Traditional desserts are an essential part of Vis’s gastronomy and festive moments:
Viški cviti – Delicate cookies shaped like flower petals, flavored with anise, brushed with rakija and sugar; the recipe uses ammonium bicarbonate for a unique texture.
Rafioli – Crumbly cookies with an almond filling, scented with vanilla, orange, and rum; a traditional treat of Dalmatian festivities.
Bruštulani menduli – Lightly caramelized almonds, crispy and sweet snacks.
Arancini – Candied orange or lemon peels, cooked in sugar syrup and dusted with sugar; a traditional Mediterranean sweet.
Viški cviti
Hib – A fig-based sweet with fennel, sage, and rosemary, shaped into small cakes and sun-dried; an energizing delicacy from Vis.
Panduleti – Almond biscuits with citrus zest and rum, baked until crisp.
Carob Sponge Cake – A moist cake made from ground carob, with mild sweetness and a hint of lemon; often served as a homemade winter dessert.
Rožata – A classic Dalmatian caramel custard made with eggs, milk, and vanilla; rich in flavor with a caramelized top, similar to flan or crème caramel.
Paradižet – A light dessert made of poached egg whites in milk, topped with vanilla cream flavored with rum and lemon; refreshing and delicate.
Fritule – Small fried doughnuts with walnuts, raisins, and citrus, typically dusted with powdered sugar.
Hruštule – Crispy strips of thinly rolled dough with eggs and rum, deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar.
Hib
Vugava – An indigenous white grape variety cultivated almost exclusively on Vis Island (approx. 14 ha; only 1 ha elsewhere in the world). Produces golden-yellow wines, aromatic (peach, apricot, honey, citrus), with low acidity, high sweetness, and alcohol (approx. 12–14%). Excellent with seafood and goat cheese.
Plavac Mali – The primary red variety of Dalmatia, a cross between Crljenak Kaštelanski (Zinfandel) and Dobričić. On Vis, it yields rich, full-bodied wines with fruity and spicy notes (fig, cherry, rosehip, Mediterranean herbs), high alcohol (13–17%) and strong tannins, yet well-balanced and suitable for aging.
Mali Plavac – A lighter expression of Plavac Mali, with softer tannins and fruity flavors. Ideal for everyday drinking and lighter meals.
Crljenak Kaštelanski (Zinfandel) – Historical ancestor of Plavac Mali, rarely cultivated on Vis. Wines are light red in color, with cherry and berry aromas, occasionally planted locally as an experimental variety.
Viški Opol (Rosé) – A special, refreshing rosé made from Plavac Mali, with a distinctly fruity taste and a delicate pink hue. Popular in summer as an aperitif or paired with light dishes.
Kuč – A rare local variety, light and fruity, with citrus and floral notes. Often served as an aperitif or with light meals.
Vugava (Bugava) – Sometimes referred to as Bugava, but the official name is Vugava. DNA analysis confirms no genetic relation to other varieties, making Vugava a unique grape exclusive to Vis.
Wine tastings on the Island of Vis
Wineries such as Vislander and Lipanović offer wine tastings (Vugava, Plavac Mali, Opol), often accompanied by local finger food: olives, capers, cheeses, fish, and cheese-based desserts.
In addition to wine, Vis has a long tradition of producing spirits and homemade liqueurs made from local fruits, herbs, and grapes.
Višnjevača – A sweet cherry liqueur with a fruity flavor.
Rogačica – An aromatic carob liqueur with a deep, nutty taste.
Limuncello (Arancini) – Citrus fruits (orange, lemon) macerated in alcohol with added sugar; a refreshing liqueur with an intense citrus aroma (locally known as limuncelli or orančini).
Travarica – A traditional spirit made from a blend of aromatic Dalmatian herbs.
Orahovica – A dark liqueur made from green walnuts, slightly bitter and rich.
Komovica – A strong Vis brandy made from grape pomace; dry with a distinct aromatic character.
Kadulja – A delicate herbal brandy made from sage, with subtle minty notes.
Koromač – A spirit with a light anise note, made from wild fennel seeds.
Loza – A pure, dry grape brandy (rakija) with a sharp character and deep flavor.
Mirta – A liqueur made from myrtle berries, with a gentle floral scent and a sweet, rounded aroma; prepared through alcohol maceration.
Vis Spirits and Liqueurs