Destination Inspiration: Vis, Croatia

Destination Inspiration: Vis, Croatia

This tiny island has all the components for the perfect secluded holiday. Spend a day trekking through orange and lemon trees, vineyards and wild rosemary bushes, or climb up Mount Hum for panoramic views across the Adriatic and surrounding islands.



Just
off the
Dalmatian Coast
, this tiny island has all the components for a
secluded getaway. Despite being only 35 square miles, what Vis
lacks in size it makes up for in beautiful beaches and historical
ruins.

Occupied by various different countries over the years, the
island’s convoluted history leaves much to be explored. Vis Town is
surrounded by the remains of the ancient city wall, while Levaman
Fortress is a 19th-century Austrian battlement housing the island’s
Archaeological Museum.

The Adriatic Sea laps along the various pebble and sand beaches
on the shores of Vis. Head to Komiža for the best of the bunch, but
if you wander along the coast you’re bound to find a secluded cove
or two. It doesn’t take long to walk around the island, so spend a
day trekking through orange and lemon trees, vineyards and wild
rosemary bushes. Climb up Mount Hum, the island’s highest point,
for panoramic views across the Adriatic and surrounding
islands.

Don’t miss…

Croatian caves. Located in between Croatia and Italy, Vis was
used as a resistance base during the Second World War. Visit Tito’s
Cave, used as headquarters by the eponymous Yugoslav communist
revolutionary during the war. Alternatively, sail south west of Vis
to the island of Biševo to see the Blue Grotto. Arrive just before
noon to see the waterlogged cave glow a bright-blue as the sun
reaches its peak. Take a dip in the luminescent water before
sailing back to Vis for more sunbathing and food.

Who to take with you

A seafood fanatic. Visit Konoba Jastožera, the top seafood
restaurant on this old fishing island. Suspended on a pier with
views across the sea, the restaurant is inspired by Vis’s
Mediterranean neighbours. Lobster is paired with spaghetti and a
choice of authentic sauces, while the wine is produced on the
island itself.

When to go

Vis isn’t as touristy as some of the neighbouring islands, so
you can happily visit in peak season for gorgeous sunshine and
empty beaches.

Where to stay

While nothing is too far away on this island, stay in Vis Town
for close proximity to beaches and restaurants. Down a cobbled
alley lies the Hotel San Giorgio. Opt for the
Deluxe room for a balcony with views across the Adriatic and over
the orange-roofed housing of Vis Town.

Most likely to bump into…

Celebs looking for a remote beach to moor their yachts. In 2017,
Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again was filmed on the island, and since
then many high-profile stars have been spotted cruising around the
Dalmatian Coast. While Hvar is more well known for its nightlife,
locals on Vis head to Komiža’s town square, Škor, for evening
drinks.

Essentials to bring with you

With the daunting prospect of running into Dominic Cooper while
you sunbathe, kickstart your tan with Dr Barbara Sturm’s Sun Drops. My
my, how could he resist you?

How to get there

Fly direct to Split Airport, where a daily catamaran takes you
to Vis in an hour and a half.

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