Vis: the back story

About Vis: the back story

By the ULTIMATE Zagreb Editorial Team

Vis lies far out in the Adriatic, the most remote of the central Dalmatian islands. For decades it was a military base closed to foreign visitors, and that has kept it quiet, unspoilt and authentic.

Greek Issa

Vis was settled by the ancient Greeks, who founded the town of Issa, and remains of their walls, tombs and finds can be seen in Vis town.

A closed island

In the second half of the 20th century, Vis was a military base, and foreigners could not visit until 1989. As a result, it escaped large-scale tourism, and its villages, vineyards and coves remain unspoilt.

For decades Vis was closed to foreign visitors, and it has kept a quiet, unspoilt charm.

Komiža and the Blue Cave

On the west coast, the fishing town of Komiža has a long tradition of fishermen who sailed far out to sea in their falkuša boats. From Komiža, boats go to the island of Biševo, where sunlight enters the Blue Cave through an underwater opening and lights the water a brilliant blue around the middle of the day.

Our advice: ferries and catamarans run from Split to Vis town. Rent a scooter or car to explore, visit the Blue Cave around midday on a calm day, and eat in Komiža.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Vis: the back story before you go.