Located further away from the Croatian mainland than any other of its islands, Vis is a new Adriatic hotspot to check out this summer.
Due to the island being used as a strategic military base and off limits to tourists before 1989, Vis still has the idyllic feel of a remote paradise 35 miles from the mainland, and is not yet overrun with tourists. Arguably, its tranquil nature makes it 10 times more beautiful than its far more poopulous cities on the mainland.
Used as a hideout for the Yugoslav resistance during World War II, Vis still has that mystical, out-of-the way and freeing sense to it; a perfect place to kick back and relax.
With less than 4,000 local inhabitants concentrated in two towns, Vis and Komiza, the island is as calm and untouched as a quaint English village.
Compared to popular Croatian holiday getaways, like Split and Dubrovnik, which average over 1,000,000 tourists a year, Vis is a calming break in the sun away from the crowds.
This is helped in particular by the port at Vis being too small for large cruise ships to dock, meaning that the island is hard to access unless you travel there directly. In contrast, Dubrovnik port is big enough for two huge cruise ships to dock at the same time, resulting in huge overcrowding in the tiny city centre.
Vis may be lacking in people, but it certainly isn’t lacking in beauty. Mamma Mia 2 was filmed on the island, and if that isn’t enough to make you think of Vis as a romantic and charming spot, you can also visit its esteemed open-air cinema.
Steeped in its history of winemaking and fishing, local cuisine is superb and unique. The clear blue waters are rife with sardines, which are often enjoyed grilled or in a pie known as pogaca.
As for the wine lovers, the Greek writer Agartahid claimed that Vis produced the best white wine in the region – the island was also the first place the Greeks planted a vineyard in Croatia. Vis’ most famous wine is the Vis Vugava, readily available across the land.
A good destination for active travellers, Vis boasts plenty of good running and cycling trails, and a hike up Mt Hum, at 587 metres above sea level, offers a stunning view of the island. Another plus to Vis is that it holds the oldest cricket pitch in Europe outside of the UK, an example of British influence on the island paradise.
Vis is not a buzzing nightlife destination packed with bars, but if you’re looking for a quiet cocktail on the beach or a cold beer in an old town, this could be the place for you.