During the last hundred years a part of the population emigrated in the search for better living conditions. There are only about 2000 people living in the town of Vis, and around 3500 on the whole island.
The town Vis, the antique Issa, was founded by the tyrant of Syracuse Dionisius the older about 397 B.C. as a base for the Greek colonization of the Adriatic Sea. The settlement of Dionisius had been located in the part of the town, which is now called Gradina and on the peninsula of Prirovu. 
Beside it there are also other valuable antique works as the head of men and women, ceramic vases of various forms, vessels, and especially a collection of amphora, which were taken out of the sea near the town. 
The wine-growing has been the most important activity of the local inhabitants since the antique times, and so the writer Agatarhid told us "how the vine from Issa, an island in the Adriatic sea in comparison with others better". On the other side the rich fishing grounds in this part of the Adriatic
If starting from Kut, which is on the southeast part of the port and the bay, you will also pass by the palace of Jakin, palace of the poet Petar Hektorovic, Petrinovics palace, the house where one of the best Croatian writers Ranko Marinkovic was born, Prdvarics palace and Gazarovics palace. There follow the palace of Gariboldi and the famous Vila Kaliopa, and the Austrian fortress Batarija. 
We can point out of the sacral architecture and art especially the pre Romanic Church of St. Jurje (St. George is the patron of the town and is celebrated on April 23rd) in the bay of the same name in the near of the Czechvilla and the Church of St. Marija in Podselju - the spiritual centre of the island, where the inhabitants of Vis pilgrim on Mary Ascension. 
Komiza is located in a deep bay on the western side of the island Vis below the 600 meter high mountain Hum. (1677 inhabitants according to the census from 2001). It is a typical Mediterranean village, which attracts the tourists with beautiful beaches and with narrow roads and houses squeezed together around the harbour. Thanks to the mild Mediterranean climate, the stay in Komiza is pleasant also in the winter months. There are gravel beaches along the whole east coast of the Bay of Komiza with sources of drinking water: Gusarica, Nova posta, Velo zalo.
The whole history of the island of Vis on one hand politically and economically connected to the fishing, and on the other hand with the wine-production, which today is also the basis of economy and the pledge of future.
The lovers of sports and active holiday can choose between parachute-sailing, riding, walking in nature and diving. There are 20 locations in the depths of the sea with sunken planes, sailing-ships, submarines and war-ships in the surrounding of Vis. If you are interested in culture and entertainment, visit the Fisherman's museum and the music- drama manifestations of the Cultural summer of Komiza, when you can hear the klapa-songs from the taverns/ konobas. 
For more than 25 years the International Ballet school is being opened during the summer in Komiza in which the pupils from the whole world get knowledge and achieve dancing perfectionism in classical ballet, and in pop and modern jazz , under the leadership of the ballet- pedagogue Jozo Borcic from Komiza. The manifestation culminates every year with a final ballet concert in the hall of the Memorial home, which makes the numerous visitors of Vis enthusiastic.
The harbour of Komiza offers the yachtsmen good berths protecting them from the northern and eastern winds, and it is totally open to the northwest. The jugo- wind can cause unpleasant waves in the harbour. Because of the openness of the harbour and its depth the construction of new berths is complicated. This is the reason why there s planned to build a big fisherman's port with a fish bazaar, located in front of the former factory for the conservation of fish Neptun. It will be used by the fisher- boats of Komiza and other ones and domestic boats, while some of the berths in the harbour would be then free for the commercial use. The new owners of the former factory Neptun plan to transform it into an important touristic center, and together with the fisherman's harbour it will help to attract the guests on the island during the whole year. These are the prerequisites for the revitalisation of the economy of Komiza and the whole island.The town of Komiza is located in the deep bay of Komiza, on the western tip of the island of Vis. Even though Komiza is located just 10 kilometers from the town of Vis, it is separated by the rest of the island by Hum, a 587 meters high hill that rises over the bay of Komiza, and it can be said that Hum threw the town of Komiza to the embrace of the sea, and oriented it’s population towards the sea as the main transport route and source of livelihood. When sailing in the waters of the island of Vis, it is easier to find the bay of Komiza than to miss it – this grandiose bay invites you to it’s protection and the waves carry you to it’s arms.
