Vis Island is often referred to as the mysterious island and on a recent visit I uncovered its secrets!
Shrouded in history, calmness and bags of rustic charm – Vis has everything you would expect of an island off the beaten path and I am thrilled to share this post highlighting the best things to see and do in one complete travel guide!
Vis Island is the ultimate ‘low key’ island, especially when compared to its glamorous neighbour Hvar, a place I have written about many times and adore. However, there’s a lot to be said for a quieter ambience which makes you feel as though you have arrived someplace totally different – a world away from tourism, beach beds and bars!
Vis Island feels as though you have arrived someplace different.
On this unique island where everything is a lot more authentic, you can escape the crowds and enjoy the nature, beach coves, unique boat excursions including a visit to nearby blue cave, vineyards, rolling hills and some proper Croatian culture!
I spent 5 full days on Vis Island and have put together my list of best things to do to help you plan your own trip! You will also learn how to get to Vis Island, where to stay, best time to visit and more!
Looking for the best things to do in Vis Island?
Here’s what you need to know:
- What to see in Vis Island
- What to do in Vis Island
- Best day trips in Vis Island
- Where to stay in Vis Town
- Where to stay in Komiza
- Vis Island essential Q&A
- Further Croatia Island reading
WHAT TO SEE & DO IN VIS ISLAND CROATIA
Vis Island is one of the smallest islands in Croatia and like many of them there are only a handful of towns and tiny villages to explore, the two main spots being Vis Town and Komiza. You can reach either in 20 minutes and there’s nothing much in-between but jaw dropping mountainous scenery, just like how an island should be!
In this guide I will focus on the two most popular towns along with the very best things to do in Vis Island – it maybe a super chilled island, but there’s still plenty of cool things to discover!
VISIT FAMOUS STINIVA BEACH
Stiniva is the most recognizable of all the sights on Vis Island and should be first on the list in terms of attractiveness! This gorgeous white pebble stoned beach sits in a small cove, flanked by limestone cliffs at either side with crystal clear blue water to swim and a little bar cabin in the corner for drinks – these are the reasons why Stiniva is frequently awarded top beach in Croatia!
The only snag is the access – it’s not that easy to reach, even with your own transport you will need a pair of hiking shoes to scale down the cliffs! At the time I had neither so chose the easiest option which is to swim to shore from a boat I booked as part of a day tour around the island – and it was amazing! I highly recommend seeing and visiting any of the beaches around Vis island this way!
Staying on Hvar Island? See everything in one day on this small group speed boat excursion including Blue Cave, Green Cave, Stiniva, Blue Lagoon & Pakleni Islands. It’s one of the best trips from Hvar and a great way to see Vis and more of beautiful Croatia!
WINE TASTING IN VIS
You can sample the local wine straight from the rolling vineyards in almost every island across Dalmatia, Korcula is even known as ‘wine island’ and Vis Island is no different!
Antonio Lipanovic is one of the most well-known wineries in Vis and you’ll find their produce listed in many of the local tasting shops and restaurants around Komiza or Vis Town – just ask your waiter for the local Vugava (white)or plavac Mali (red).
Alternatively, book a wine tasting tour and visit several of the vineyards with free-flowing wine and a nice lunch!
Recommended: Wine Tasting and Winery Tour in Vis Island
STROLL AROUND KUT VILLAGE
Kut is the oldest and prettiest part of Vis Town and is an easy place to spend an afternoon. A 10-minute stroll by the harbour and yachts of Vis Town brings you into the heart of Kut and all the authentic crumbly buildings, local taverns and courtyards you could ask for! (What you won’t find are any of the usual tourist things or even clothes shops!)
Wandering around is the best thing to do, it’s small and very photogenic, especially the characterful 17th century buildings against the mountain back drop (dreamy) also the loveliest accommodation with cute wrought iron balconies live in this area. Boutique hotel San Giorio is by far the best, if it’s available book it!
EXPLORE BLUE CAVE
Blue cave is the unique natural wonder on Bisevo Island, a tiny islet off the coast of Vis and one of the best things to see while staying nearby! Visitors from all over – even as far as Split visit blue cave specifically between the hours of 11am to 1pm to gaze at the streaming blue light phenomena which illuminates the entire cave. It’s a really cool thing to experience and you can be there in just 15 minutes from Komiza – another perk of staying in this location!
How to get to the Blue Cave, Bisevo Island
There are three ways to visit Blue Cave from Vis Island, firstly with a private taxi boat if you’re short on time, second travelling on a scheduled taxi boat, which is best arranged from Komiza harbour as it’s closer to Bisevo and the most popular way to visit the Blue Cave is part of a full-day tour around Vis Island, visiting many more highlights in one go!
