Vis Island Travel Guide
Should you decide to visit Island of Vis, famous for its secluded beaches, untouched nature and vineyards stretching for miles, you are guaranteed an incredible holiday.
This tourist destination is easy to reach by ferryboat or speedboat either from Split (50 km) or from Italian cities Ancona and Pescara (about 150 km).
Vis Island (Issa) was inhabited in the Neolithic times (3000 years BC). In the 6-5th c. BC it was governed by Ionius, the son of King Adrias of Illyria after whom the Adriatic Sea was named. Under the rule of Dionysius Jr. Issa became a very significant "city-state". Unable to resist the attack of the Illyrian king Argon and queen Teuta (229 – 219 BC), Issa allied with Romans and remained powerful. After WWII Island of Vis was transformed into a massive stronghold by Tito, and Island Vis travel became available to tourists only when Croatia got its independence.
Tourist attractions. Holidays on Vis Island will surprise you by the number and significance of historical attractions. The inscription of the hero Calius (4th c.), a bronze head of Aphrodite or Artemis, collection of vases, the ruins of the ancient town on Gradine slope, the ruins of the Roman theatre, the graveyards Martvilo and Vlaska Njiva are worth a look by history enthusiasts. Romantic travelers who spend their holidays on Vis must see an amazing lighthouse in the Stončica cove and the world-famous Blue Grotto (Modra Spilja) situated on the Bisevo Island.
Festivals and cultural events. The island is a perfect place for peaceful rest - no nightlife, no fuss, no crowds. Still, there are some events that are worth seeing like Komiza's Summer Festival, local regattas, the International Festival of Amateur Theatre, etc.
Restaurants. A strong heavy red wine Plavac and a white wine with a rich taste Vugava are the most exclusive wines in Croatia, which can be tasted in numerous restaurants and cellars during your Island Vis holidays. Vis is also one of the greatest places for fish specialties in the entire country. As for the restaurants, the most visited of them is "Jastozera" in Komiza. Those who like romance should visit Konoba Stoncica, set on a quiet sandy cove. Konoba Pol Murvu, situated under Tito's cave in Zena Glavo, is the place where you will be offered the best barbecue imaginable.
Beaches. You will read in any Island Vis travel guide that the island abounds in beautiful beaches especially near Komiza (Gusarica, Nova posta, Velo zalo). The largest and the most splendid sandy beach is Zaglav, located 10 km south of Vis town, near Milna village. Kamenice and Pizdica are the beaches where drinkable spring water with natural minerals flows from the rocks.
Active vacations. Vis Island is one of the best places for paragliding not only in Croatia, but also in Europe. Paragliding clubs "Kaleb" and "Alternatura" are there to make your island Vis travel unforgettable. Teeming seawater life makes scuba diving one of the most enjoyable activities here. Issa, Anma, Manta Diving, and Dodoro are the diving centers of the Vis Island. During your Island Vis holidays you can also play basketball, beach volleyball, mini golf, tennis, cricket, futsal. Hiking, trekking, caveing, and sailing are included in the sport offer of island Vis as well.
Vis and Komiza are the main towns of the island. Vis town occupies the north-eastern part of Vis Island and is famous for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Komiza, a more subtle place, is situated on the western coast, at the foot of the Hum hill and is known as one of the greatest fishing centers in Dalmatia.