The waters of Komiza boast with one of the most beautiful archipelago on the Adriatic, with many islands, islets and rocks, most famous of them being Palagruza, a mythical group of 10 islets located approximately 42 nautical miles from the shores of the island of Vis, which have for centuries been the most abundant fishing grounds on the Adriatic. The archipelago of Palagruza is located in the middle od the Adriatic sea, and closer to Italian mainland than to Croatian. If you think about the distance from Komiza to Palagruza and take into the account that both are located on the open sea, you should really be astounded by the skills and knowledge of medieval fishermen from Komiza that regularly fished in this area.
The volcanic islet of Jabuka, which is located around 36 nautical miles in the direction west-northwest from the town of Komiza is another gem in the crown of the Vis archipelago. It welcomes many scientists and sailors who come to explore this strange steep and hardly accessible island and its endemic species, mainly black lizard of Jabuka. Not far away from Jabuka, the island of Svetac (St. Andreas) is located. It was an inhabited island until recently, but with the death of it’s last inhabitant. Mrs. Jurka Zanki, the island is today official registered as uninhabited, but this does not prevent many visitors of exploring it. The island of Bisevo is a small island located just 5 nautical miles off the town of Komiza. It has around 20 permanent inhabitants, and it boasts with one of the most known natural phenomena on the Adriatic, the Blue Cave which impresses with eternal dance of the sun, blue sea and white stone.
Rukavac is a quiet and picturesque place, formerly a fishing town and now a real tourist resort. It is 10 km from the town of Vis and 16 km from Komiza. Rukavac is located on the southeastern side of the island of Vis and is also the largest town and the safest harbour on the southern side of the island. In the immediate vicinity are numerous beaches, and the most famous is the "Srebrena" beach which is a natural pebble beach considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches of Dalmatia, numerous islands and islets of which the most famous is the island of "Ravnik" with the famous natural phenomena, "The Green Cave".
Until recently, Rukavac was a typical small Dalmatian fishing town, and today it is one the most famous tourist destinations in the island of Vis, foremost because of its beautiful beaches and its large offer of quality accommodation in private houses and apartments. A vacation in Rukavac is ideal for those who want to enjoy beautiful beaches and crystal clear sea, beautiful natural surroundings in a true Mediterranean environment. The town offers the possibility of renting small motor boats which represents an ideal way for sight-seeing the nearby bays and islands. The sea is exceptionally rich with fish, so Rukavac also represents a favourite destination of underwater fishing on the island of Vis. The town has small port, a market and a restaurant where you can enjoy local gastronomic specialties and excellent Vis wine. Holiday accommodation is available in numerous, well equipped private houses and apartments.
Milna is a small town and bay situated on the southern side of the island of Vis, close to the village of Rukavac. Milna is 9 km away from the town of Vis and 20 km from Komiža. The bay has sand and pebble beaches, and a few hundred meters away is the beautiful sand beach Zaglav, which along with Srebrena, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island of Vis.
The view from the bay stretches to the nearby islands among which Budihovac is known for its two beautiful beaches and Ravnik, for the natural phenomena "The Green Cave". The town has a market and restaurant and there is the possibility of renting motor boats for sight-seeing the nearby bays and islands. The Milna bay represents an ideal destination for those who look for a quiet family vacation in a beautiful natural environment. The kind hosts and quality accommodation in private houses and apartments guarantee an unforgettable vacation on the beautiful island of Vis.
Dear visitors, we are very happy to welcome you to our travel portal about the island of Vis in Croatia. We are doing our best to keep you informed and updated with all information that is necessary for the organisation and preparation of your visit to our beautiful island. Let us first start with some general information about the island of Vis.
Vis is a small island, approximately 90 square kilometres in size, with rocky shore which is 77 kilometres long, with population of about 3 600 inhabitants, 94 percent of which are Croats. The island of Vis is located on the open sea, 45 kilometres from the mainland and it is surrounded by it's archipelago which consists of many smaller islands and islets. The highest peak on the island is Hum with 587 metres over sea level. You can get the general perspective of the location of the island of Vis by checking out the map of the island of Vis. The climate on the island of Vis is Mediterranean, and since it is located on the open sea, the minimum temperature on the island is always few degrees higher than on the mainland or other islands. Thanks to its climate the island of Vis is one of the best locations in Croatia for growing lemons and other citruses. Vis is connected with mainland with ferry connection that operates three to four times per day, and catamaran connections. We have prepared for you list of ferry and catamaran lines for the island of Vis. Since Vis is located on the open sea, some of the strongest winds in Croatia blow here, especially southern winds, which can reach fortitude of a hurricane level - up to 150 km/h and with waves more than 6 metres tall, it is always wise to check long term weather forecast for the island of Vis. These strong winds usually blow off the main tourist season, so you should not worry, but if you are visiting the island of Vis off main season, make sure to check the weather forecast.
