One of Europe’s “best kept secrets” is an island that was closed to tourists for years. But now, it is a place where travellers can enjoy stunning scenery, crystal-clear waters and plenty of sunshine. Vis is a small Croatian island that is home to quaint towns and great things to do, such as cave explorations, speed boat trips and some delicious food. But for many years, tourists couldn’t get to Vis.
Vis was a strategic military site in the country of Yugoslavia. Before that, in WWII, it was an Allied base. For this reason, it was shut off to the outside world for around 40 years. It was only when Croatia was on the way to getting independence after the collapse of Yugoslavia that it reopened to tourists. Now, it is perhaps one of the most scenic places to visit in Croatia. Not only is it beautiful, but there are interesting remnants of its military history as well, making it a unique sun holiday with a difference, not like your typical resort getaway.
Joanne Lynn, travel expert at Riviera Travel, called Vis Croatia’s best kept secret, somwhere she encourages tourists to visit this year. She revealed: “Once a Yugoslav military base, Vis was closed to tourists for decades, preserving its untouched beauty. Today, it’s an island for those seeking an authentic, unspoiled escape.
“A trip to Vis Town and Komiza, the island’s two main settlements, is a must, as they exude old-world charm with their stone houses and laid-back atmosphere. One of Vis’ biggest draws is the Blue Cave on the nearby island of Bisevo. Around midday, sunlight filters through an underwater opening, illuminating the cave in an ethereal blue glow.”
She added: “Another must-visit is Stiniva Beach, a secluded cove enclosed by towering cliffs, accessible only by boat or a steep hike. This spot is perfect for seafood lovers, as Vis is celebrated as the best place in Croatia for this cuisine, thanks to its rich fishing traditions. Be sure to try peka, a slow-cooked dish of octopus or lamb baked under an iron bell.”
The main way of getting to the island of Vis is from the town of Split on mainland Croatia. Split has its own international airport which operates flights to and from Bristol, Glasgow, Manchester, London Luton, and London Gatwick.
Vis could be visted as part of a tour of the local islands around Split. One of the most popular is Hvar, known for its historical forts and unbeatable views from the summit.
On Vis, the top-rated tourist attraction, according to Tripadvisor reviews, is Stiniva Cove, something previous visitors have called “breathtaking”. One person wrote: ” We went in early September and It wasn’t too crowded. It gets shaded from about 4pm so don’t visit too late. The walk back up is tiring but I definitely think it’s worth it.”
Other popular tourist attractions on the island of Vis include Stoncica Lighthouse, Crkva Sv. Jeronima church and a range of other religious and historical buildings.
Among Lynn’s other Croatia recommendations is Mljet, an island covered in forest that she says is “perfect for nature lovers”. She also suggests visiting Rab, which she calls a “paradise”.
Croatia is a growing tourist spot for Brits and other travellers from around the world. In 2023, the country received more than 19 million visitors, according to Statista, a stark increase from the 12 million it welcomed ten years before.