Vis, Croatia
Vis is a small island with a long and exciting history. Located perhaps the most remote from the mainland compared to other islands, it was closed to tourists until recently. And all because there was a top-secret naval base of Yugoslavia. Fortunately for travelers and fans of secluded relaxation, today Vis can be visited by anyone. In order to relax on its wonderful beaches and touch the monuments of past years. Check ANDYEDUCATION to learn more about the country of Croatia.
How to get to Vis
Split International Airport, the nearest major city to Vis, receives several flights a week from Moscow during the season, and planes from other Russian cities often land here. From the airport, you need to take a bus to the main city port (30 minutes on the way, ticket 35 HRK), from where you can get to Vis by ferry (from 50 HRK, 1 hour 20 minutes). The only caveat: ferries depart, as a rule, no more than twice a day (early in the morning and in the afternoon), so it’s better to study the schedule in advance on the website of the ferry company Jadro Linija.
History paragraph
The island of Vis boasts a very ancient history. In the 4th century BC e. the Greek colony of Issa was founded here, by the way, the first in the Adriatic. From the colony, the Greeks began to settle along the entire Croatian coast and the surrounding islands. Centuries later, the former Greek colony passes to the mighty Rome, and in the 8th century Slavic tribes come to these places. During the Middle Ages, Vis and the surrounding lands were under the control of the Venetian Republic. And at the beginning of the century before last, in 1815, the political map of Europe once again changed its shape, and ancient Vis became part of the Austrian Empire.
From 1918 to 1921 the island was occupied by Italian troops, and after the creation of the kingdom of Yugoslavia became part of it. There were also military operations on the island during the Second World War. After its completion, a top-secret naval base of the armed forces of Yugoslavia was created here, and for this reason the island became inaccessible to the public. In 1989, the ban on visiting was lifted, and Vis itself became part of an independent Croatia.
The beaches of Vis
The island has a huge number of beaches for every taste: both equipped, with developed infrastructure, and secluded, wild.
Zaglav beach is considered one of the best on the entire Adriatic coast, all thanks to the beautiful coastline and the surrounding nature. The other beach of Vis is also beautiful – “Stonchitsa”, located on the territory of the fishing village of the same name. The beach here is covered with sand, the infrastructure is developed with all the accompanying entertainment. Fishing enthusiasts can rent a boat and go fishing in the sea.
The Teplush beach is convenient for tourists with children – there is very clean water and a gentle entrance to the sea.
Fans of a secluded and relaxing holiday will like the Grandovac beach, located in a very beautiful bay, and in the western part of the island there is the Stiniva beach, which sets you up in a serene way.
On the southeast coast, the Vela Smokova beach is not bad. “Bili-Bok” attracts attention with huge white stones, where you can sit and enjoy the pictures of the sea. The secluded beach “Mala Travna”, located in the bay, where there are very few tourists, is famous for its clean and warm sea.
Entertainment and attractions
The capital is the island of the same name and a very ancient city of Vis. Its inhabitants have long lived by fishing and winemaking, and their age-old patriarchal way of life has survived to this day. Today, tourism has been added to traditional fishing and grape harvesting.
The city has preserved impressive historical buildings, and its undoubted dominant is the Franciscan monastery, built in the 16th century. The monastery was erected on the site of the ruins of the Roman forum, in the very center of the town.
Churches of the 16th and 17th centuries scattered around the city also attract tourists. In the vicinity of Vis, it is worth seeing the ruins of the ancient Greek colony of Issa that have survived to this day. Not far from the city are the ruins of fortifications from the reign of Venice.
Another city of the island beloved by travelers is the town of fishermen Komiža. Fishing is one of the main sources of income for the inhabitants of this settlement to this day. The townspeople treat this difficult craft with great respect, there is even a Fishing Museum and, of course, a lot of fish restaurants where you can try the freshest catch with a glass of excellent wine.
The most notable landmark of Komiž is the ancient Venetian tower, which was once part of a large fortress complex that surrounded the city. In addition to the old residential quarters, in Komiža the monastery church of the 13th century, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, famous for its baroque altar, and the Church of St. Nicholas are of interest.
It is worth visiting the surroundings of Komiža. Not far from the coast, another, very small island called Bishevo sheltered here. It is best known for its Blue Cave. Thanks to the bizarre play of light and shadow in her grotto, all objects and people seem to be flooded with blue radiance. Nearby is the highest point of the island – Mount Hum (587 m), which offers amazing views.
