Omišalj is one of the oldest towns on Krk island, and you can see it as soon as you cross the Krk Bridge, with the Rijeka International Airport is in its immediate vicinity. The town is built on a cliff, approximately 80 meters above sea level, giving its visitors and inhabitants a mesmerizing view of the entire Kvarner Bay.

The preserved old part of the town will seduce you with its narrow cobblestone streets and residential buildings that have kept their original rural form. The buildings feature an external staircase next to a semicircular entrance to the ground floor and a balcony above the entrance.

Omišalj was first mentioned in 1153 and is an important cultural and Glagolitic center. Aside from its long history, which Omišalj cannot wait to tell you, you can enjoy hotels, restaurants and cafés with a rich gastronomic offer. Important festivities in Omišalj take place ahead of the Catholic feast of the Assumption of Mary, most notably the Stomorina event. It is a dance performed by young men and girls who raise a bandira (an adorned cross made of ropes), on top of which is a crown. You’ll also notice the silk headscarves, the so-called facoli, which used to be collected in local homes, as sailors would gift them to their wives.

You can set aside one or several days to sightsee Omišalj. It all depends on how and to what extent would you like to get to know this charming town.

Here are some historical landmarks that you must see when visiting Omišalj:

– Parish Church of the Assumption of Mary (Stomorina)
– Bell-tower built in 1536
– 16th century town loggia, built during the Venice rule
– St. Anthony’s Chapel (16th century)
– the Gothic Chapel of St. Helen (1458)
– Ruins of the prince’s palace (14th–15th centuries)
– Pančerov Home with Gothic architectural details (15th century)

During summer months, the sun brings the temperatures up, making for perfect opportunities to, aside from sightseeing, spend a day on one of the beaches and coves such as the Adriatic hotel, Jadran, Krševanj, Martinj, Pesja, Selehovica, Slivanjska, Učka, Večja and Voz. The most famous of those is Pesja, in the same-named cove beneath the hill on top of which is the old town. It proudly waves its Blue Flag, a proof of the cleanliness of its sea water and the level of amenities on the beach. Pesja provides access to people with disabilities, a picnic area and a volleyball court. On the other hand, the Omišalj area is peppered with small coves, where you can relax and rest, far from people and everyday life.