Cetina

Cetina is a river in southern Croatia, in the Dalmatia region. It rises in the Dinara mountain area from multiple small streams near Sinj and flows southeast through karst country, passing the towns of Sinj and Trilj. The lower course runs through the Cetina Canyon, a deep limestone gorge that stretches toward the coast, before the river empties into the Adriatic Sea near the town of Omiš.

With an approximate length of about 105 kilometers, the Cetina drains a substantial part of the Dalmatian hinterland and has a predominantly spring-fed and semi-karst hydrology. Upstream, the river hosts the Peruća Dam and the Perućko Lake reservoir, which are used for hydroelectric power generation and water management in the region.

The Cetina Canyon is its most notable geographic feature, characterized by steep cliffs, clear turquoise water, and a landscape popular for outdoor recreation. The lower river section provides a coastal plain setting and supports local ecosystems as well as agricultural activities in surrounding valleys.

Human activity along the Cetina dates to ancient and medieval times, with the river valley supporting settlements, farming, and trade routes throughout history. In modern times, the river is a focal point for tourism and outdoor sports, including rafting, kayaking, and canyoning, drawing visitors to its scenic gorge and adjacent areas.

Administratively, the Cetina flows through Croatia’s Split-Dalmatia County and remains an important natural and cultural landmark in the region.