English
Deutsch
Hrvatski
Norwegian
Polish
Unknown to the thousands of tourists flocking every summer to the Dalmatian coast, the entrance to the magical "terra incognita" is just a ten-minute drive from Split. Surrounded by mountains Svilaja, Dinara, and Kamesnica and with river Cetina passing through the karstic field, this region offers great opportunities for a day tour garnished with breathtaking views and hardy but delicious local food.
River Cetina near Sinj
Whether you enjoy active or more serene ways to spend your vacation here you can take your pick from numerous activities. Also, don't miss the local cultural heritage while visiting this beautiful region.
Map of Roman settlements in Dalmatia
People inhabited this part of the Dalmatian Hinterland since the Mesolithic. The first known settlers were Illyrians and the Delmati tribe, who populated this entire region. The Romans invaded in the middle of the second century BC and after some 150 years of fighting finally defeated the Delmati.
All throughout history, this region was on a border of great empires. It was always considered a doorway from the Mediterranean coast towards inland, rich with ores and timber.
Greater urban centers of this region are towns of Sinj and Trilj.
Sinj
Best known as the town of Alka and one of the largest Marian pilgrimage sites in Croatia, Sinj is the heart of this mini region also known as Cetinska Krajina.
Panoramic view of Sinj
Situated some 30-minute drive from Split, Sinj is ideal for a day tour. You can spend your day in this picturesque small town with almost untouched nature away from crowded tourist centers on the coast.
What to See in Sinj
If you plan to visit Sinj the best time to see its s full splendor is the two first weeks of August. During that time Sinj hosts the knight`s tournament called Alka and celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the town's celestial protector.
View from the Sinj Town Fort
These two celebrations are inextricably connected. Alka commemorates the heroic victory of the people of Sinj against the Ottomans in 1715. The Virgin Mary is celebrated for coming to their aid in their hour of need and helping them vanquish the conquerors.
Alka
Alka is traditionally held on the first weekend of August. It lasts 3 days. The tournament starts on Friday with competing for Bara followed by competing for Coja on Saturday. On Sunday the main event, Alka, starts with Alka Knights procession.
Alka ring
The name Alka originates from the Turkish word halqa meaning ring or hoop. The rules of the Alka are quite simple.
Competitors, called Alkars, have to horseback ride in full gallop to try to hit the metal ring (alka) with a spear. Suspended over the racetrack, 3,32 meters above the ground, "alka" is divided into two concentric circles joined by 3 bars. The central circle is the smallest, hitting it Alkar wins 3 points. Hitting the upper field brings 2 and hitting the lower fields brings 1 point to the Alkar.
Alka tournament in Sinj, author: PJL, source: Wikimedia Commons
Each competitor runs 3 times and whoever wins more points is the winner. If two or more Alkars have the same point number they continue to compete until one wins. Alka rules also dictate that only honorable and honest men born in Cetinska Krajina can become Alkars and participate in the Alka tournament.
Since 2010, Alka has been registered on the UNESCO Intangible World Heritage List in Europe.
Alka Museum
A day tour to Sinj should most definitely include visiting the Museum of Alka. You can learn the history of one of Europe's oldest knight tournaments, continuously held since 1715.
Museum of Sinjska Alka
Museum of Cetinska Krajina
The Museum of Cetinska Krajina is home to this region's magnificent cultural and historical heritage. It was established in 1956. Today it includes various museum collections, such as archaeological, numismatic, and ethnographic, that vividly depict the life in this region.
Fort Kamicak
Right next to the museum, Fortress Kamicak towers over the Sinj where the town watch is.
Other Sights
While visiting Sinj stop by the Church of the Miraculous Madonna of Sinj. It dominates the town's main square. Then, climb onto the Old Town fortress to observe the panoramic view over the Sinj and its surroundings.
Sanctuary of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj
Also, while walking the streets of this charming town you will notice a tombstone installed on the house facade in "Vrlicka" street.
Tombstone of Gaius Laberius, Sinj
The tombstone depicts a young boy, Gaius Laberius, holding a small leather ball. The ball is very similar to today`s football ball. It is considered that football was played in Cetinska Krajina since the early 2ndcentury AD. This tombstone was found on an archaeological site at Gardun, near Trilj.
What to Do in Sinj
Cycling, hiking, and horse riding are just several activities in Sinj.
