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Find Out What Sports You Can Do on Vis Island
Find Out What Sports You Can Do on Vis Island
Vis Island offers unique outdoor experiences – hiking trails, cycling routes, water sports, diving, boat tours, cave exploration, and a rich historical and cultural backdrop.
Hiking on the Island of Vis
Hiking on the Island of Vis
The island of Vis offers an extensive network of hiking trails, ideal for those who wish to explore the island on foot. The routes follow former military roads, narrow goat paths, stone tracks, and forest trails that connect different parts of the island.
In just a few hours of walking, you can reach various points of interest — from scenic hilltops to coastal bays and historical sites. Due to the island’s sparse population and preserved natural environment, the trails are mostly quiet, with minimal traffic and no crowds.
Diving on Vis
Diving on Vis
The island of Vis is an excellent destination for those passionate about diving and underwater exploration. Its waters conceal a rich underwater heritage - from scenic walls and reefs to numerous wrecks such as the steamships Vassilios, Teti, and Brioni, the fishing vessel Fortunal, the B-17 and B-24 bombers, the military tugboat Ursus, and many other historically significant remains.
Several diving centers operate on Vis, offering beginner and advanced courses, as well as guided dives to the most fascinating locations around the island.
Diving on Vis
Bocce on the Island of Vis
Bocce on the Island of Vis
Bocce, also known locally as boćanje, is deeply rooted in the culture of the island of Vis and remains one of the most popular social activities among locals. This traditional game blends a competitive spirit with relaxed socializing, making it equally loved by both older and younger generations.
How is the game played?
The game begins with the throw of a small ball (usually red), called the cochonnet or bulin, which serves as the target. Players then take turns throwing larger metal balls - bocce balls - aiming to get them as close as possible to the target. The team with the most balls closest to the target wins the round.
Bocce is more than a sport - it’s a community event that brings people together and fills the pine-shaded afternoons with conversation and laughter.
Where to play on Vis?
There are several bocce courts on the island, with the most active being:
Bocce Club Vis
Address: Put Samogora, Vis
Contact: +385 21 711 088 (Marko Bralić)
Visitors are welcome - whether you're curious or eager to play, stop by and you might be invited to join a game!
Measuring the Distance Between Balls and the Jack
Football on the Island of Vis
Football on the Island of Vis
Today, football on the island of Vis is once again a vibrant sporting activity. With modern infrastructure, dedicated coaches and the support of the local community, the NK Vis club offers young people quality sports education, a competitive spirit, and healthy socializing.
In the former military barracks Samogor, right next to the Tommy supermarket in the town of Vis, a modern sports and recreation center is now in operation. There are two artificial turf football fields – a standard-size large field (106 × 65 m) and a smaller field (60 × 40 m), providing excellent training conditions and official matches.
During the summer season, children’s futsal tournaments are regularly held on these fields for children aged 7 to 15, open also to tourists and visitors to the island.
Registration for the tournament, also for tourists:
Football school Nk "Vis"
Vukovarska 71, Vis, Croatia
Phone: +385 98 969 1686
Email: discover.vis@gmail.com
NK Vis
NK Vis
In 2006, with great dedication from local enthusiasts, led by Marinko Ivanišević – Mane, the football club NK Vis was founded. This gave the island its football school again after almost 30 years.
Initially, training took place at the primary school, and today the club operates in the Issa sports center and on the fields in Samogor.
History of football on Vis
History of football on Vis
Football on the island has a tradition of over a century, with several clubs marking the island's sporting history. Here is a timeline – from the most recent to the oldest:
2006 – NK Vis founded after a nearly 30-year break; today it brings together young footballers from Vis and Komiža.
1979 – NK Naprijed hosted Hajduk Split for the 35th anniversary of its reestablishment on Vis. That year, the football field was converted into tennis courts, and the club was dissolved.
1948–1960 – NK Garnizon (military) and NK Omladinac from Plisko Polje were active, competing in the Vis league.
1945–1969 – NK Jadran Komiža competed in the Split sub-league.
1944–1979 – NK Naprijed from Vis successfully competed in the Split sub-league.
1932–1941 – NK Jadran (1932) and NK Vis (1935) operated in the town until 1941.
1924 – NK Uskok founded in Vis, dissolved by 1930.
1921 – NK Zmaj began in Komiža, one of the first island clubs.
1919 – NK Istok founded in Podšpilje, the oldest football club on Vis. Its first president was M. Kordić.
Samogor, the Second Football Field
In the quiet neighborhood of Samogor, there is a second football field, surrounded by palm trees and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.
Every year in April, NK Vis organizes the "St. George" futsal tournament, held as part of the Town of Vis Day celebrations, bringing together children, families, and visitors from the island and the wider region.
