The island of Vis is a bit over a two-hour ferry ride from the mainland. Please, do not come over here just to see the Blue Cave on the island of Biševo next to Komiža town. I would like to tell you that there is so much more to discover and so many things to be done and so many foods to taste. If you decide to come here by yourself and don’t need my help, here are my top ten ideas of what to see and do over here. If you need more information or want me as your personal guide, send me and email on viktorija@victoriousviscovery.com
Top 10 things
1. Visit Vis town
To fully experience Vis, do the walk from Prirovo peninsula and then all the way to the beach of Grandovac next to Češka Vila.
Vis is the oldest inhabited town in Croatia. It was in the 4th century BC that Greeks founded the colony with the name Issa. Most of it was built where is today the peninsula of Prirovo with some of the remains from that era. Continuing to the main town there are many recognizable architectural monuments from different parts of the history. The walk is going to take you about two hours and will bring you all the way to Kut part of the Vis town, where you are going to find some of the best restaurants. Take a swim on the beach of Grandovac and watch the sunset with a glass of local Vugava wine.
2. Visit St George Fortress
It was in 1866 that smaller Austrian fleet under the Admiral Tegetthoff attacked the larger Italian fleet and Austrians won the famous so called Battle of Issa. When the long Austrian Empire rule started (all the way until 1914) and British built what is today called the Fort George Fortress. After the second war it was soon to be forgotten if it was not for the international company that has restored and did some conservation work and transformed the fort into and event space with music, art and cuisine. Many weddings happen there every summer and some of the best sunsets are in fact up here.
3. Hike up (or drive up) the mountain Hum
The road will take you almost to the top and Hum is the highest elevation point in Vis island with 587 metres (1,926 ft). You will not be able to get to the top as there is a military radar station there and the civilians are not allowed, but a short walk to the hill to the right, St Andria with the small church still practicing religious ceremonies and amazing views all over the Adriatic Sea and the town of Komiža. Best to view at the sunsets and bring a scarf as it might get chilly up there.
4. Do the Military tunnels tours
There are many kilometers of tunnels built underground after the second WW after the island was closed for tourism and transformed into the military island of Yugoslav army. You will have to take a Military tour as most of the military sites are well hidden. To mention just some of the places to visit: submarine tunnel or the anti-atomic bunker or the tunnel of with the electrical generator are just a few. It is going to take you half of the day to visit some but the tour is so well worth doing. And of course I can take you all around them. Remember, call me on +385919058410 or send me an email on viktorija@victoriousviscovery.
5. Take the Blue cave excursion
Blue cave or ModraŠpilja in the local language is stunning natural beauty on the island of Biševo half an hour ride from the town of Komiža. There is a blue light that fills up the cave at some parts of the day when the sun comes in through the underwater entrances. You will not be allowed to swim and you might wait a while to enter with the official boats that will get you in through the artificial hole done in 1884, but it is worth all of the possible trouble. Try to come as early as possibly in the morning. Again, I have the boat and we do those excursions, so let me know if you want to know more about this trip on viktorija@victoriousviscovery.
6. Walk down or take the boat tour to Stiniva beach
It was voted to be the best beach in Europe in 2016 and as being the inlet it is again, an amazing natural formation formed long time ago having the volcanic origins. This arm of the Sea can only be reached by either hiking down a very steep and narrow path or coming by boat and then swimming in. It is a beach framed by towering cliffs and if coming early in the morning you might have it just to yourself. And there is not mobile signal there, so yes, you will be all alone with your own thoughts (khm… well, before 9:00 am or after 5:00 pm, in between there are quite a number of tourists coming from all over Croatia for a day trip to see this natural beauty.)
7. Kayak to the Green cave
There are two big entrances into the cave that has a smaller hole in the ceiling that when from about midday the sun enters the cave and in the sea forms the fantastic green color. You are allowed to go in swimming. If you care for some cliff jumping, this is the perfect spot to do so. And we have kayaks, we have the personal instructors that can go with you and we will show you some more hidden bays on the way if you decide to come with us. Send me a note on viktorija@victoriousviscovery.
8. Visit Srebrna beach
The “Silver beach” is only reachable walking down a path and it is on the southern side of the island of Vis. It has gotten its name from the silver crystal color that is formed from the waves that hit the bigger white pebbles. Those not wanting to enter the sea via pebbles there are flat rocks on part of the beach where people enjoy spending the long wished summer holidays or do the yoga exercises earlier in the morning. It was voted to be the nicest secluded beach in Croatia. Our houses where you could be staying if coming for longer to the island of Vis are the closest possible to this beach.
9. Enjoy Komiža town
It has been proven that the locals from the island of Vis live the longest in Europe. It is not only because of their climate but also because of simplicity of food. The most famous is the “Food under the Bell” or “Ispodpeke” where the local will cook you lamb or veal or fish or octopus or just vegetables for over two hours and with some of the local wine this is going to be your best thing ever. Trying the salty sardines or the pie made with some of the recipes you will want more. You can decide to come and spend Actively-relaxed holiday week with us and we will cook for you all those delicacies and more.
10. Food and drinks and local cuisine in general
With the Church of Our Lady of Pirates overlooking the town, Komiža is one of the nicest fishing villages in the World. In fact, some of the best inventions for fishing come from the people of Komiža, who were one of the best fishermen of the Adriatic region from the long times. Built in the deep bay with many beaches right in town, it is a popular tourist destination.