Horse ridding, source: Pixabay
This is the right place for fans of active or even extreme vacations. Sinj offers a multitude of activities for all adrenaline lovers. You can go to one of many paintball and airsoft courts, mountaineering trails, quad routes, or even try rafting on river Cetina, and skydiving and paragliding tours.
Piket airport near Sinj, author KRILLOE, source: Wikimedia Commons
You can book a sky tour from the small airport Piket near Sinj. You will get a bird's eye view of this region and the Dalmatian coast.
What to Eat in Sinj
Due to its position, Sinj and the surrounding area developed a somewhat unique cuisine. In traditional dishes prepared here, you will find the influence of Oriental (Ottoman) and Mediterranean (Venetian) cuisine.
Prosciutto & cheese
Most iconic dish prepared in Sinj are Arambasi. Chopped meat in which spices are added is rolled in sour cabbage leaves and then cooked.
In Sinj you will also have the opportunity to try out cray fish and Cetina trout and in nearby town of Trilj frogs are served as a local delicacy.
Traditional pastry in Sinj is Rafioli and if you have the chance be sure to try some.
Trilj
Trilj is situated on the banks of Cetina River some 40 minutes’ drive northeast from Split. The town was founded near the Roman military camp Tilurium on Gardun hill above modern-day Trilj.
Cetina River near Trilj, author: Daniel Loncar, source: Wikimedia Commons
What to See in Trilj
Except for beautiful and almost untouched nature a day tour to Trilj should definitely include a visit to Trilj Regional Museum and archaeological site Tilurium.
Trilj Regional Museum
Trilj Regional Museum
Trilj Regional Museum safeguards many archaeological findings dating back to the Neolithic. The museum exhibition consists of:
- Ancient Collection which among others includes the findings from the Roman military camp Tilurim,
- Prehistoric Collection with findings dating back to the Neolithic,
- Middle Ages Collections,
- Numismatic Collection,
- and Ethnographic Collection.
Equipment of an Austro-Hungarian soldier from World War I,Trilj Regional Museum
Tilurium
The most famous archaeological site is definitely the Roman military camp Tiluriu. It dates back to the beginning of the first century AD.
Situated just a 5-minute drive from the center of town Tilurium archaeological site offers a small glimpse into the period of over 2000 years ago.
Next to the camp, you will also find a reconstructed road that was a part of the regional network of roads that crisscrossed the Roman province of Dalmatia.
Findings from Tilurium, Trilj Regional Museum
Medieval forts of Nutjak and Cacvina are also an excellent stopping points while visiting Trilj.
Cacvina Fortress, author Brian Eager, source: Wikimedia Commons
They offer amazing views over the Cetina River Canyon and the surrounding area. We recommend visiting these sites as a part of a cycling or hiking tour.
What to Do in Trilj
The best way to explore Trilj and its surroundings is by bicycle or hiking. There are several bicycle and hiking routes you can choose from. You can choose from pleasant bicycle cruising along the countryside or adrenaline-fused paths ideal for those seeking active vacations. The cycling routes around Trilj will fulfill everyone’s wishes.
Hiking, source: Pixabay
Other activities you can partake in are canyoning, rafting or kayaking in river Cetina, quad driving on the slopes of surrounding mountains, horse riding, mountaineering, or hiking.
What to Eat in Trilj
Getting pretty hungry after spending all day in the fresh air is to be expected. Luckily you do not have to go far to have a hardy meal after exploring the beautiful surroundings all day.
Prosciutto
Trilj boasts with somewhat unusual delicacy, frogs! Frog stew is very popular and we highly recommend trying it. Also, fried frog legs are an absolute must.
Crabs from the Cetina River are prepared in most of the cuisines of the Trilj region.
Several wineries in the area offer locally prepared food accompanied by excellent wines. It's a perfect closure for a day tour!
Where to Stay Near Split
For a luxury vacation during your vacation, we recommend Villa Storia with Pool, near Split. This modern holiday home can accommodate up to 12 guests. The villa's location, near the speedway and close to the marina, makes it an excellent starting point for your planned day tours or island hopping.
Villa Storia with Pool
Of course, there are many other luxury villas in the Split area for a perfect stay.
We hope this little guide inspires you for a day tour of Split Hinterland. Explore the cultural and culinary richness of this region. We can hardly wait for you to share your experience with us!
Call Us