Municipality of Dugi Rat: Coast, Mosor and Cultural Heritage

• The municipality lies on the coast between the historic cities of Omiš and Split.
• The sandy beaches of Dugi Rat stretch for three kilometres to the border with Omiš.
• The Mosor ridge rises above the municipality to more than 400 metres above sea level; Zahod reaches 594 metres above the old part of Duće.
• The activities described include cycling, hiking, and water sports, alongside traces of prehistoric and more recent history.

The coast offers several options: places to visit in Dugi Rat include pebble beaches and promenades, while the sandy beaches stretch continuously for three kilometres to the border with Omiš. The sand was carried down by the Cetina River and deposited west of its mouth by sea currents.

The shape of the bathing area also has a history. The entire beach at Dugi Rat was widened with additional sand in 1989 and 1990. The aim was to create a shallow bathing area 300 to 400 metres wide, with the depth gradually increasing to two to three metres. Above the coast, the Mosor ridge creates a different landscape: the summit of Zahod, at 594 metres, lies above the old part of Duće.

Above Zeljovići in Jesenice lies Turska Peć, a prehistoric archaeological site. It preserves the oldest known traces of human life in the area of Poljica and Omiš. In the old village of Jesenice, preserved stone houses, streets, squares, and historical monuments shape the townscape. Some churches are more than 200 years old; old village cemeteries and bell towers are also part of the area’s heritage.

In Duće, the parish church of Saint Anthony brings together two historical dates: it was built in 1864 on the site of a chapel first mentioned in 1748. Vlaho Bukovac painted the main altar’s altarpiece in Paris in 1886. The Dalmacija folklore society from Dugi Rat offers another way to explore the cultural heritage. It was founded on 8 March 1967 to preserve traditional and choreographed dances and songs of the Croatian people, particularly those from the Dalmatian island, coastal, and hinterland regions. The society also sponsors and organises numerous cultural events in the municipality.

For a cycling outing, Route 161, “Ponor (Abyss),” offers a clearly described route: it starts in Dugi Rat, goes via Jesenice and Stare Duće, and returns to Dugi Rat, covering 9.2 kilometres. The cycling programme also includes four MTB routes: 160 “Sveti Ivan,” 161 “Ponor (Abyss),” 162 “Viper,” and 163 “Battalion.” There is also the road and family route 175, “A Mythical Cycling Trip.”

Hiking trails on the Riviera of Dugi Rat pass through old, partly abandoned villages, olive groves, vineyards, forests, and coves. You can jet ski, sail, or water-ski at almost every beach; there are also water parks for children. Diving options range from shallow underwater areas to deep walls and cliffs. Dive sites also include a sunken wreck from the Second World War. There is a clear restriction for Vruja Bay: it is suitable only for the most experienced divers, and recreational dives there are permitted only under expert guidance.

Soparnik is a speciality from Poljica and is included on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage. It is served as a local speciality in the taverns of Dugi Rat. This gives the regional cuisine its own culinary connection alongside the themes of beaches, nature, and culture.

Discover more destinations: Municipality of Podstrana, Municipality of Omiš, Municipality of Kaštela, Municipality of Primorski Dolac, Municipality of Hrvace.

The three places Dugi Rat, Jesenice, and Duće lead to the municipality’s varied coastal, nature, and cultural themes.

How long are the sandy beaches of Dugi Rat?

They stretch continuously for three kilometres to the border with Omiš. The sand comes from the area around the mouth of the Cetina and was deposited to the west by sea currents.

What cycling routes are there in the Municipality of Dugi Rat?

Route 161, “Ponor (Abyss),” is 9.2 kilometres long and runs from Dugi Rat via Jesenice and Stare Duće and back. The programme also lists four MTB routes and road and family route 175.

What restriction applies to diving in Vruja Bay?

The bay is suitable only for the most experienced divers. Recreational dives there are permitted only under expert guidance.

For the regional travel overview: Split-Dalmatia.