DISCOVER VIS CROATIA: HISTORY, ISLANDS & TRAVEL TIPS 2025!
DISCOVER VIS CROATIA: HISTORY, ISLANDS & TRAVEL TIPS 2025!

INTRODUCTION: DISCOVER VIS CROATIA- HISTORY, ISLANDS & TRAVEL TIPS 2025!
Thinking about exploring Vis Croatia? You’re in for a treat! This hidden gem in the Adriatic Sea offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, fascinating history, and a laid-back vibe. Did you know that this island wasn’t open to tourists until 1989? Its unspoiled charm comes from decades of being a military base, meaning less commercialized tourism—and more tranquility. From pristine beaches and turquoise waters to delicious local cuisine, Vis has everything you need for a dream vacation. Whether you’re an adventurer, foodie, or history enthusiast, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As someone who has lived on the Mediterranean for over a decade, I’m happy to share my inside tips and knowledge to help you make the most of your travels.
(To find out more about the Mediterranean see our related posts, “Rovinj Croatia Travel Guide” and “Guide to the Mediterranean Coast“)

What is There to Discover in Vis Croatia?
An Overview of Vis, Croatia
Vis, Croatia, is an island in the Adriatic Sea that was an important military base until 1989. As a result, the area was essentially isolated from tourism for many years, which unexpectedly had the positive effect of preserving the traditional way of life on the island and helping to maintain its natural state. Now “uncoupled” from its military role, the island offers a blend of historical sites and local culture, providing visitors with a truly authentic Croatian experience.
Can’t-Miss Attractions on the Island
Discover the Town of Vis
The main “city” on the island is Vis and it serves as the central hub for visitors coming to the island. The town, which was once a Greek colony, has various historical sites and ancient ruins to explore including Roman baths. Here you’ll find hotels, restaurants, cafes, and markets. With the island only being 10 miles across, the town of Vis serves as the “home base” for many visitors here to explore the rest of the island. And if you time your visit just right you can hit one of several festivals and events that take place in town, showcasing its regional customs and traditions, one of the main attractions of the island.

Visit Komiža – A Charming Fishing Village
Komiža is a nice little fishing village on the western coast of the island. If you are a foodie and enjoy seafood then you have to add this town to your list of places to visit. The town is known for its maritime heritage and for its local cuisine. Like most places on the island, the town still seems to be waking up from its “military isolation” making this a very interesting place to explore. Here you can walk the narrow streets and explore the town, you can visit the local fishing museum and of course, you can enjoy some fresh seafood at all the local restaurants.

The Blue Cave (Modra Špilja)
The Blue Cave, or Modra Špilja, is a sea cave on the nearby island of Biševo. It’s famous for its unusual light effects. You can reach the cave by boat, with tours leaving the town of Vis or Komiza usually during the summer. If you decide to visit the caves then try to get there by midday. This is when the sunlight hits the water at just the right angle to create the blue light reflection on the cave walls.

Food and Drinks to Try on Vis Island
Fresh Seafood and Traditional Dishes
It should come as no surprise that seafood features prominently on virtually every menu on this beautiful island. Dishes showcasing freshly caught fish, octopus, and shellfish are among the many delectable fresh seafood options available. Make sure to try the “pogaca” which is a savory pie made with onions and salted fish. Many restaurants on the island serve these specialties and they are some of the main reasons that visitors come to this island.
Local Wines and Vineyards
A great way to explore the island is through the local vineyards and the locally produced wines. Examples of the local wines are Vugava (white wine) and Plavac Mali (red wine) both of which pair well with the local cuisine. Many vineyards provide wine tastings, which offer a chance to discover the island’s winemaking customs. Here is a list of 3 vineyards on Vis that offer wine tastings:
Lipanović Winery: Known for its unique wine cellar located in a historical military tunnel, Lipanović Winery offers a distinctive wine-tasting experience. You can learn more and book a visit on their website.
Vislander Winery: This winery offers a variety of wines, including reds made from the Plavac grape, and also provides tastings of gin, grappa, and limoncello. More information can be found on their website.
Roki’s Winery: A small organic producer known for its Plavac mali, Roki’s offers tastings in their rustic tavern. Details about their offerings can be found on the link above.

Where to Dine for Authentic Island Flavors
The best place to dine in order to taste the island’s authentic Croatian cuisine is by visiting one of the local taverns called “konobas”. These restaurants serve dishes made with ingredients that are in season and recipes that have been handed down through the years. This is by far the best way to experience Vis Island’s hospitality and traditional cuisine.
Here are three highly recommended konobas on the Island:
- Konoba Roki’s: Known for its traditional Dalmatian cuisine and unique “peka” cooking method, Roki’s offers a memorable dining experience in a scenic setting. More details can be found on their website.
- Konoba Jastožera: Specializing in seafood, particularly lobster, this konoba provides a rustic and inviting atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating options. Visit their website for more information.
- Konoba Golub: Located in a picturesque rural setting, Golub offers Mediterranean cuisine with dishes like grilled fish and traditional “peka.” You can learn more on their website.

Activities to Enjoy on Vis
Snorkeling, Kayaking, and Other Water Sports
Visitors to the island can enjoy a range of water sports and take advantage of the crystal clear waters. The rugged shoreline is an excellent place to snorkel and with a kayak or a paddleboard, you can explore the coastline around the island.
Equipment rentals and guided tours are available, making it easy for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts to enjoy these activities.

