Information boards along the way explain the local history, which makes it a good introduction to the area before the longer days.
Borak to Podašpilje: watchtowers above the Cetina canyon
The Borak–Podašpilje walk climbs from Borak past stone villages to two old kula watchtowers above the Cetina canyon, then descends to Podašpilje. It is 13.1 km with 664 m of ascent — the most climbing of the four — and takes about 6 hours 20 minutes.
This is our home ground: Malduk is based in Borak, and the canyon you look down on is the same one our rafting and canyoning trips run through. The walk combines hinterland villages, the towers and big canyon views. On our self-guided trip it ends with a wine tasting at a local winery in Podašpilje.
Marjan Forest Park: the easy option in Split
If you want a rest day or the weather turns, Marjan in Split is the easy alternative: an 8 km loop with 186 m of ascent, about two hours, through pine forest on the peninsula west of the old town. Pair it with a walk around Diocletian's Palace and you have a gentle, full day.
Which Omiš hike should you choose?
- Only have half a day: the Leopold Mandić Trail.
- Want one big mountain day: Biokovo from Gornja Brela.
- Want the most local walk: Borak to Podašpilje — villages, towers and the canyon.
- Want something easy: Marjan in Split.
None of the routes needs mountaineering experience. You do need good general health and to be comfortable walking for four hours or more on rocky ground.
Getting to the trailheads
Reach the trailheads by car, taxi or on foot, depending on the day. The Leopold Mandić Trail starts right above Omiš; Gornja Brela is further down the coast towards Makarska; Marjan is in Split. If you walk with us, you get directions for every trailhead and help arranging transport.
When is the best time to hike in Omiš?
The best months for hiking around Omiš are April to June and September to October: mild temperatures, clear skies and fewer people. You can hike in July and August too, but start at first light — the limestone holds the heat and shade is scarce on Biokovo.
Light rain rarely stops a hike here. Strong wind or a storm forecast is a different matter on exposed ridges — swap to the shorter trail or to Marjan that day.
What to bring
- Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip — the karst is sharp and rocky
- A small daypack and a water bottle (on Biokovo, carry plenty)
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses
- A light layer for wind or cool evenings
- Snacks for the trail — there is nowhere to buy food on the long days
Walk all three as a self-guided walking holiday
Our 5-day trip packages these hikes from one base in Omiš:
- 4 nights in Omiš — 3★, or 4★ Hotel Plaža
- Maps, route notes and 24/7 local support
- Wine tasting in Podašpilje · transfers from/to Split
- 10% deposit · free cancellation to 14 days
See the self-guided walking holiday in CroatiaAsk on WhatsApp
Prefer to walk with a local guide and a small group? Our 6-day guided walking holiday adds a guide on every trail and more hikes.
Add a day on the water
The same canyon you see from the Podašpilje towers is where we raft and canyon. Many walkers swap one hike for a half-day on the river — read our Cetina River rafting guide or the guide to canyoning in Omiš.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best hikes near Omiš?
The four best hikes from Omiš are the Biokovo walk from Gornja Brela to Nevistina Stina (20.8 km), the Leopold Mandić Trail above Omiš (5.1 km), the Borak–Podašpilje watchtowers walk above the Cetina canyon (13.1 km), and the easy Marjan Forest Park loop in Split (8 km).
How hard are the hiking trails around Omiš?
Moderate, with two long days. The Leopold Mandić Trail is moderate; the Biokovo and Borak–Podašpilje hikes are moderate to hard because of their length and ascent; Marjan is easy. You need no hiking experience, but should be comfortable walking for four hours or more.
When is the best time to hike in Omiš?
April to June and September to October, when temperatures are mild and the trails are quiet. Summer hiking is possible if you start early in the morning.
Do I need a guide to hike around Omiš?
No. The routes can be walked independently with good directions and a map. Malduk Adventures offers both a self-guided walking holiday with route notes and 24/7 support, and a guided walking holiday with a local guide on every trail.
How far is Omiš from Split?
Omiš is 25 km from Split, and Split Airport is about an hour away. Marjan Forest Park, one of the four hikes, is in Split itself.
Can I combine hiking with rafting or canyoning in Omiš?
Yes. The Cetina River canyon runs right past Omiš, so it is easy to swap a hike for a half-day of rafting or canyoning with a local operator.