Vis is one of the most remote islands in Croatia, and as such, it managed to remain authentic and largely unspoiled. We have already written a few articles about this island which is one of our favorites in Croatia. But in this article, we bring you the Vis Island Croatia map guide with all the best places to visit on Vis. It’s not a large island, and you can visit all these places in a day if you want to, but we suggest spending at least 3 or more days on Vis and explore it thoroughly.
Vis is the authentic Dalmatia and, just like many other islands in Croatia, it has that special vibe characteristic of islands. Life there is slower and more relaxed than on the mainland, and it’s easy to fall in love with it. Did you know that Vis Island was off limits for a long time because the Yugoslav Army had its underground base there. The whole island is full of underground bunkers and command centers, and we’ll mention these later in the text.
So here are the key locations on Vis Island that every visitor should visit. There are many more beautiful places all across the island, but these are the tops of the tops.
1. Vis Town We are starting this Vis Island, Croatia map locations with the Vis Town. It’s the first place many travelers getting to Vis Island see and experience. Vis Town is located on the northeastern coast, and it’s the administrative and historical center of the whole island. It was once an important naval base for the Venetians, Austrians, and later the Yugoslav army. Today, Vis Town offers a relaxed harbor atmosphere with many seafront restaurants, old alleys, and old traditional architecture.
Highlights:
Visit the Archaeological Museum in Vis Town , housed in an old fortress, with ancient Greek and Roman artifacts.
Enjoy local wine and seafood in a local konoba by the marina.
Explore remnants of Roman baths and the old town walls.
2. Komiža Komiža is located on the other side of the Vis and it’s facing the open sea. Komiža is a picturesque fishing town with a long maritime tradition that every local is proud of. It has a bit more relaxed vibe compared to Vis Town, and it’s a great base for exploring some of the best beaches on Vis as well as the nearby Blue Cave on Biševo Island.
Highlights:
Walk through the old stone streets and harbor promenade.
Visit the Fishing Museum , located in a medieval Venetian tower.
Enjoy a sunset drink with views of the open Adriatic Sea.
3. Stiniva Bay After we are done with the main towns on Vis Island, it’s time to focus on the beaches this island has to offer. We chose a beach that is often listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe . Its name is Stiniva Bay and it’s a hidden beach with a narrow sea entrance surrounded by high cliffs. You can reach Stiniva by hiking down a steep path or by boat/kayak from Komiža.
If you have ever searched online for images of Vis Island, you probably stumbled upon an image of this stunning beach. Although this beach is the only one we mention in this article, Vis is full of nice bays and beaches, we suggest you explore while staying on the island.
What to Expect:
The clear Adriatic Sea, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
A small pebble beach guarded by high rock cliffs.
We suggest visiting Stiniva in the morning before it gets crowded.
4. Tito’s Tunnel Network (Vela Glava Command Center) If you are into urban exploration or have a peculiar love toward the abandoned structures (like we do), then you’ll love the next two locations. We already mentioned in the introduction that Vis was a military stronghold during Yugoslavia’s socialist era , and the Vela Glava complex was the main underground command center . This place is dug deep into the Vis island terrain and designed to withstand a nuclear attack.
All of these tunnels on Vis are abandoned nowadays, and you can visit them, but we suggest caution and using safety equipment. We mentioned Vela Glava here, but there are many more entrances that you can explore. Also, there are guided tours that visit these tunnels, and you can join them and visit them in a safer manner.
What to Expect:
Guided tours to these tunnels and bunkers are available with local operators.
Expect a maze of large halls, command rooms, and emergency exits.
Visiting these tunnels will provide you with insight into Cold War military strategy and Yugoslav history.
5. Submarine Tunnel These submarine tunnels on Vis Island were part of the network of tunnels from the previous section and were used as a shelter for submarines and boats during the air raids. One of Vis’s most iconic such structures is a submarine tunnel located on the north shore of Vis Island near Parja Bay .
What to Expect:
A long, narrow tunnel built to hide and refuel submarines.
This shelter is easily accessible by boat or on foot from Vis Town.
It’s an excellent photo spot and location often included in island military tours.
6. Fort George (George III Fortress) We move on to another remnant of the rich history of Vis Island and visit a fortress near Vis Town. Built by the British in the early 19th century, Fort George today is one of the most scenic and culturally vibrant places on Vis Island. It’s also one of the most famous places for destination weddings on Vis Island .
What to Expect:
A mix of historic stone ruins and a modern space for all kinds of events.
Popular venue for weddings, concerts, and sunset dinners.
Fort George has a stylish cocktail bar and hosts different summer events.
7. Vis Airport (Former Military Airstrip) Finally, we end the Vis Island Croatia map locations with the former Vis Airport that Allied forces used during the WW2. This airstrip is located near the village of Plisko Polje, and the British RAF operated here during their campaign against the Axis powers in the Balkans. Not much of an airstrip is visible today, and there is a nice restaurant and museum in the main airport building that is still standing.
What to Expect:
The runway is now overgrown and part of it is covered in vineyards, but it’s still visible.
Accessible by bike or on walking trails.
Great location if you want to learn more about the interesting military history of Vis Island.
Before You Venture to Vis Island We can’t wait to return to Vis again. We hope that this Vis Island Croatia map will be useful in your exploration of this beautiful island. We included diverse things, something for everyone. Vis is not a large island, so make sure you explore it thoroughly. Enjoy its beaches, relaxed lifestyle, and discover its unique military history. Some of the best scuba diving sites in Croatia are located near the Vis Island and you can book a scuba diving tour in one of the diving centers on Vis.
We hope you’ll enjoy Vis as much as we do.