Hiking and Nature Trails Around the Island
Vis is an excellent location for hiking with trails crisscrossing the island everywhere, taking you through olive groves, vineyards, along the coastline, and through some of the hills. The island has been inhabited for a few thousand years so their plenty of historical sites, ancient ruins, and military installations you can visit. Tip: bring good hiking shoes or a good pair of walking shoes. The trails can be rough and many of the roads are not paved on the island.
Day Trips
Vis Island is a great starting point for exploring other islands in the area. From the towns of Vis and Komiza, there are several boat tours available for various destinations (One of which is the Blue Caves which we covered earlier). Trips run mostly in the summer and range from a few hours to the whole day and will take you around the island itself or to some of the other islands nearby, like Bisevo. These are relatively inexpensive and are a great way to explore the area.

Places to Swim on the Island
As a “new” tourist destination on the Adriatic with a favorable Mediterranean climate, the island has become a new water playground for the region, providing various water activities to enjoy and a whole new area to explore. The shoreline is quite rocky but there are a few “pebbly” beaches and sandy beaches sprinkled around the island that are good for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and many other water sports.

Srebrna Beach
Srebrna Beach is known for its pebbly shore and clear waters. Like Stivina Beach, you are going to want some water shoes or sturdy sandals to walk over the rocks. The water is crystal clear making this a great place for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. The beach is surrounded by pine trees, giving you lots of shade. The waters are calm making this an ideal place for families. Parking is available about 200m away so you only have a short walk to the water.
Zaglav Beach
Zaglav Beach is sandy (which is less common on the island). The water is crystal clear and with a sandy bottom, this is a good place to swim. The beach is just a short walk from the nearest road giving it a real sense of remoteness. This is a popular spot for those looking for a quiet location.
Stiniva Beach
This small beach is surrounded by cliffs and has crystal clear waters. It’s a soft pebbly beach with a slow gradual drop. This is an excellent place for snorkeling and is completely sheltered by the cliffs, with just a narrow water access to the Adriatic. You can reach the beach either by boat or by following a narrow path from the parking lot 400m away. If you get thirsty or hungry there is a small tavern right at the beach.
Tip: You will want to bring some solid sandals or water shoes to navigate the large rounded stones on the beach.

Where to Stay?
Accommodations
As the main entry point to the island, the town of Vis has a large variety of accommodations available. These range from hotels to boutique options and are available in various price ranges. You can check the link below for available options and compare prices and amenities. (Full disclosure: If you book accommodations using the link below, I will make a small affiliate commission however you will not pay more for the accommodations than if you book directly with the hotels. This gives me a chance to offset my costs and provide you with a valuable service).
Best Areas for Families, Couples, or Solo travelers
The towns of Vis and Komiza are the two largest towns on the island and both provide good access to local beaches and other family-friendly activities (for example kayak and paddleboard rentals). Solo travelers can explore the towns where they can find easy access to public transport and social venues, making it simple to meet other travelers.
For couples looking for a romantic getaway, there are smaller out-of-the-way locations on the island with intimate dining options and romantic settings to explore. Tip: Contact one of the island’s vineyards for a wine-tasting tour, which can be a great romantic outing.
Travel Tips for Visiting the Island
The Best Time to Visit
Weather-wise, summer is the best time to visit and the best time to catch festivals and enjoy beach activities. Vis is still a relatively unknown Mediterranean destination so you won’t see the massive crowds typical of the usual hotspots which is a big plus. With the Mediterranean climate, spring and fall will also see excellent weather on the island and there will definitely be fewer people making this a great time to visit and immerse yourself in the local culture and visit the island at a relaxed quiet pace.
Winter is also a nice time to visit with absolutely no crowds. However, the weather will be cooler and many of the attractions and tours will be closed. Still for some, this might be exactly what you’re looking for: peace and quiet!
Ferry Routes and Schedules
The main route to the island is by taking a ferry from Split with the main ferry companies being Iadrolinija and Krilo. Note: It’s also possible to take a ferry from Ancona Italy as well. The schedule is seasonal with more scheduled crossings taking place in the summer during the high season. Make sure to check online with the operators to get the most up-to-date crossing information and be sure to book in advance. Leave yourself lots of time to arrive at the ferry terminal to make sure you don’t miss your crossing.
Tip: treat the ferry crossing as a bonus boat tour and enjoy the ride!

FINAL THOUGHTS: DISCOVER VIS CROATIA- HISTORY, ISLANDS & TRAVEL TIPS 2025!
Vis Croatia is the ultimate destination for travelers looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in untouched beauty. Whether you’re sipping local wine on the coast or exploring ancient ruins, every moment is unforgettable. Start planning your trip to Vis today, and experience firsthand why this island is Croatia’s best-kept secret!
“Don’t Just Dream It! Do it!”
How about experiencing the Mediterranean firsthand? Use the map below to inspire you and plan your next Mediterranean vacation right now!
Reg Auge
Reg holds an MBA, is a former Captain in the Canadian military and has worked as a consultant in industry for over 20 years. From his home in Spain, he has spent the last 10 years traveling throughout the Mediterranean, exploring the various countries and regions. He also regularly runs, windsurfs, and kite surfs, maintaining a healthy and active way of life. Captivated by this Mediterranean lifestyle, he began a Blog last year to inspire like-minded souls to learn about and discover this unique region for themselves.