A wild and rugged landscapeA glance at a map of Vis will show how little it has developed since it was fought over in ancient times in naval battles by the Greeks, Romans, Venetians and others. One basic road links the 3 principal small settlements of Vis town, Komiza and Rukavac. Its landscape is undulating lush mountain scenery, with lavender fields, Mediterranean softwood, laurel, wild flowers and vineyards. Only donkey tracks mark the landscape but provide perfect paths for some excellent scenic walking and mountain biking. The island is also ideal for coastal walking, while enjoying the most spectacular views of natural sandy coves lapped by the clearest waters in the Adriatic. It is this way that many of the most beautiful sandy beaches are best discovered, such as Stoncica bay, 6km from Vis town on the north-east coast, and Zaglav, a 10km scenic walk along the coastal path from the little cathedral town of Milna. |  View of Vis Town |
The settlements
As the visitor approaches on the ferry journey from Split, the charms of Vis town emerge on the horizon; the deep blue harbour dotted with yachts and sailboats, and its quaint stone houses, cedars and pine trees slowly coming into view. Two sets of Church bells chime away the hours in a town where time passes as slowly as you choose. Vis town makes an ideal base for a holiday on the island and an ideal location from which to explore the interior or take a trip to the 'blue grotto' on the tiny island of Bisevo, a mere stones throw away. Also worth a visit in Vis town is the wonderful open-air cinema.
On the opposite side of the island we find the quaint fishing village of Komiza nestling at the foot of Mount Hum. Full of history, its 16th century monastery and beautiful church with Baroque altars are worthy of visits, as well as its Fishing museum set quaintly within in a 16th century Venetian castle.
Originally a fishing village, Rukavac on the South coast of the island has become an attractive and charming resort for visitors seeking relaxation in idyllic surroundings. It stretches across two attractive bays, boasts numerous sandy and pebbly beaches within walking distance and has some excellent private accommodation.
Food and Wine in Vis
Vis has a proud reputation for its excellent quality organic local produce and the quality of its healthy and delicious cuisine can be enjoyed all over the island. The island produces some of the best olives, figs, almonds and lemons in Croatia. But the islanders' greatest passion is for its fresh white and oily fish and seafood particularly lobster, harvested from the cleanest part of the Adriatic, still prepared and cooked as it was centuries ago and served fresh and delicious in traditional, rustic restaurants that rival the best in the Mediterranean. The people of Vis love to demonstrate their culinary skills, and local delicacies of lamb and octopus, sheep and goats cheese have to be savoured, as do the local wines such as Opol and Visko Crno. The Greeks once declared the grapes grown on the vineyards of the island of Vis as being the best in the Mediterranean.
Rental accommodation in Vis
Vis has never exploited its tourist potential which is why it has remained unspoilt, but this has meant that private villas are in great demand, especially considering the island only has 3 hotels. Luckily private accommodation to rent on the island has become plentiful in recent years but this beautiful island will only gain in popularity so early booking is always recommended especially in the summer months.
