Island of Vis - the Island of Happiness

It is slow; it is simple. Life on the island of Vis is uncomplicated. Made for the person who is not in a hurry, who knows how to enjoy life. The locals say that the island of Vis is rich in time; it is an island where time has stood still.

Slovenščina | Hrvatski

The island of Vis

The island of Vis, which has long been more or less closed off to foreign tourists, has opened up in recent years. Despite its relative inaccessibility—taking about two hours by ferry, and during the summer, you must wait at least an hour in line for the ferry—Vis is a town and port located in the bay of Viška luka on the northeastern coast of the island.

Vis is a town and port located in the bay of Viška Luka on the northeastern coast of the island of Vis.

The town stretches along the coast from the older part, Kut, to the newer part, Luka. Clean and pebbly beaches line the entire coast of the Viška bay. Remnants of the ancient Greek city of Issa, the first Greek colony on the eastern Adriatic coast, can be found on the slopes of Gradina, along with the remains of large Roman baths, and on the peninsula of Prirovo, there are the ruins of a grand Roman theater.

he favorable climate and crystal-clear sea

attract many tourists, who can enjoy gourmet offerings of fine Dalmatian food and drink amidst the luxurious and unspoiled Mediterranean nature. They can also relax on the beautiful beaches of this island, where one can still find space for peaceful living.

The island Host at the entrance to Vis Bay

Vis Island is the southernmost Croatian island in the central Adriatic Sea.

Its area is 90.3 km², making it the tenth largest island on the Croatian coast. The Hvar Channel separates it from Hvar Island, and the Biševo Channel separates it from the island of Biševo. It is approximately 60 miles from the Italian coast.
The climate on Vis Island is Mediterranean, characterized by hot summers. The climate is mild, with low precipitation (only 560 mm annually, of which 50 mm falls in summer). Temperatures are pleasant, with an average temperature of 8.9 °C in January and 24.3 °C in July.
The most common winds on Vis Island are the maestral in the summer and the bora and sirocco in the winter.
The highest peaks on Vis Island are Mount Hum, which is 587 m above sea level, Sveti Duh at 563 m, and Mali Hum at 514 m.
The estimated population of Vis Island is around 5,000 residents.
The width of Vis Island (north-south) is 8 km in a straight line (from Pritiščina to Oključna.
Its length is 17 km (from Cape Barjaci to Cape Kampanel).
The coastline of Vis Island is very indented, measuring 76.7 km with numerous coves and diverse beaches (Grandovac, Stenjalo, Dobra, Čavojnica, Travna, Stiniva, Teleška, Ploče, Srebrena, Ruda, Rukavac, Stiniva, Mola Trovna, Vela Trovna, Milna, Zoglav, Ženka, Stončica, Parja, Mola Taleška, Vela Taleška, Smokova, Burgujac, Smričevica, Zoglavac, Duboka, Barjaška, Tiha, Gradac, Parja, Rogačić, Svitnja...).
The largest bays on Vis Island are Viška Bay (in front of which lies the islet of Host) and Komiža Bay.
The best harbor on the island is in the town of Vis, located on the northern coast, where the ferry from Split docks, connecting the island daily.
The surrounding islets of Vis Island include Biševo (with the Blue Cave), Budihovac, Brusnik, Jabuka, Ravnik, and Svetac.
There are two main settlements on Vis Island: Vis and Komiža, connected by a 10 km paved road built in 1983.
Smaller villages include Dračevo Polje, Ženo Glava, Plisko Polje, Duboka, Marinje Zemlje, Milna, Oključna, Podstražje, Podšpilje, Rogačić, Rukovac, Stiniva, and Stončica.
From the northeast to the southwest, karst fields (Dračevo Polje, Plisko Polje, Zlo Polje) traverse Vis Island. These areas primarily produce olives and grapevines; the well-known local wine is called Plavac, while the white wine is Vugava.

Vis Bay, Prilovo Peninsula

The old part of the town of Vis - Kut

Vis Island is known for its beautiful and diverse beaches.

Gorgeous pebble beaches stretch along the entire coastline of Vis Island. You can easily find sandy, pebbly, rocky, or stony beaches where you can enjoy peace and tranquility.

