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Vis is the most remote inhabited island in Croatia, accessible by ferry (2h 15min) or catamaran (1h 20min) from Split. Due to its decades-long closure to foreigners – as a former Yugoslav military base – the island avoided the early wave of tourism that transformed much of Dalmatia.
This isolation helped preserve its unspoiled nature, authentic architecture, and a slow, relaxed pace of life.
In recent years, Vis has become an increasingly popular destination, yet it still successfully avoids mass tourism. Respect for the environment and a strong sense of local identity prevail – qualities modern travelers are seeking more than ever.
Location of the island of Vis
Geography of the Island of Vis
Geography of the Island of Vis
The island of Vis is part of the central Dalmatian archipelago and is the southernmost inhabited island within the group. It is separated from the island of Hvar by the Vis Channel, and connected to the island of Biševo to the southwest by the Biševo Channel. The Italian coast lies approximately 60 nautical miles away.
Area: 90.3 km² (10th largest Croatian island)
Length: 17 km (Cape Barjaci – Cape Kampanel)
Width: 8 km (Pritiščina – Oključna)
Coastline: 76.7 km – highly indented with numerous bays and hidden beaches.
Vis Bay
Town of Vis – history that still lives on
Town of Vis – history that still lives on
The town of Vis lies in the sheltered bay of Viska Luka and consists of two distinct parts:
Kut – the older and quieter area with narrow stone alleys, historic houses, and cozy seaside restaurants.
Luka – the livelier area with the ferry port, a promenade, shops, a marketplace, and a broader selection of bars and eateries.
Visitors can explore the town’s rich heritage: in the Gradina area, you’ll find the remains of the ancient Greek colony of Issa, the first urban settlement on the eastern Adriatic. On the Prirovo peninsula, ruins of Roman baths and a theatre reveal the town’s importance through the centuries.
Along the coast are pebble beaches and exceptionally clear waters, refreshed by currents from the open Adriatic.
History, architecture, natural beauty, a pleasant climate, and cuisine based on fresh local ingredients all combine to create an experience where the past meets the present.
Vis remains an island where life is not lost – but rediscovered.
Vis Bay, Prirovo Peninsula
Climate on Vis
Climate on Vis
Vis has a typical Mediterranean climate, with long, dry summers and mild winters. Thanks to its position in the open sea and the absence of industry, the surrounding sea is exceptionally clean.
Average January temperature: 8.9 °C
Average July temperature: around 26 °C (often over 30 °C during the day)
Annual rainfall: 560 mm (only about 50 mm in summer)
Winds: Maestral in summer; bura and jugo in winter
Natural Landscape and Highest Peaks of the Island
Natural Landscape and Highest Peaks of the Island
The island’s interior is formed by characteristic karst fields (polja), which have remained fertile and agriculturally active for centuries. The largest among them are: Dračevo, Plisko, Zlo, Velo, Cojno, Malo, and the field near Podhumlje.
In these areas, locals grow olives, figs, and especially grapes – giving rise to Plavac Mali and Vugava, two iconic wine varieties for which Vis is well known among Dalmatian wine lovers.
Highest peaks of Vis Island:
Hum – 587 m (the island’s highest point), Sveti Duh – 563 m, Mali Hum – 514 m
Prirovo Peninsula – Church of St. Jerome, Franciscan Monastery, Cemetery and Town Beach
The beaches of Vis are highly diverse – from pebbly to sandy, some hidden between cliffs, others open to the wide sea. The most famous include:
Stiniva – the island’s most iconic beach, accessible on foot or by boat, sheltered by high cliffs; voted Europe’s best beach in 2016.
Other notable beaches: Srebrna, Stončica, Grandovac, Zaglav, Smokova, Tepluš, Milna, Parja, Travna, Rukavac, Vela and Mala Travna, Novo Pošta, Kamenice, Lučica, Talež, Vartalac, Ruda ... More about beaches »
Major bays:
Vis Bay – a naturally sheltered bay on the northeast coast, home to the town of Vis.
Komiža Bay – open to the west, known for its fishing heritage and the town of Komiža.
Islets around Vis: Biševo – famous for the Blue Cave (Modra špilja), Budihovac, Ravnik (Green Cave), Svetac, Brusnik, Jabuka, Host
Important reefs and rocks: Mali Budihovac, Mali Barjak, Ravlić, Barjaci – uninhabited and ecologically significant for the underwater world and diving.
Settlements and Infrastructure
Settlements and Infrastructure
About 3,500 people live on the island of Vis, mostly in the two main towns:
Town of Vis – the main ferry port and administrative center of the island.
Town of Komiža – a smaller fishing town on the western coast, known for its rich maritime heritage.
The towns of Vis and Komiža are connected by a 10 km paved road built in 1983 and an older, less trafficked 18 km road.
Besides the two main towns, Vis comprises a number of smaller villages and hamlets, each with its own charm, natural backdrop, and cultural-historical identity.
Srebrna Beach – known for its large, smooth, rounded white rocks
Grandovac Beach – located in Vis Bay
Selected Villages and Hamlets on Vis Island
Selected Villages and Hamlets on Vis Island
Oključna: A northern settlement with an intriguing history. It is home to Queen’s Cave (Kraljičina špilja), linked to the legend of Illyrian Queen Teuta, and a Baroque chapel of St. Anthony built in 1714. Along the coast lies a picturesque bay with traditional fishermen’s cottages.
Podselje: Once the island’s main settlement, today it is a spiritual center with a national shrine that remains an important pilgrimage site.
Rukavac: Located on the southern side of the island, a former fishing village, now one of Vis’s larger tourist resorts.
Milna: A peaceful bay with a long shallow shoreline, ideal for children. Nearby are the popular Zaglav Beach and the islet of Ravnik.
Ženka: A secluded hamlet in the southeast of Vis with views of the open sea and surrounding islands. It is located 8 km from the town of Vis and 12 km from Komiža.
Stončica: Situated on the far northeastern tip of the island. In the bay, there is a seasonal beach bar and tavern.
Žena Glava
Podhumlje – a wine-growing village at the foot of Mount Hum, known for its olive oil, homemade wine, and traditional architecture.
Marinje Zemlje – a hidden hamlet complex in the forest, with access to the bays of Stiniva, Ruda, and Vela Travna.
Žena Glava – a rural village famous for its local cuisine and views over the fields of Vis.
Podšpilje – a cluster of hamlets beneath Mount Hum, featuring a church, cultural center, and proximity to Tito’s Cave and other historical sites.
Plisko Polje – the largest fertile plain on the island, surrounded by hamlets, vineyards, olive groves, and traditional island life.
Podstražje – a small inland village, a starting point for visiting Milna and the southeastern coast.
Duboka – a hamlet near Podšpilje, known for its native stone architecture and proximity to Illyrian burial mounds.
Dračevo Polje – a fertile valley between the towns of Vis, Podselje, and Plisko Polje, known for vineyards, orchards, and its agricultural heritage.
Marinje Zemlje
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