Not far from Split lies town Sinj that has been writing its chivalrous history for centuries. The most important year for ancient Sinj and the Cetina region was 1715, when the brave people of Sinj, with the help of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, repelled the attack of the Ottoman army, one of the world’s strongest military powers at that time, and thus prevented the invasion into the entire Cetina region. The people of Sinj especially worship the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as they consider her their helper in this historic victory. In memory of the victorious day, the people of Sinj have been holding the chivalric tournament called “Alka” in August for 300 years. The preparations for this important festivity take place all year round. Being a knight or ”alkar” is a special honor for every native of Sinj, and the traditional uniforms, folk costumes and weapons are unique examples of handicrafts. Alka is the pride and defiance of the Cetina region, the very root of the Croatian people and its living cultural monument. Therefore, if you are near Sinj in August, do not miss this unique spectacle.
Fans of active holidays can enjoy horseback riding, paragliding, hunting, hiking and cycling, and even try traditional hand-wheel pottery in the nearby village of Potravlje.
Set in the fairytale landscape of the Cetina region, near Split and town Sinj, is the town of Trilj. Already the ancient Romans recognized the strategic importance of Trilj by building their legion camp Tilurium in the immediate vicinity, from where the once busy Roman roads led to important centers of the Roman Empire: Salona in the area of today's Solin and Narona in Metković. By walking along the streets of Trilj, you will certainly enjoy the traditional architecture of Dalmatian stone houses. The inhabitants of Trilj, just like the inhabitants of nearby Sinj, bravely resisted Ottoman attacks in the past and controlled the surrounding areas from the picturesque Nutjak tower and the Čačvina fortress. Nature lovers will enjoy hikes and a visit to the source of the river Grab. The slopes of nearby Kamešnica hide numerous sinkholes and caves, and the Cetina canyon is best explored by canoeing or rafting on its lively rapids. Awaken your adventurous spirit and explore the rich history of Trilj, enjoy an active vacation and the fairytale nature of the Cetina region.
If you are searching for deep relaxation in a fairytale landscape with numerous cycling and hiking trails or dreaming of horseback riding through enchanting forests or enjoying rowing adventures, then the small town of Vrlika awaits you with open arms. Located on the main road that connects the two largest Croatian cities, Zagreb and Split, it is an ideal and easily accessible destination wherever you are. The slopes of the Dinara and Svilaja mountains offer hiking trails with stunning panoramic views of Vrlika and the beautiful Vrlika plains. Numerous bike paths leading to the Cetina river source or Lake Peruća are suitable even for the youngest, while rowing can be tried on the lake itself. We highly recommend exploring the medieval fortress of Prozor, visiting the early Romanesque Church of the Holy Salvation and walking over the bridges Pločasti and Balečki. For the end of a perfect day, sweeten up with the famous Vrlika “uštipci”, which are doughnut-like fried dough balls. Plan the perfect vacation in nature with your family and get to know the beauties of the Vrlika region.
Another southern Croatian historic town in the hinterland of Split is Imotski. The Topana fortress from the 10th century rises above the roofs of the stone houses and provides a unique panoramic view of the town and its surrounding area. The fortress itself houses a votive church dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels, the patron saint of the town. Not far from fortress Topana are the famous Blue Lake, a popular swimming spot of the locals, and the Red Lake, a natural phenomenon and the deepest karst lake in Europe with a depth of 528 m. The proximity of Split, Makarska, Omiš, Tučepi and other places on the Makarska Riviera has contributed to the development of Imotski as a tourist destination, where friendly hosts welcome their guests in modern apartments, holiday homes and villas with swimming pools.
At the foot of the Matokit mountain is Vrgorac, a small historical town that is surrounded by beautiful nature, cultivated fields, mountain tops and crests. Vrgorac is particularly proud of its towers, which are keepers of its numerous stories and legends about Ottoman beys, Venetian landlords, friars and travel writers, who found a safe shelter in them. Kapetanović Tower is the largest of the seven towers of Vrgorac and was once part of the medieval town walls, worth visiting are also Mumin, Cukarinović, Raos and Paker towers. Very interesting is also Fort Gradina above the town, which throughout history has played an important role in its defense. Vrgorac is well connected to many tourist destinations in its vicinity, like the Baćina lakes, the mouth of the Neretva river, Metković and Roman Narona, Kravica waterfall, Imotski with its Blue Lake and Red Lake, Biokovo Nature Park with the inevitable attraction Skywalk Biokovo, and finally Makarska and the golden beaches of the Adriatic coast.