Note: The Blue Cave experience will be the same no matter how you get there as everyone is herded on to little wooden boats to fit through the narrow opening of the cave – there will be 3-4 other boats bobbing around at any one time and the whole spectacle lasts around 15 minutes or so.
FOOD & DRINKS AT BEAUTIFUL SAN GIORGIO
San Giorgio Hotel is the only boutique in Vis Island, it’s stunning to look at and they’ve done an excellent job of blending the old and new with a touch of romance and great food! The hotel is wonderfully located in the historic neighbourhood of Kut and has an atmospheric stone courtyard-restaurant alongside a cobbled lane at the entrance merging the hotel and restaurant together with a handful of cute tables and chairs, it’s even worth going just to take a look!
I initially stopped by for lunch, but in late September the only meal options available were breakfast and dinner, which meant missing the last bus back to Komiza! If you plan on staying in this area you won’t regret an evening here, the whole place is lovely and the food is locally sourced and rated highly – how I wish I had stayed there! Book ahead to avoid disappointment especially in peak summer months.
STOP FOR COFFEE ON THE TERRACE OF FRUTARIJA
Frutarija is a fab little terrace with a simple mosaic tiled bar displaying colourful baskets of fruit. This cute cafe-bar is perfectly positioned along the water’s edge between Kut and the harbour of Vis Town. The whole setting is very appealing and I imagine capture’s the attention of anyone who walks past – I for one couldn’t resist a coffee stop, they serve all types as well as some light snacks and cocktails.
I loved that you’re able to sit for a while with a book and watch the boats without the pressure to order more or move, especially when alone and occupying a table for two! Sometimes there’s live acoustic music in the evenings, hopefully worth sticking around for – I only visited at the quieter times in the day, but I can see it being much livelier in the evening.
ENJOY BREAKFAST AT FABRIKA
If you happen to be in Komiza early pop over to uber cool and casual Fabrika for breakfast along Komiza’s harbour – I was so lucky that it was directly below my guest house! Everyone here is friendly and everything is musically themed including the menu’s retro album covers and the best bit – there’s lots of colourful seating areas with pretty harbour and mountain views.
I have to confess that during my five night stay on Vis Island I ate here six times! From the breakfast menu, I sampled everything from fruit pots, yoghurts, fresh juices to smoothie’s, coffee, avocado toasts and eggs – they are all delicious.
TIP! Just be careful about sitting and eating on the lower chairs as you will be quickly accompanied by half a dozen cats.
FIND THE MAMA MIA LOCATIONS
You may or may not know that a few years ago Vis Island was chosen as the location for the major Hollywood film Mama Mia 2 and the entire production team was based in tiny Komiza – not Greece as the film portrays! It was a huge perk for the little island and put Vis firmly on the wanderlust map!
Filming took place in five places on Vis, these were; Stiniva, Komiza, Barjoska Bay and Vis Town, which would not look out of place on a Greek Island. To make everything look authentic and real, they even imported things like Greek fruit and veg for the market scene at Vis Town Harbour – right where the Jardrolinija anchors! When exploring Vis Island keep an eye out for these locations!
EXPLORE KOMIZA VILLAGE
If you’re staying in Vis Town then Komiza village is worth a day trip and vice versa! Komiza has a local feel in comparison to Vis Town, where everything is centered around a horse shoe bay filled with bobbing fisherman’s boats, terraces and even palm trees. It’s so pretty and the scenic 20 minute journey is all part of the experience, I would go as far as saying that this bus transfer is one of the best I’ve witnessed on any Croatian Island.
Komiza sits at the very foothills of Hum Mountain, which you can clearly see all around, it’s quite the dramatic landscape! You can walk from one side to the other in 15 minutes, but you’ll need a few hours to really enjoy the stone houses, hidden pebble beaches and a bite to eat at one of the local taverns.
TIP! If you have time you could even take a boat trip out to Blue Cave as mentioned above.
WANDER AROUND VIS TOWN
Vis Town is the busiest place on the island (but still chilled) and will be your first glimpse of Vis when arriving as all the transport and yachts dock at the main harbour – and what a first impression! An handsome town surrounded by pretty coastal and mountain scenery with colourful 17th century buildings lining the harbour, there’s even a little green island with a church just metres off the shoreline.
Kut is the cultural heart of Vis Town and worth spending some time in, especially if you take my advice and head over to Boccadoro restaurant part of the San Giorgio Hotel – full description above! The other things to do, like all islands involve hopping on boat trips or sitting on a sea facing terrace or bench to watch the yachts roll into town in late the afternoon – this is the only time the area gets lively, in a low key sort of way!
