Vis (island) Island

Address: Vis Island, Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia (main towns: Vis, Komiža)

Vis is an inhabited Croatian island in the central Adriatic, part of Split-Dalmatia County, with an area of about 90 square kilometres and a highest point of 587 metres. It was founded in antiquity as the Greek colony Issa and later developed as a strategic naval base.

The island is known for two main settlements, Vis (town) and Komiža, small pebble beaches and sheltered coves. Visitors often travel by ferry or catamaran from Split; typical conventional ferries take roughly 2.5 to 3 hours and fast craft are quicker. Popular local highlights include cliff-top viewpoints, hiking to Mount Hum and sheltered coves such as Stiniva.

Vis has a long history of maritime and military importance. The island was settled by Greeks in the 4th century BC as Issa; across later centuries it was under Roman, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian influence. In the 20th century parts of the island were used by the Yugoslav military and it was closed to foreign visitors until the late 1980s, after which tourism expanded.

Geographically the island sits offshore in the central Dalmatian archipelago, southwest of the city of Split and surrounded by several smaller islands. The coastline is rocky with numerous bays and steep cliffs, and ferry lines link it with the Dalmatian mainland and neighbouring islands.

• Access: Ferries and fast catamarans run to Split; conventional ferries typically take about 2.5 to 3 hours while fast services can take around 2 hours depending on the route.
• Viewpoint: The island’s highest point is Mount Hum at 587 metres, a frequently recommended viewpoint for island panoramas.

What to See#

• Vis (town): Historic port town on the island’s east coast with cobbled streets, Venetian and Austro-Hungarian architecture, regular ferry and catamaran connections to Split and other Dalmatian islands.
• Komiža: Fishing village on the island’s west coast known for a fishing fleet, narrow streets and proximity to several sea coves and cliff-based swimming spots.
• Mount Hum (587 m): Highest point on the island at 587 metres above sea level, offering panoramic views across the Adriatic and neighbouring islands; reached by marked hiking trails.
• Stiniva Beach: Narrow, steep-sided pebble cove famed for its sheltered bay and dramatic cliffs; accessible by boat or a steep footpath from the surrounding cliffs.

Ferries connect Split (Port of Split) with Vis; the crossing is around 2-2.5 hours on conventional ferries and shorter on fast catamarans when available. During summer services are frequent but book ahead.

• Ferries to Vis depart from Split (Stari Grad ferry operates seasonally). Reserve ferry tickets in high summer.
• Explore the island by moped or small car - roads are narrow but give access to secluded beaches and ancient ruins.
• Visit Komiža and Vis town for contrasting atmospheres: Komiža's fishing history versus Vis town's Austro-Hungarian squares.
• Look for WWII-era and Cold War relics - Vis was a Yugoslav naval base and parts of the island were closed to the public until the 1980s.