Vis Island

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About Vis Island

Vis Island

Vis is unlike most Croatian islands. Because it was a military base closed to foreign visitors until 1989, tourism arrived later here than elsewhere in Dalmatia, leaving the island quieter, less developed and with a distinctly authentic character. Its mild winters and cooler summers are shaped by the Mistral, giving Vis one of the most pleasant climates in Croatia, which in turn supports rich Mediterranean vegetation — palms, lemons, carob trees and extensive vineyards.

Vis has a deep historical and cultural significance. The island, known in antiquity as Issa, was founded as a Greek colony around 397 BC by Dionysius the Elder of Syracuse — the first Greek colony on the eastern Adriatic. Archaeological remains from Greek and Roman periods survive across the island, including baths, mosaics, amphorae, and remnants of Roman spas and urban structures. The Fishing Museum in Komiža preserves the island’s maritime traditions and its reputation as a cradle of deep‑sea fishing.

Because of its strategic location far into the Adriatic, Vis has been occupied or fought over by Greeks, Romans, Venetians, French, British and Austrians. It was the site of several naval engagements, including the Battle of Vis (1866) between the Austrian and Italian navies. The island also served as the headquarters of Josip Broz Tito and the Allied forces during WWII, further contributing to its long isolation. In recent years, the island gained new recognition as a filming location for Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again (2018).

Vis is well connected:

  • The fast catamaran from Split takes around 1 hour 15 minutes,
  • The car ferry takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
  • Services also run to Hvar, and in summer to Ancona and Pescara in Italy (routes vary each season).

 

Sightseeing on Vis

Vis is known for its bays, beaches and caves, with some of Croatia’s most celebrated natural phenomena.

Biševo & the Blue Cave (Modra Špilja)

Just 4.5 km southwest of Vis lies Biševo, an island famous for its caves. The Blue Cave produces an extraordinary blue illumination when sunlight enters through an underwater opening around midday in summer — one of the Adriatic’s best‑known natural sights.

Other excursions include the Green Cave, Queen’s Cave, and remote outlying islands such as Svetac, Palagruža and Brusnik, all part of Croatia’s protected offshore island groups.

Vis Town (Issa)

The town of Vis grew directly over the ancient city of Issa, and today its archaeological layers remain visible.

  • Founded 397 BC by Greeks from Syracuse 
  • Expanded by Romans, who added baths and other civic buildings

Vis flourished under the Venetian Republic, when two urban quarters formed around St George’s Bay:

  • Kut, with Renaissance palaces and elegant stone houses
  • Luka, historically the administrative centre

The town is filled with narrow streets, small squares, fortresses and churches, including:

  • St Ciprianus
  • Our Lady of Spilice
  • The Franciscan Monastery on the Prirovo Peninsula
    These sites illustrate architectural layers from medieval to Baroque periods.

Walking from Kut westward, visitors encounter the palace of the poet Petar Hektorović, the birthplace of writer Ranko Marinković, Gariboldi’s Palace, and the Austrian Fort Batarija, now housing the Archaeological Museum of Vis.

Across the Island

Hum (also called “Holy Ghost Centre”), at 587m, is the island’s highest peak and served as a military command point during WWII when Tito used Vis as his headquarters. Nearby viewpoints offer sweeping panoramas across the open sea.

Stončica, on the eastern coast, is home to an attractive lighthouse and a long, sandy beach backed by tamarisk and fig trees.

Komiža

Komiža, on the island’s sunny western side, is sheltered from northern winds and has a distinctive character. Its harbour faces the open sea towards Biševo and Svetac, reinforcing its centuries‑old fishing traditions. The town’s narrow lanes and tall stone houses reflect this seafaring past.

Komiža offers several excellent beaches, the most famous being Kamenice, known for its refreshing freshwater springs and lively evening atmosphere. The fish market in Komiža is one of the best places to find freshly caught local fish each morning.

Vis today remains remarkably unspoilt — a place where vineyards, historic villages, remote coves and deep‑blue waters combine with a timeless, understated charm

We look forward to being of service.

Tours & Activities

Day Trips from Vis Island
Blue Cave & Monk Seal Cave

1 Day

Excursions by boat to the fabulous Blue & Green Caves from Komiza, Vis Island.

Hotels to visit

Where to stay

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