Island in Dalmatia – Split
Vis
- Best time to go
- May, June, Sept
- Part of
- Dalmatia – Split
Vis lies far out in the Adriatic, beyond Brač and Hvar.
For decades it was a Yugoslav military base closed to foreign visitors, which kept it free of big hotels, and it still feels a step slower than the islands nearer Split. It has two towns on opposite sides of the island, Vis and Komiža, plus vineyards, hidden coves and some of the clearest water in Croatia. From Komiža, boats cross to the Blue Cave on the neighbouring islet of Biševo.
Things to do
Don't miss in Vis
- Take a boat from Komiža to the Blue Cave on Biševo, best around midday when the sun lights the water inside.
- Swim at Stiniva, a cove enclosed by high cliffs with a narrow opening to the sea, reached by a steep path or by boat.
- Walk Komiža's harbour and visit the fishing museum in its old Venetian tower.
- See the remains of Issa, the ancient Greek town, and the Greek finds in the museum in Vis town.
- Join a military history tour of the island's tunnels and bunkers, including Tito's cave on Hum.
- Taste Vugava, the island's white wine, and Plavac Mali at small family wineries.
- Swim at the south-coast bays of Srebrna and Stončica.
Where to stay
Pick your neighbourhood
Vis town
the ferry port, with a long waterfront, restaurants and the old Kut quarter
Komiža
a fishing town on the west coast and the base for boats to the Blue Cave
Rukavac and Milna
quiet bays on the south coast, close to some of the best beaches
Tours and getting around
Day trips from Vis
The classic day out is a speedboat to the Blue Cave on Biševo, often with stops at the Green Cave on Ravnik and Stiniva. On land, jeep tours visit the old military sites, villages and viewpoints, and wine tours stop at family cellars. Kayaking and diving trips leave from Vis town and Komiža.
A car or scooter lets you reach the beaches, villages and viewpoints, and you can rent one in Vis town or Komiža. Buses link the two towns. Renting a small boat is one of the best ways to see the coves and caves around the island.
Getting there
How to get to Vis
Jadrolinija's car ferry from Split to Vis town takes a little over two hours, and its catamaran on the Split, Bol, Hvar and Vis line is quicker. Split Airport is the nearest. There are only a few sailings a day, so check times on jadrolinija.hr and book the car ferry in summer.