There are two main towns on the island, the town of Vis and the town of Komiza and many smaller settlements along the coast and in the interior. In the past, Komiza was mainly fishermen's port and town of Vis agricultural and merchant centre. Both are located in well protected bays, and the ferry port is located in the town of Vis. There is a bus connection between Vis and Komiza, and many local taxies and taxi vans. On the island of Vis there is possibility of renting car, bycicle, scooter and boat. Vis is a small island so it is very easy to get around and explore local beaches, beautiful nature and flora and fauna of the island. Along the coast there are many small bays, and small tourist settlements with holiday houses and apartments available for rent. In the interior of the island there are several old villages which also offer accommodation in traditional houses. We advise you to also explore the interior of the island, because it has as much to offer as popular coastal destinations.
The development of tourism on the island of Vis began in 1990's. Since the island was designated as a military base during communist Yugoslavia, it was closed to almost all visitors, especially foreigners, and tourism did not develop. After the independence of Croatia, the tourism industry began to develop, and Vis today is amongst most popular island destination in Croatia, partly because it started to develop only recently, thus preserving its original charm and beauty, still unspoiled by modern tourist industry. There are no camping grounds on the island and only few hotels, so the accommodation is mainly available in private houses and apartments. We have prepared for you the most comprehensive offer of private accommodation on the island of Vis.
Brgujac bay is a small cove located on the south-eastern side of the island Vis, between Milna and Rukavac, and next to another beautiful cove called Zaglav. Brgujac is located 10 kilometers from the town of Vis, and one gets there using the same road for Milna and Rukavac. In Brgujac there is nice pebble beach, and several houses which offer accommodation in private apartments. The nearest shop is in Podstrazje, which is a small village in the interior located on the main road to the town of Vis, approximately 1.5 kilometers from Brgujac. Across the sea from the cove of Brgujac the island of Budikovac is located with very nice pebble beach and a restaurant.
Zaglav bay is located next to the bay of Brgujac in the direction of Milna, on the south-eastern shore of the island of Vis, approximately 10 kilometres from the town of Vis. It is one of the most popular bays on the island of Vis, mainly because of a beautiful sandy beach and a popular bar where you can have a drink or snack. The beach is partly sandy, partly pebble. The shore and in the sea, there is sand, and further above it is mainly pebble beach. The beach is perfect for families with children, the only disadvantage is lack of drinking water, toilettes and showers. There are just several houses in the bay, where it is possible to rent accommodation in private houses. The car access to directly to the bay is not possible, once can only get with car to the nearby village of Milna and then take the walking path to the bay. It takes approximately 10 minutes to get to Zaglav from Milna. There is not much shade on the beach. The nearest shop is also the one in Podstrazje.
Stoncica is a long bay located between Milna and town Vis, on the eastern coast of the island of Vis. The distance to the town of Vis is 6 kilometres. There is a very nice sandy beach on the bottom of the bay, with lots of shade, very popular restaurant, handball court and several houses which offer accommodation rental in private apartments. Car access directly to the beach is not possible, however you can use the road from the town of Vis to get just above the bay, where you can park the car and proceed forward on foot. 20 minutes walk from the bay of Stoncica there is a very impressive stone lighthouse also named Stoncica, built in 1865. The bay is surrounded by lush Mediterranean vegetation, and the entrance to the sea is very shallow – one must walk more than 40 metres to get to sea-depth of 1 metre which makes this beach perfect for families with small children. Stoncica is very peaceful bay and ideal for families and pairs who seek peaceful vacation.
These bays are located in close proximity of the town of Vis, approximately 1 kilometre. The bays are located on the north-eastern part of the island. You can reach them by the road from the town of Vis, or by foot, which takes approximately 20 minutes. There are several holiday houses in each of these bays, offering accommodation in private apartments. These bays are perfect for those who seek peaceful vacation, but also want to be close to the biggest urban centre on the island, the town of Vis. Each of these bays have very beautiful pebble beaches, and in Rogacic bay there is an entrance to large tunnel which was used as a hiding place for military ships, built during the times the island of Vis was the most important military base.
