Vis is one of the most popular destinations in the Croatian archipelago because of its unique natural beauty, fantastic beaches, and broad offering of summer activities. Out of all inhabited Croatian islands, this one is the farthest from the shore, so you'll get an authentic island experience.
Because of its location, it has a rich history, traces of which remain as historical and cultural monuments.
You can't go wrong when visiting Vis in Croatia, but some guidelines from Yacht In will help you make the best of your vacation. This is a true example of a Mediterranean island with a tradition of winemaking, fishing, and delicious food.
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What Makes Vis Special
This question has many answers, but let's focus on the two most important.
Unique Beaches
Vis is home to the fabulous Stiniva Beach. It's hidden in Stiniva Bay, surrounded by two cliffs that form a narrow entrance by the sea.
This is one of the most unique beaches you'll ever visit. The beach itself is pebbled and great for any activity. However, getting to Stiniva requires a hike down a narrow path, so come prepared.
Renting a boat is an excellent idea if you'd like easier access. In general, it's a good idea to rent a yacht when visiting Croatian islands and even try island hopping.
There are many more beautiful beaches in Vis, but Stiniva is simply the most interesting. The sea around Vis is crystal-clear, and because it's far from the coast, you'll sail smoothly.
Blue Cave Phenomenon
Stiniva isn't the only peculiarity near the island of Vis. Biševo is a small island near Vis, home to the Blue Cave, a natural phenomenon that enchants many tourists each year.
Because of its structure, the light that comes into the cave makes it glow blue, so it seems like the sea is shining. You can only enter by a small boat and organized tours.
Magical Neighbouring Islands
Biševo isn't the only island near Vis; many more will leave you enchanted by their natural beauty. Some are of volcanic origin, such as Brusnik or Jabuka, while Palagruža is unique because of its endemic flora and fauna. Take a one-day trip by boat to any of these incredible islands and explore their untouched nature.
Things To Do on the Island of Vis
There is more to Vis than sunbathing on fabulous beaches.
Discover the Winemaking and Gastronomic Tradition
Vis has a long history of winemaking or viticulture and is home to some authentic Croatian wines, such as the Plavac Mali.
There are wine-tasting tours and numerous taverns ("konoba") all over Vis, especially in the town of Komiža, where you can taste Croatian wines. For the best experience, pair them with fishmeal or octopus cooked in "peka."
Aside from these meals, Vis is famous for its gastronomy, so try some local restaurants and get a taste of "viška poga?a" or "komiška poga?a" (baked bread pies). Most indigenous dishes originate from ancient times, so you'll get to time travel through history.
Explore the Town of Komiža
Komiža is a must if you're visiting Vis. It's a fishing town lying in the foothill of the Hum mountain (perfect for hikers). Discover its history through many monuments or enjoy the nightlife; the options are endless on this beautiful island in the Adriatic Sea.
Discover the Military History
While Vis is a popular Croatian destination because of its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear sea, it has many other peculiarities that make it worth visiting.
There is a system of military caves, tunnels, and bunkers all over the island. Tito's Cave stands out among them, and you can get to it by a short hike to Mount Hum. Concerning military bunkers, you can opt for a guided tour or self-exploring; just be careful not to get lost in the tunnel maze.
Visit the Town of Vis
Komiža isn't the only town worth visiting on Vis. The small town of Vis is one of the oldest inhabited places in the Adriatic. People have recognized its beauty since prehistoric times.
Today, it's a charming town with stone houses, ancient Greek monuments, and palaces. The Archaeological Museum, which houses exhibits from 400 BC, is worth visiting.
In this museum, you'll learn more about the history of Vis, its winemaking, and fishing traditions. You're bound to fall in love with Vis just by walking through it.
However, Vis isn't only full of sights; just like Komiža, it's got some terrific food. In it, you can find the cult classic pizzeria Karijola.
Although it started in Vis, Karijola has become the most popular pizzeria in Zagreb, Croatia's capital. It never ceases to amaze diners with its fresh ingredients and dough. The main benefit of Karijola on Vis is that you can enjoy the sea view while eating.
As you can see, there are many things to see and do in Vis, and you can't go wrong no matter what!
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This story is brought to you in partnership with Yacht In.