Beaches in the Town of Vis

Prilovo Beach: Located on a small peninsula by the town harbor, this pebble beach is about 100 meters long and features natural shade from tamarisk trees, close to the "Issa" hotel. Although it is situated deep in the Viška Bay and near the town harbor, the water here is completely clear and clean, thanks to favorable sea currents that constantly bring fresh water from the open sea. Public showers are available, and you can rent loungers and umbrellas here.
The Prilovo peninsula is surrounded by a long concrete "promenade" by the sea, which is also used for swimming and sunbathing during the hot summer months.
Hotel Issa Beach: Located in the town of Vis, this organized beach offers rental of umbrellas and loungers, along with a diving center.
Punta od Biskupa: This nudist beach (FKK) stretches along rocky cliffs from the small bay of Stonca on the northern side of Viška Bay to the end on the other side of the islet of Host.
Kalafotovo Beach: A small pebble beach at the end of the Vis waterfront, near the fish market.
Goveja Beach: Located in the center of Vis, near the Vis Police Station, this pebble beach is accessible for wheelchair users.
Grandovac Beach: Situated on the eastern side of Vis, near the village of Kut, just a 15-minute walk away. This pebble beach is 60 meters long, with crystal-clear water and plenty of natural shade from pine trees. There is a small bar above the beach.
Lučica Beach: Located on the path from Kut towards Češka Vila and Grandovac.
Stonca Beach: Also known as "dog beach," this small bay east of the town beach is somewhat abandoned, as it was owned by the military for many years. For a time, it also served as a temporary ferry harbor, but it is now mainly used by local fishermen due to the good shelter.
Pod Batarijo Beach: Primarily a bathing area for locals, this beach is located in the middle of Viška Bay under the Batarija Fortress, where a large pier is suitable for sunbathing and diving. Pebble beaches are on both sides, and during windy days, it is also suitable for surfers.

Close to the town of Vis, you will find the bays of Parja and Rogačić, while on the other side of the cape lies Nova Pošta. Here, you can discover several beautiful and hidden coves facing the mainland.

Parja Bay: Located on the northwestern side of the island, it features a narrow sandy beach with a vineyard above, but no shade. The bay can also be accessed by car from Vis. In this bay, there is a ten-meter-wide and one-hundred-meter-long tunnel called Jastog, which was once built as a refuge for military vessels. To the north lies the islet of Škojić, next to which is a beautiful pebble beach Nova Pošta, also accessible by car.

Other Beaches on Vis Island

The most popular beaches (often crowded during the summer months) include:

Stiniva Beach: This beach, which was declared the most beautiful beach in Europe in 2016, is located on the southern side of Vis Island. It is known for being flanked by cliffs on the sea side, with a narrow passage for swimmers and boats. The cliffs provide plenty of shade in the afternoon. This hidden beach is accessible from the land side by a 20-minute walk along a narrow path or by boat from the sea. For the ideal atmosphere, visit early in the morning or during the pre- or post-season, and enjoy the view of the open sea through the stone gates formed by the island's natural relief.
Srebrna Beach: Located near the small tourist village of Rukavac on the southeastern side of Vis Island, this natural pebble beach features some rocky areas.
Rukavac Tourist Settlement: Approximately 12 km from the town of Vis, this area has beaches like Stori Rukovac, located in a secluded bay and the only part that has not been developed. Tepluš (Diamond Beach) is a pebble beach on the southwestern part of the bay, facing the island of Ravnik, which features the Green Cave. Continuing past Tepluš, you will reach Cape Polivalo, which looks out to the open sea. To the right of the cape is a series of flat stone terraces known as Bili bok, which are particularly popular among nudists. These beaches are not suitable for small children due to steep access to the water.
Mala Travna Beach: Situated in a beautiful small bay on the southern part of the island, this pebble beach is known for its crystal-clear water. The sea here is usually a degree or two cooler than nearby beaches like Srebrna or Stiniva, due to new springs in the bay and a constant westward flow of fresh seawater from the open sea.
Velika Taleška Beach: Neighboring Mala Taleška, this bay on the southern side of Vis features a beautiful pebble beach in the middle, with rocky areas on the sides. It can be accessed from the sea or by foot from the village of Dolnje Kunjanovo (Dračevo Poje) via Vela Gomila, from where a view of this lovely bay unfolds.

Sandy Beaches on Vis Island

Sandy beaches can be found in the bays of Vela Smokova, Milna, Parja, Zaglav, and Stončica, as well as in the town of Vis at Batarija, to the right of the "Diver’s Bridge."

Milna Beach: This sandy beach is located in Milna Bay, on the southeastern part of the island. It is very popular due to its shallow waters that reach knee-deep even 30 meters from the shore. A downside of this beach is the lack of natural shade, but you can rent umbrellas and loungers.
Zaglav Beach: Known as one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on the Adriatic Sea, it boasts bright, sparkling sand that covers the entire beach. It is located on the southeastern part of the island and is well-protected from northern winds. It can be accessed from both land and sea, with a ten-minute walk from Mine.
Stončnica Beach: Located on the eastern side of the island, this is one of the more popular beaches on Vis Island. It is sandy with a very shallow bottom -30 meters out, the water remains shallow. Sports enthusiasts will find a volleyball court and goals for beach soccer here. There is also a bar and a smaller restaurant where you can enjoy good local specialties.
Velika Smokova Beach: This sandy beach is on the southeastern coast of Vis. About 2 meters deep along the eastern arm of the bay. Approximately 100 meters from the beach lies a World War II plane wreck. There is some shade provided by pine trees. The beach is accessible only by sea or via a poorly marked goat path from the land side.

Nightlife and Beach Parties

Among the young crowd seeking nightlife and beach parties, the most popular beaches are Kamenice Beach near Komiža and Grandovac Beach at the entrance to Viška Bay.