THINGS TO DO
Extend your stay on Vis Island and immerse yourself in its breathtaking beauty. From hidden beaches, secluded hiking trails and crystal-clear waters to historical military sites and charming villages, there’s always something new to discover. Here are some ideas to get you started. We would be delighted to share more detail and also to tailormake a special experience just for you!
Wines & Vineyards
Vis Island is renowned for its exceptional wines, which reflect the island’s centuries-old winemaking traditions. Visitors can tour family-run vineyards and wine cellars, sampling local varieties like the crisp white Vugava and robust red Plavac Mali. Many vineyards also offer guided tastings paired with regional delicacies, providing insight into the island’s agricultural heritage and the stories behind each vintage. The scenic settings of these vineyards, nestled among olive groves and stone terraces, make the experience as visually enchanting as it is flavourful.
When exploring Vis Island, be sure to visit these wineries:
Fields of Grace
Hiking, mountaineering & running
Vis is one of the most picturesque and preserved Dalmatian islands. Although relatively small – 18km long, and 9km wide – it is rather hilly, and has a height of more than 500 meters, with the highest peak Hum at 587m.
The main hiking destination on the island is the chapel of the Holy Ghost near the Hum peak. From there you can see deep down to Komiža, while in the sea, the islands of Bisevo, Brusnik, Svetac, and in good weather and clear visibility, the distant volcanic island Jabuka.
The steep island rocky trails are ideal area for hiking and mountaineering. Take a walk through a dense network of marked dirt hiking trails, goat paths, and roads. There are about 50 km of marked hiking routes on the island of Vis. In 3 – 5 hours walk you can reach the farthest points on the island. Particularly attractive is the transversal crossing of the island – from Vis, across Tito’s caves and the peak of Hum, to Komiža, or vice versa. This is a unique 5-hour walking tour.
On the island of Vis there is an active mountaineering society called HPD-Hum. On their web site you can get more information about all the marked trails, and where to buy a hiking map of the island.
In addition to the above, runners may enjoy challenging but beautiful climbs and the more serious runners may be interested in the Vis Half Marathon which takes place annually in March, as well as the annual Split Marathon.
Cycling & Mountain biking
For both professional and amateur cyclists, there are exciting rides to look forward to with over 25 cycling routes, totalling 250 km in length traversing bicycle paths, tarred roads, gravel and jeep track forest roads, as well as hilly trails.
Mountain and e-bikes are available for rental at one of the many rent-a-bike agencies:
Military Tours
Vis Island holds many historic secrets, from the time the ancient Greeks to the island becoming a command base of Tito and the famous WW2 Resistance Partisans. Some of the most interesting sites are the military tunnels dug throughout the island after 1945 when the island was a major military base for Yugoslav army. There are over 30 different military objects scattered across the island; one of the most intruiging is the missile base at Stupišće point near Komiža. It was a huge base for land-sea missiles with impressive tunnel and bunker complex to be on alert in case of invasion.
Guided tours to all these sites are offered by a number of local tourist agencies but for the most memorable experience contact Alternatura Tourist Agency.
Blue Cave and Boat Tours
One of the region's most famous natural attractions is the Blue Cave (Modra Špilja), located on nearby Biševo, off Vis' southwestern tip. Accessible only by boat, the cave dazzles visitors with its ethereal blue light, created by sunlight reflecting through an opening in the cave.
Beneath the translucent water, rocks glimmer in silver and pink to a depth of 16m. To get here, the easiest, quickest and best option is to take a tour from Komiža - the trips take between an hour and 90 minutes, depending on the waiting time to enter the cave.
Boat tours often include visits to other nearby caves, secluded beaches, and hidden bays, offering a comprehensive experience of the Adriatic's natural wonders. For a more leisurely adventure, private charters allow for tailored itineraries and unhurried exploration.
Biševo
Biševo Island offers much more than its famous Blue Cave. On a day trip, explore serene beaches like Porat and Salbunara, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Hike or run through the rugged Biševo Trail to enjoy panoramic views of the Adriatic and Vis Island itself or visit the vineyards and sample locally-produced wines. Discover hidden coves, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of this small island for an unforgettable adventure.
Biševo is easily accessibly from Komiža either by private charter or the small passenger-only ferry that departs daily from the Komiža riva.
Scuba and Snorkeling
The crystal-clear waters surrounding Vis are a dream for scuba divers and snorkelers, boasting some of the most interesting wrecks in the Adriatic. These underwater treasures, some dating back centuries, offer divers a glimpse into maritime history. The Vis Island wrecks attract not only novice scuba divers but also seasoned technical divers, drawn to the challenge of exploring these submerged relics. Renowned for its exceptional visibility year-round, the Vis coastline is rich with ancient artifacts, colossal limestone caverns and well preserved wrecks, notably the B-24 Liberator; B-17 Flying Fortress and numerous ships of varying age.
Komiža has three excellent diving operators: B-24 Diving Centre; ISSA Diving Centre and Manta Diving Centre.
Famous Vis Beaches
There are many beaches on the island of Vis-each with it’s own unique beauty. The beaches are typically rocky and while some will be easy to get to, others require a boat or an adventurous spirit.
Stiniva Beach, tucked within dramatic cliffs, is perfect for adventurers and is a must see! It is only accessible via boat or a hike down dramatic winding paths. Other highly recommended beaches are: Srebna; Zaglav; Gusarica; Kamenice; Lucica; Stončica and Velo Žalo.
Be aware that some beaches are only accessible via steep paths so are not suitable for younger children. We also recommend that you bring some water, and that you wear good sandals or sneakers.
Exploring Vis Island
Renting a car or scooter is one of the best ways to explore Vis at your own pace. The island’s winding roads offer breathtaking views and lead to charming villages, secluded beaches, and historic landmarks. A drive through the interior reveals the island’s agricultural heart, with fields of lavender, vineyards, and olive trees stretching as far as the eye can see. Don’t miss a visit to the villages of Komiža and Vis Town with adjacent Kut, each offering its own unique blend of tradition and coastal charm.
A great information portal is the Croatian Tourism Board and also the Vis Tourism Authority
Top Restaurants
The island may be small, but there are a variety of restaurants in Komiza and Vis town that are delicious and each in their own way will show you what makes the island so special.
The Adriatic sea is so clean and unbelievably clear which makes for seafood that is fresh and varied, specialities being octopus, squid, and mussels. Komiza is also a fisherman’s town with boats coming in and out every day which makes for an unbelievable sea to table experience!
Some traditional Dalmatian specialities include: Pašticada - a long-cooked beef stew made with wine, prunes, and spices; Black Risotto - this classic Dalmatian dish creates its rich, black colour by using cuttlefish ink; Brodetto - a traditional seafood stew that is made with a variety of fish, shellfish, and spices; Soparnik - a traditional pie with a thin, crispy crust that is filled with Swiss chard, garlic, and grated cheese; Peka - a slow-cooked dish made with meat, vegetables, and spices cooked in a bell-shaped oven lid (peka) - this is a staple in Dalmatia and is typically made with locally sourced ingredients, such as lamb, chicken, or octopus.
In Komiža, head to the outstanding Barba or try Konoba Jastožera, a waterside eatery famed for its lobster and octopus specialties. Other standouts are Robinsons; Fabrika and Konoba Bako, all blending Mediterranean flavours with modern twists in a stylish setting.