Vis Island in Croatia is currently our favorite island. We haven’t visited all of the Croatian islands, but we have visited many of them and at this moment it’s the Miss Universe among the islands we’ve been to. Even the word visit begins with Vis in it. That has to mean something. Vis is one of the furthest islands from the mainland and that plays a huge role in what Vis was through the past and what it is today.
And today, Vis is one of the most intriguing and picturesque islands, famous for its untouched nature, secluded beaches, and dark, yet fascinating military history. It offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Unlike some other islands that are closer to mainland islands, Vis has retained its authenticity and as such it presents a perfect destination for anyone looking for a peaceful vacation in Croatia, an authentic island vibe, or exploring the largest underground bunker network in Croatia.
A Brief History of Vis Let’s start with the history because Vis has one of the most interesting stories you’ll ever hear. Vis has a long and diverse history, dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times when it was known as Issa. However, it is its more recent history that makes it different from any other island in Croatia. For a long time, Vis served as a strategic military base and was completely closed off to foreign visitors for over 40 years.
After World War II, it became a Yugoslav military stronghold , with underground tunnels, hidden bunkers, and secret naval bases scattered across the island. This isolation helped to preserve the natural beauty of Vis, preventing overdevelopment and mass tourism which was developing pretty fast on the coast and other islands in Croatia. Today, many of these abandoned military sites on Vis Island can be explored and they are one of the most intriguing places on Vis Island.
Why Visit Vis Island in Croatia? We visit Vis at least 3 times a year and each time we can’t get enough of it. We go there mostly for wedding and elopement photography since Vis is a popular destination for getting married in Croatia. Vis is also a paradise for history and nature lovers as well as adventure seekers and military enthusiasts. Vis is perfect for relaxing on hidden beaches, exploring ancient ruins, tasting authentic Dalmatian cuisine, or exploring the island’s military history , Vis offers something for everyone.
Top Reasons to Visit Vis:
Unspoiled beaches – Vis has some of the best beaches in Croatia, including Stiniva Beach, Srebrna Beach, and Stončica Beach.Rich history – You have the possibility to explore ancient Greek and Roman ruins, historic churches, and military tunnels.Authentic cuisine – Vis is known for its local seafood, traditional peka dishes, and famous Vis wines, including Vugava and Plavac Mali. Viška and Komiška pogača are something you need to try too.Diving and snorkeling – The island is surrounded by shipwrecks and plane wrecks , making it one of the best diving destinations in Croatia.Secluded atmosphere – Unlike islands such as Hvar or Brač, Vis has a much more peaceful and serene vibe.
Top Things to See and Do on Vis Island There are many things you can do on Vis Island in Croatia and we are going to name just a few of them. Vis is rather a small island compared to other islands in Croatia but it offers so much different activities and possibilities.
1. Explore the Military Tunnels and Bunkers We are starting with the thing we love about the Vis – its huge underground network. One of the most unique experiences on Vis is visiting these abandoned military tunnels and bunkers . The Yugoslav army constructed a huge network of underground passages, and some of these are now open to tourists. Still, we don’t recommend going too deep on your own since you can easily get lost. There are many guided tours on Vis Island that offer a safe experience of these tunnels through the guidance of locals who will tell you secrets that would otherwise remain secrets to you.
2. Visit Stiniva Beach Stiniva is ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and it’s a must-see location on Vis Island. This beach is surrounded by high cliffs and it is accessible only by boat or via a steep hiking trail. Its secluded location and crystal-clear sea make it a perfect spot for swimming and relaxation.
3. Take a Boat Tour to the Blue Cave (Modra Špilja) Yet another popular place in Croatia. Located on the island of Biševo, just by Vis, the Blue Cave is one of the most famous natural attractions in Croatia. Many tours from Split, Hvar, and other nearby locations come to visit it each day during the summer season. When sunlight enters through an underwater opening, the cave glows with a mesmerizing blue light. Boat tours to the Blue Cave depart daily from Vis.
4. Discover Komiža – A Traditional Fishing Town Komiža is a picturesque coastal town with a rich fishing tradition and our favorite place on Vis Island. Narrow stone streets, seclusion, and stunning sea views are what make Komiža so dear to us. It is also a place where famous Falkuša boats originate from. These are traditional wooden fishing vessels unique to the island and you’ll see them if you visit Vis Island. When in Komiža, we recommend visiting its old part, the Fishermen’s Museum , and enjoying fresh seafood at one of the restaurants in Komiža.
5. Explore Vis Town – The Cultural and Historical Hub Vis Town is the island’s main settlement and a great place to learn about its history. It’s the place you will first experience when getting to Vis Island since the main ferry port is located here. When in Vis, visit the Archaeological Museum to see artifacts from ancient Greek and Roman times. The Church of Our Lady of Spilice and the Austrian Fort George are also worth exploring. Fort George is one of the most popular wedding venues in Croatia.
6. Try Local Wine at a Vineyard Vis is famous for its local wines , particularly the white Vugava and the red Plavac Mali. There are a few family-run wineries where you can taste and buy locally-produced wines and go on a vineyard tour.
7. Hike to Mount Hum for Panoramic Views If you are looking for breathtaking views of the island and the Adriatic Sea, hike up to Mount Hum , the highest point on Vis. It’s 587 meters above sea level and it provides stunning panoramic views . At the top, you’ll find an old military radar station and a small chapel. Radar station is still in use and you won’t be able to get close to it, but you can still enjoy the stunning views of Komiža and the open sea.
8. Visit the old Vis Airport During World War II, the British forces constructed an airfield on Vis Island to support military operations in these areas. This airfield was located in Plisko Polje and played a crucial role as a base for Allied aircraft. Today, remnants of the airfield can be seen although the area has since been transformed back into vineyards.
How to Get to Vis Island Being one of the most remote islands in Croatia, you can expect the journey to Vis to last for some time. Vis is accessible only by ferry or catamaran from Split and it will last around 1.5 to 2.5 hours to reach Vis from Split. Ferries can accommodate cars, while catamarans are passenger-only. Either way, expect a very scenic ride to Vis. If you’re staying only on Vis, we recommend renting a car there since it’s not a large island and you’ll be able to explore it by car.
Jadrolinija Ferries operate daily lines between Split and Vis.Krilo Catamarans offers a faster, passenger-only service.Boat transfers are available from nearby islands like Hvar and Brač.
Where to Stay on Vis There are many accommodation options on Vis Island and these range from luxury villas to charming guesthouses and boutique hotels . Some of the best areas to stay include:
Vis Town – A main town on Vis Island, best for history and culture lovers.Komiža – Perfect for those looking for an authentic and relaxed atmosphere.Secluded Villas and Apartments – Ideal for anyone seeking privacy and nature.
Best Time to Visit Vis The best time to visit Vis is between May and September when the weather is warm and all restaurants and activities are fully operational. July and August are the busiest months on the island, so if you’re looking for a more authentic and peaceful experience we suggest visiting this beautiful island in May, June, or September . Even though summers can get busy, it’s never as crowded as on the mainland and on islands closer to the coast.
Before You Venture to Vis Island We can’t wait to get back to Vis again. There is simply something in Vis that makes you fall in love with it. It has everything we’re looking to get from any place – seclusion, authenticity, stunning nature, and history different from any other island in Croatia. We hope this guide or Vis Island in Croatia was a helpful resource for you and, together with the images we provided, it was able to present you Vis as it is. Heh.
