Vis island

Vis is probably the cleanest part of the Adriatic sea because it is the farthest island from the mainland. Middle Dalmatia islands Solta, Brac and Hvar separates and hide the Vis coasts from the mainland. In 1944 the island was declared a military zone, meaning it would be inaccessible to all foreigners until 1989. Vis isolation has retained the charm and style of life characteristic of the 1950s and which still attracts guests looking for "the Mediterranean as it once was".

Vis can be reached by ferry (Vis ferry timetable) or speedboat from Split in the summer months and by ferry from Ancona (Italy), and speedboat from Pescara (Italy). Between different tourist seasons timetable changes several times, and it is recommended to contact the local office of Jadrolinija (state owned ship company) for accurate information. Island's main road connect two major places: Vis town and at 20 kilometers distance, town of Komiza. Local buses drive several times a day, and you can buy tickets on the bus. Smaller towns and villages on the coast and in the interior of the island can be reached by local roads in car, motorbike or bicycle (each one can be rented on the island), but there is no public transportation to smaller places. On Vis island there is only one gas station located near the ferry port.

Vis attractions are mainly the natural ones such as its unpolluted sea, soil and air. On the south side of the island, the open sea waves sculptured some of the most eye catching coves and beaches. One of them is Stiniva cove, one of the most frequent themes on Croatia's promotional posters. On this side of the island the largest settlements are Milna and Rukavac. However, there are also other things, besides the nature, to do and see. The first settlement on the island was Greek colony Issa, today's urban village Vis, founded in 4th century BC. Later, under Roman rule, on the peninsula Prirovo, were built spa and theater on whose ruins was built a Franciscan monastery in the 15th century. The remains of ancient buildings are visible in the monastery garden and under the sea around the peninsula can be seen the remains of a Roman port.

The museum with archaeological and ethnographic collection is located in the fortress built during the Austrian rule. There are exposed objects about life and history of Vis from antiquity to the present: ceramic pots, figurines of terracotta and metal, furniture, folk costumes, jewelry, items associated with the shipbuilding and wine. Perhaps the most valuable among them is a bronze head of the Greek goddess of hunting Artemis.

Historical traces recorded in the island's stone streets reveals a story of the arrival of the Croats, and missionary work through Benedictine naval battles, to the establishment of military bases after World War II. From the war era are preserved barracks and underground tunnels. On of these is "Velika Glava" (big head), which consists of an underground tunnel 400 meters deep, and the largest sea trench "Jastog" (lobster) in the bay Parja. On the island there is also Tito's cave where Josip Broz Tito lived during one period of the Second World War. All abandoned military premises are open to the public with local guides but still it is a risky expedition where you should be prepared to climb and crawl.

Local gastronomy is rich - in addition to fisheries, another industry that prevails on the island of Vis is wine industry. On the sandy ground three indigenous varieties have been cultivated for centuries: Plavac mali, and Kurteloska Vugava or Bugava. Vugava allegedly comes from the Greek period, and gives Vugava - dry wine, golden color and rich honey flavor.

On Vis is baked brandy "lozovaca", which is drunk as a digestive, with the addition of aromatic plants used for medicinal purposes. Vis most famous specialty is a pie prepared from dough with salted anchovies and tomatoes. You can sweeten the pie with cookies that are prepared from simple dough and sugar. Vis offers a unique culinary long meals experience with more sequences (slow food), prepared from only local ingredients on a fully native mode. In addition, the WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature) has named Vis as one of 10 last paradise refuges of the Mediterranean, thanks to its biodiversity. You can explore the landscapes, and learn about individual species of plants and get familiar with their in everyday life.

Because of its distance from the mainland, the majority of arriving guests to Vis want a peaceful holiday, in relative isolation and noble natural beauty. However, during the summer the island revive with musical evenings in August, fishing festivals, concerts, cocktail bars or some of newly opened fancy restaurants. Visitors to Vis stay mainly in apartments or rooms hosted by the owners themselves.