FIND SMALL LOCAL BEACHES
Stiniva is the most famous and stunning beach on Vis Island, but if you want to explore further, there are plenty more local beaches (often remote) to discover. Stoncica or Milna are two of the most talked about and best explored by car, while Komiza has a few smaller pebble beaches that you can walk to from the centre.
Personally, I would reserve at least one day for the beach or beach hopping as swimming in the clear Adriatic is one of the best things to do in Vis Island and in Croatia! If you want to see everything all in one day, the easiest thing to do is book a day’s excursion with a local travel agent or taxi boat from the Harbour – especially if staying in Komiza.
Don’t forget your beach bag essentials!
Read: 5 Wonderful Islands to Visit in Croatia
HAVE SUNSET DINNER AT FORT GEORGE
Fort George is the secret place to go for epic views and sunsets over dinner. It combines a little bit of history with a social activity – and for now not many people even know it exists on Vis Island! You can read about Fort George’s legacy here – the character and stone walls are all still intact and amongst it there’s the addition of a sprawling Mediterranean terrace and restaurant serving local cuisine and wine – doesn’t that sound wonderful.
Sadly I didn’t get to go on this trip, but would still recommend anyone to check it out for sunset if you’re staying on the island. Due to the remote location you would need to hunt down a taxi (easier from Vis Town) or have your own transport and in the summer months it’s probably best to reserve a table in time for sunset!
TIP! Fort George also hosts garden parties – all details of these types of events are listed on the website.
Good to Know
Did you know? Vis spent decades as a military base before opening its doors for the first time to visitors in 1991.This has kept Vis Island in the past and is one of the reasons why there’s lots of military tours and artefacts to see.
BEST DAY TRIPS FROM VIS ISLAND
If you only select one activity in Vis Island then spend the day touring around by boat, it’s one of the best ways to explore all edges of the island and see some amazing attractions nearby.
Typically the full day tours around Vis Island follow a similar route which ever you pick, I recommend this one, lasting 6 hours for approximately 400 Kuna. The highlights include Green Cave, stunning Stiniva bay, Bisevo Island for the unique Blue Cave experience, a swimming spot – made famous by the Mama Mia film and the historic submarine tunnel.
Good to Know
There a lots of local companies running tours from Vis Town or Komiza, Paiz Traval is one of the reputable agents offering this deal and in my opinion it’s best thing to do in Vis Island!
VISITING FROM HVAR ISLAND?
If you plan on visiting from nearby Hvar Island then I strongly suggest hopping on a full day speed boat tour from Hvar hitting most of the essential highlights of Vis Island. This popular Blue Cave, Vis and Pakleni Speed Boat Tour takes you to the amazing Blue Cave and lets you swim at some of the best beaches in Croatia including Budikovac, Blue Lagoon and stunning Stiniva bay all in one easy day trip!
Recommended: Blue Cave, Vis and Pakleni Speed Boat Tour
WHERE TO STAY IN VIS ISLAND
Vis island isn’t over run with accommodation options in comparison to the tourist heavy Hvar, Brac and Korcula, in Vis there are only three hotels on the whole island! The rest is made up of guest houses and apartments, most of which are located in the island’s two main towns, Vis Town and Komiza. If you’re torn between the two places I would consider spending a couple of nights in each as they both offer different things!
TIP! If you are only stopping on Vis Island for a few nights and want to stay someplace lovely and convenient then you must book a room at the best hotel on the island Hotel San Giorgio, in Vis Town, it’s perfect!
WHERE TO STAY IN VIS TOWN
Hotel San Giorgio
Hotel San Giorgio is the most charming boutique hotel on Vis Island, favourably located in the nicest part of Kut. San Giorgio is the perfect place to stay for those who love high end details, character and bags of style!
The highlights include balconies to relax, old stone walls, views across the sea and a delicious freshly made breakfast in the private cobbled stoned courtyard. It has an gorgeous outlook and feel, if I could stay anywhere it would be here! Book early to avoid disappointment!
WHERE TO STAY IN KOMIZA
Apartment Frenkie
Looking for a simple base? Try this lovely sea view apartment in Komiza with spotless rooms and homely modern furnishings. Apartment Frenkie is close to the beach and the area’s best restaurants are just a stone’s throw away, you can even have coffee and breakfast on the balcony every morning if you choose the apartment with the sea view on the upper floors!