Cricket on the Island of Vis
Cricket on the Island of Vis
Amidst the vineyards and olive groves of Plisko Polje lies one of the island’s most unique sporting features – a cricket ground belonging to the Sir William Hoste Cricket Club. Vis is home to Croatia’s first cricket club; today, the sport is also played in Zagreb and Split.
Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, cricket can be played on Vis almost year-round. The international spirit of the game and the island’s scenic setting attract many visiting teams, making it a hotspot for friendly matches and international tournaments – a true celebration of sport and local hospitality.
Cricket on Vis dates back to 1809, when British Captain Sir William Hoste, a protégé of Lord Nelson, was stationed on the island during the Napoleonic Wars. In a letter, Hoste writes that British sailors formed a cricket club “on this boring island” to pass the time while anchored. While it is unclear if Hoste ever played himself, the club had his approval – and thus, the first crack of leather on willow was heard on Vis.
After the British departure, the club disappeared... but the story didn’t end there.
Cricket was revived thanks to Niko Roki, a local who emigrated to Australia and fell in love with the traditional British sport. He passed this passion on to his son, Oliver Roki, who in the early 2000s discovered a mention of the Vis cricket club in the book Remember Nelson. Together with his family, Oliver brought cricket back to Vis, reintroducing it to a new generation.
Early matches were played on a helipad with makeshift gear, but the enthusiasm overcame every challenge. Today, the club has a permanent field surrounded by vineyards and around 30 active members, most of them locals.
Events and Competitions
Vis International Sixes (VIS) – a popular six-a-side international tournament, held each May.
T20 End-of-Season Match – fast-paced cricket action every October.
The club regularly hosts teams from abroad, participates in the Croatian Cricket League, and actively promotes the sport among locals and island visitors.
Contact – Sir William Hoste Cricket Club, Vis
Location: Plisko Polje 17, Vis
Club President: Oliver Roki
Email: enquiries@viscricket.com
Phone: +385 98 303 483
Website: viscricket.com
Facebook: facebook.com/VisKriketKlub
Cricket Ground on Vis – Plisko Polje 17
Tennis, Basketball, Mini Football
Tennis, Basketball, Mini Football
In the town of Vis, near the ferry port, there is a sports and recreation center with four tennis courts, a basketball court, and a mini football field.
Sports and Recreation Center "ISSA"
Phone: +385 95 5777 372, Facebook
Sports and Recreation Center "ISSA"
Paragliding on Vis Island
Paragliding on Vis Island
There are several prepared take-off points for paragliders on the island of Vis, oriented in all directions. The only thing that can prevent you is strong wind. However, some winds that are often too strong on the mainland weaken upon reaching our remote island and become usable for flying up to 250 days a year, making Vis a small paragliding paradise.
Take-off points:
Basulinka – a hill at the entrance to Vis bay.
Sveti Andrija – the highest peak in Vis bay, located above the ferry terminal.
Hum – a view of Komiža bay from nearly 600 meters above sea level. The start area is cleared and spacious enough for high wings and tandem flights.
Kamenice – about 100 meters east of the beach with the same name.
Male Pece – hills east of Komiža.
Sveti Bjož – to the left of the small church of St. Bjož, there is a narrow path leading to the launching point, considered by many to be the most beautiful flying location on the island.
Paragliding on Vis Island
Stand-Up Paddling and Surfing on Vis
Stand-Up Paddling and Surfing on Vis
In Milna (on the small pebble beach), you can rent stand-up paddleboards (SUP) and surfboards. They also organize various SUP and surfing courses, competitions, excursions, and yoga sessions on paddleboards.
Stand Up Paddle – Vis, Milna
Phone: +385 91 892 61 29
Website: islomania.hr
SUP and Surfboard Rental in Milna
Cycling on the Island of Vis
Cycling on the Island of Vis
The island of Vis is the perfect choice for cycling enthusiasts – it offers well-maintained roads, scenic views, more demanding climbs, and plenty of opportunities for mountain biking. Due to low traffic and excellent asphalt infrastructure, riding around the island is pleasant and safe, yet varied enough for anyone seeking an active holiday.
The roads on Vis are surprisingly good – wide, well-designed, and mostly winding, with little traffic. Due to its small size, the island is ideal for cycling, and it is possible to circle it more than once in a single day. Some cycling routes are marked on tourist maps, which can be found in local tourist agencies.
For thrill-seekers, the island features numerous gravel and off-road trails that run through nature, vineyards, olive groves, and abandoned military roads. These paths are ideal for mountain bikes and offer a genuine experience of the island’s interior, far from the tourist crowds.
One of the most popular circular tours on the island connects the main towns: Vis – Milna – Podšpilje – Hum – Komiža – Vis.
