Cetina, one of the longest and loveliest of Croatia’s rivers has lately become a must on the itinerary of those guests who wish to spend their vacation actively. Its 102 kilometres are certain to offer the pleasure of numerous adrenalin activities from good old rafting for which the river has become acknowledged up to the exciting novelties such as the attractive zip line.
Cetina has rightfully become a real tourist hit for domestic and foreign guests – Joško Stella, the, director of the Split-Dalmatia county Tourist Board tells us. – Guests desirable of an active vacation are pleased by the proximity of the town of Omišwhich is located in an ideal position between Split and Makarska, and which captivates with its unique combination of sea, river and mountain – Stella says.
Interesting is the fact that the Cetina, all the more connected to the development of adventure tourism, is still considered to be insufficiently explored. The very etymology of its name has not been reliably determined, and two dominant theories attribute the title of name giver to the field river Cetyini, the Delmatae tribe respectively, who called it Kentona. With its eight sources, banks and surrounding slopes, it was a place where people have been settling in different epochs, while its important role in the life of the inhabitants is shown by the archaeological sites dating from the Illyrians, Roman legions and up to medieval battles.
The Cetinais an inspiration for many artists and this karst beauty is valued in the film industry. Its impressive landscape has caught the eye of leading figures of the film industry, and in the sixties of the past century, in the area of “tight rocks” to Radman’s mills, it briefly moved onto the film screen for the needs of shooting 10 films on Winnetou.
Enchanting ambience
What is there to say on rafting and be original? That is maybe most difficult, but anyone who at least once went down any river knows that the feeling is fantastic and every guest knows that after getting out of the boat he will certainly be back as soon as he can.
-Even though the Cetina is undoubtedly interesting from the cultural and historical point of view, it is the created adrenalin that is a true magnet for guests. Many easily come from distant places to enjoy the peaceful ride along the river, the enchanting ambience of Radman’s mills or “fly” over the river canyon on a steel rope – says Stella. Domestic and foreign guests equally enjoy this type of vacation and foreign travel portals are full of announcements in which the star of the offer of an active vacation in the Cetina region is– rafting.
– Skilful hosts have enabled guests, as they say, a perfect rafting experience lasting 3-4 hours, where everything is at top level: from quick transport organization, highly personalised approachand the feeling of security thanks to the polite and skilful guides, up to the exciting visit of hidden caves, swimming in fresh and incredibly clear river water and other unforgettable moments registered by the experienced eye of the professional photographer. And while rafting is a choice without fail of true adrenalin fans, so much so is canyoning. Besides the stupendous reliefs in processed cliffs and the interesting play of water and rock which creates the impression of a real Jurrasic Park – but without giant reptiles from Earths’ prehistorical period! – guests best remember the guidance of experienced guides that instil safety and dispose of many interesting facts in connection with the river and its environment.
Zip-line
Besides all these possibilities, a special attraction for some years now has been the famous zip-line, a real titbit for guests who prefer to visit the enchanting landscape – from bird’s eye perspective! Namely, it is an adrenalin entertainment whose participants are secured with a belt and lowered down the canyon with a 2100 m long steel rope. The adventure also includes training and a short walk in the outdoor, and, depending on the size of the group, it offers up to 3 hours of unforgettable outdoor experience commended from all sides in all world languages.