Seafront Rooms Koluna
Koluna guest house has three recently refurbished rooms with balconies and they all have spectacular mountain and harbour views in the heart of Komiza bay. I stopped here for 5 nights and was lucky enough to snag the top room, it was a fabulous experience sitting on the balcony watching the boats and the general harbour bustle.
All the main restaurants are right along the same street including the accommodation’s own on the ground floor. I have to confess that I only ate there once as I preferred Fabrika’s breakfast next door, but the friendliness of the hosts and balcony view is what sells this room! It’s perfect for the solo travelling female!
Check the latest prices and availability in Vis Island HERE
VIS ISLAND ESSENTIALS
IS VIS ISLAND CROATIA WORTH VISITING?
Is Vis Island worth visiting? Absolutely! Especially if this is your second or third visit to Southern Dalmatia. Vis Island is the perfect where-to-go-next island once you’ve visited all well-known places and want to see something a bit different.
At the end of my fourth Croatian trip, I booked a five night stay in Komiza, Vis Island after a 2 week jaunt around my favourite Hvar Island – and was glad I did – almost as soon as the catamaran drew close! It was just like arriving towards a movie set – little green islands, mountains and gorgeous pastel houses filled the landscape!
WHEN TO VISIT VIS ISLAND, CROATIA?
The best time to visit Vis Island is during the summer months between June and September. I recommend travelling at either side of the peak months of July and August, you will still have sail boats, travellers and beach goers, but more manageable crowds, lower prices and the weather will be warm.
If I had to choose a perfect time it would be early September. Vis is a little off the beaten path and receives fewer visitors in general therefor the summer facilities on this island close early for the season such as boat trips, lunch times at restaurants and even the buses are less frequent too! Speaking from experience the island’s facilities and excursions almost close down by mid-sept.
Read: Helpful Tips For Travelling To Croatia
HOW LONG TO STAY ON VIS ISLAND, CROATIA?
How much time do you need for Vis Island? I highly recommend spending 4 full days on Vis Island, it’s more of an effort to get to so I would really make sure you have time to stop and enjoy it all! Explore the main sights; Komiza, Kut, Vis Town, a couple of lovely restaurants, Blue Cave, a boat day trip, relaxing day at the beach – or maybe some wine tasting?
IS VIS ISLAND SAFE FOR SOLO FEMALE TRAVELLERS?
Vis is definitely one of the more relaxed islands to be on, you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything by travelling solo in Vis Island! I had a great five night stay in the centre of Komiza over-looking the harbour with beautiful scenery and navigating my way through all of the above! Whichever base you choose – the heart of Vis Town or Komiza, you’ll be able to wander on foot, have easy access to transport and some fun excursions too!
HOW TO GET TO VIS ISLAND, CROATIA?
Where is Vis Island? You might be wondering! Vis Island is the furthest Dalmatian island from the main land next-door to vibrant Hvar Island, which couldn’t be more different! However, the main gateway to Vis Island is from Split, most people catch the Jardrolinja (public catamaran), which I recommend booking in advance HERE.
It departs twice daily, taking around 90 minutes and cost from 45Kuna. You can also book the Jardrolinja from Hvar Town and Milna in Brac Island, just know that they don’t operate daily from these two locations if you’re planning your Croatian Island hop itinerary!
HOW TO GET AROUND VIS ISLAND, CROATIA?
Vis Island isn’t very big, you could easily stay in either Vis Town or Komiza and see the sights via boat excursions from the harbour or book day trips to see the rest of the island, which includes door to door transport.
In Vis boat transfers are the easiest way to get around and if you simply want to hop from Vis town to Komiza there are local buses that run every hour approximately (and meet in time with the catamaran arrivals and departures) it costs less than a coffee!
There are also taxi’s (not many), cars and scooters for hire – but only for the experienced as Vis Island is extremely hilly and steep!
Which island to visit next? The easiest island to reach from Vis Island is the island of Hvar by Jardrolinja catamaran, which takes you to directly to Hvar Town in 45 minutes a few times per week. From there you can easily connect to the islands of Brac or Korcula depending upon your direction. Check the schedule HERE
FINAL WORDS
Vis Island is a authentic island, see it before mass tourism reaches its shores! I hope you enjoyed reading the best things to see and do in Vis Island Croatia in this blog post. If you have any questions please drop a message below.
READ MORE ABOUT THE ISLANDS OF CROATIA
- THE COMPLETE KORCULA TRAVEL GUIDE
- THE COMPLETE HVAR ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE
- 5 WONDERFUL ISLANDS TO VISIT IN CROATIA
Booking a trip soon? Here is my go to list of resources for booking everything from flights to accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com for the best boutique rates
- Viator for great day trips
- Get Your Guide for unique day excursions
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