This small Dalmatian town is known for its medieval Alka tournament and 18th-century Franciscan monastery. Local restaurants serve traditional Cetina Valley dishes.
Sinj lies in a valley between the Svilaja and Dinara mountains, 30 kilometers inland from Split. In the town center, knights practice their lance-throwing skills throughout the year for the UNESCO-listed Sinjska Alka tournament. Pilgrims walk through narrow stone streets to reach the 18th-century Church of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj, while locals gather at riverside restaurants along the Cetina River to eat traditional arambaši.
Getting to Sinj
You can reach Sinj from Split by bus or car. Buses depart hourly from Split's main bus station, and the journey takes about 50 minutes. By car, take the A1 highway and exit at Sinj - the town center is 13 kilometers from the highway exit.
The Sinjska Alka Tournament
Every first Sunday in August, the main street of Sinj transforms into a racing track for the Sinjska Alka tournament. Riders wearing 18th-century military uniforms compete by aiming their lances at a metal ring while galloping on horseback. This tradition dates back to 1715, when local defenders repelled Ottoman forces. You can watch the competition from street-side stands or learn about its history at the Museum of Alka, which opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and displays original equipment, including centuries-old lances and ceremonial costumes.
Religious Sites and Pilgrimage
The Church of the Miraculous Lady of Sinj stands in the main square, with its bell tower visible throughout town. Inside, you'll find a 15th-century painting of the Virgin Mary and walls decorated with silver votive offerings from local families. On August 15th, during the Feast of the Assumption, pilgrims walk from surrounding villages to join a town-wide procession. The church treasury contains religious artifacts, including medieval manuscripts and golden chalices.
Mountains and River
You can swim at the source of the Cetina River, where clear spring water maintains a temperature of 10°C year-round. Local agencies organize rafting trips down the Cetina's rapids from April to October. For hiking, take the marked trail from Sinj to Visoka (890m), a 3-hour round trip with views over the valley, or climb the more challenging path to Plišivica peak (1,141m).
Local Food Specialties
Try arambaši in Sinj's restaurants - cabbage rolls filled with spiced minced meat, distinctly different from regular sarma as they don't contain rice. The surrounding villages produce pršut (dry-cured ham) and sheep cheese aged in stone cellars, which you'll find served in most local restaurants.
Climate and When to Visit
The valley location at 320 meters elevation creates distinct seasons. Summer days reach 35°C (95°F), while winter mornings can drop to -10°C (14°F). Plan your visit between March and May or September and October for temperatures around 20°C (68°F), ideal for walking and climbing.
