Island of Vis

The island of Vis is a pearl among Croatian Adriatic islands, left untouched by the development of tourism for so many years – due to its strategic location on the open sea, it served as a military zone for many years. Since the independence of Croatia, the island began opening slowly to the outside world, offering its unique traditions, history, cultural heritage and natural beauties to the outside world, and it is slowly becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations in Croatia.

The island of Vis is the most protruding Croatian island with an area of 90.30 km2. It is surrounded by an archipelago of smaller islands and islets: Ravnik, Budikovac, Bisevo, Svetac, Jabuka, Brusnik and Palagruza.

Furthermore, to the south-east, the archipelago of the island of Lastovo is located, which today is a nature park. The channel of Hvar separates it from the island of Hvar, and the Bisevo channel from the island of Bisevo.

The coasts of the island are sloped and separated. To the west of the island is the Komiza bay and to the north is the Vis harbour, which are also two most important and largest island settlements and urban centres, connected by a regular bus connection that goes across the island.

Vis has always been an island of fishermen and winegrowers. Komiza on the island of Vis is considered the cradle of fishing in the Adriatic, and in times gone by, the Komiza fishermen where well known in all Mediterranean harbours as experts in their field. Today the Fishing Museum in Komiza shows the famous history of the Vis fishermen. It is said that the first grape vine in Dalmatia and Croatia was planted by the ancient Greeks and that it was planted on a Vis field. The Greek writer Agatarhid said that the wine from Vis was, compared to all others, better. The most famous authentic white wine is definitely the famed Vis Vugava, which you can try in numerous restaurants and cellars on the island.

If we add to this unique historical, cultural, and natural heritage the beautiful crystal-clear sea, stunning hidden beaches, bays and islands, it is clear why Vis is the favourite tourist destination for those visitors who want to try the unique and almost gone authentic Mediterranean environment and way of life. We invite you to visit Vis Island, and we are sure you will never forget it! 

Facts: No nightlife, no package tourists, no big hotels, no fuss, no hubbub; Vis Island so epitomized Mediterranean life that it was chosen as the filming location for Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! For several months in early autumn 2017 Hollywood descended upon the island, hiring locals as extras and using the old stone towns of Vis and Komiza as a backdrop for their musical. Real estate prices soon surged even before the film was released and it may well be that slow-paced, uncrowded Vis will soon be gone forever.

Tito's cave

From June to October 1944, Marshal Tito sheltered in this cave along with his political and military advisors. It became his headquarters as he directed diplomatic activities with the Allies and orchestrated operations to liberate Croatia’s coast and islands. There were two “rooms” inside the cave. One was outfitted with a desk, chair and phone; the other served as his sleeping quarters. Although of undeniable historic interest, the cave is now empty inside. It’s not easy to find but local travel agencies organize excursions to the cave and other military sights such as tunnels and a missile base at Stupisce point near Komiza.

Underwater life

Unlike other Croatian islands, the waters surrounding Vis Island were never over-fished which left a teeming underwater life. Scuba divers now swarm through waters filled with some of the Adriatic’s most vivid fish swimming through coral and sea sponges.

Fort George

Named after King George III, the British erected this fort after their 1811 victory in the Battle of Vis. Now restored and renovated, Fort George houses a restaurant and a terrace bar overlooking Vis town. Watch for special parties in the summer or come up at the end of the day to watch the sunset.

Blue cave

The tiny islet of Bisevo is only 5 nautical miles southwest of Komiza on Vis island, where the and the spectacular Blue Cave is located. The luminescence inside this natural wonder is unforgettable. Of about ten caves scattered around Bisevo’s coast, the Blue Cave is the most outstanding. Although long known to fishermen, the cave has only been accessible to the non-diving public since 1884 when an entrance large enough for a boat was formed by blasting a hole in the rock. Between 11am and 1pm on a sunny calm day, the strongest rays of the sun passing through an underwater opening illuminate the cave with a luminous blue light while objects beneath the surface shimmer in silver and pink. The effect is eerie and unearthly especially if you’re lucky enough to see it when the cave is uncrowded.