You can start the tour anywhere – in the town of Vis, Komiža, or any of the villages in between. Thanks to the island’s good connectivity, it doesn’t matter where you are – all paths loop around.
Climb to Hum (587 m)
For more experienced cyclists, the climb to the island’s highest point – Hum (587 m) – is a real challenge. The route starts in the village of Podšpilje, passes Borovik and Tito’s Cave, and leads to a saddle between two peaks: Hum with a military radar on one side, and the TK transmitter with a view of Komiža on the other.
The most demanding part of the climb is a short section below Tito’s Cave, where the incline reaches approximately 15%, and one sharp turn just below the summit. The entire route is suitable for both mountain and road bikes, except for a shorter gravel section towards the transmitter, where there are also larger rocks ("kugelagers").
Cycling on the Island of Vis
Kayaking around the Island of Vis
Kayaking around the Island of Vis
Kayaking around the island of Vis offers an authentic and unforgettable experience – observing the coastline, exploring caves, and swimming on secluded beaches. Whether it’s a solo trip or a guided tour, you’ll experience nature in a different and deeper way.
For more information about rentals and guided tours, contact local providers or tourist agencies.
Numerous independent or guided tours are available on Vis:
Vis – Zaglav – Stončica: a scenic and easy tour along the eastern coast, also suitable for beginners.
Komiža – Porat Bay (Biševo Island): a more demanding route to the stunning beaches of Biševo.
Rukavac – Green Cave – Ravnik Island: a remarkable route where you can enter an underwater cave and admire the play of light.
Circular tour around the Vis Bay.
Kayaking around the Island of Vis
Rock Climbing on the Island of Vis
Rock Climbing on the Island of Vis
The island of Vis is not just a paradise for swimmers, sailors, and hikers – it's also an exciting destination for rock climbing, combining raw nature, tranquility, views, and adrenaline. Thanks to its rugged coastline, cliffs, and limestone walls, the island offers numerous opportunities for various climbing styles, from established routes to exploratory climbing above the sea.
Crvene Stijene – the main climbing destination
Crvene Stijene – the main climbing destination
Near Komiža, below the imposing peak of Hum (587 m), lie the well-known Crvene Stijene – naturally reddish-hued walls offering excellent conditions for climbing. This is the most developed and visited climbing site on the island, where climbers can enjoy multiple routes of various difficulty levels – from beginner to advanced. The walls are sunny, but thanks to their altitude and wind, they are often pleasant even in warmer months.
The rock is compact and solid, with various shapes that allow interesting and safe climbs. The wall is suitable for sport climbing and offers potential for new routes, as the area is still partially unexplored.
Climbing routes: more than 20 routes, up to 25 meters in length, grades from 5a to 7b.
View: from the top, there’s a breathtaking view of Komiža, Biševo Island, and the open sea.
Climbing at Stiniva – wild nature and a sea jump
Climbing at Stiniva – wild nature and a sea jump
One of the most unique climbing experiences on Vis is definitely climbing in Stiniva Bay, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Here, climbers can scale natural limestone walls directly above the sea, and then descend – or jump – straight into the crystal-clear water.
This is a perfect spot for deep water solo (climbing without gear above water), ideal for summer days when climbing and refreshment go hand in hand.
Other locations and options
Podšpilje surroundings – lesser-known walls for those seeking quiet climbing spots.
Cape Stupišće – wild cliffs above the sea, suitable for experienced climbers.
Exploratory climbing – the island still has plenty of potential for new routes, especially for adventurers who enjoy discovering unmarked walls.
Deep Water Solo Climbing in Stiniva Cove
Crvene Stijene – the most famous climbing site on Vis
Pheasant and Hare Hunting on Vis Island
Pheasant and Hare Hunting on Vis Island
Vis Island offers excellent opportunities for hunting, especially pheasants and hares. Hunting is a popular activity among locals and visitors who want to experience authentic Dalmatian tradition.
Hunting Seasons:
Pheasants: The pheasant hunting season typically begins in September and lasts until December. This bird is common on the island, and hunting it can be very exciting due to its lively nature.
Hares: Hare hunting usually takes place from October to February. Hares are often found in the island’s hunting grounds, making them a popular target among hunters.
Hunting on Vis not only offers excitement and challenge but also the chance to enjoy the island’s beautiful nature and landscape. Whether you are an experienced hunter or a novice, pheasant and hare hunting can be an unforgettable experience.
On the road between Komiža and the town of Vis, both locals and tourists are amused by a "modified" traffic sign warning of hares crossing. An unknown artist has added another hare to the sign – in a rather compromising position.
Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
There are several "organized" beach volleyball courts on the island of Vis.
You can find beach volleyball courts in Stončica Bay, Zoglav, or in the town of Vis on the city beach, on the Prilovo peninsula.
Beach Volleyball – Stončica Bay
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