Island Vis – a description, places, photos, beaches – Croatia

Vis – places and history

Vis coast is extremely well-indented and the highest peak is Hum (587m). This island was founded by its first settlers from Greece and they named it Issa.  During its turbulent history Vis was managed by numerous different administration and reign.  Lady’s fortress is in the middle of town and the old tower is in the port. Islands Biševo and St. Andrew belong to Vis municipality as well as the island Komiža situated on the west side to Vis. Bisevo and well-known Blue Cave are in the south-west coast of Vis. To be specific 11 villages such as Brgujac, Dračevo Polje, Marinje Zemlje, Milna, Plisko Polje, Podselje, Podstrazje, Rogacic, Rukavac and Stončica actually constitute Vis county.  Vis and Komiza are considered to be larger towns on the island since almost 90% of inhabitants live in those two and town Vis has evolved from the former settlements Kut and Luka that were merged into one entity after the building completion of 16th century church Our Lady.

Vis – tradition

Just like Hvar, island Vis has its rich history and great gastronomy as well as tourist attractions. Throughout the world public is well acquainted with the secrets of Italian and French cuisine but those from Croatia, especially one primarily related to the Adriatic fish are jet to be discovered. One specific sort of fish – sardine marked the life of fishermen and farmers from Vis in particular. Like heavenly manna sardine ensured survival to poor people. In the past millennium most of the sardine fish was caught thanks to a special type of fishing boat typical for the south-west bay of the island Komiza. Fishermen from Komiza were hunting fish for centuries in large area of Vis archipelago with their small boats. They formed the largest fishing fleet in the Adriatic coast but nut just any fleet but the one of fast and elegant sailing boats – named falkusa. In time of sails and oars they were sailing with those boats through open sea to the distant islands where they were fishing and treating sardines with salt. Particular tradition of hunting with nets in specific way was transferred in the late 19th century to America when fishermen from Komiza while hunting salmon were the first to use it in waters of Alaska!

Famous people:

Ranko Marinkovic (1913-2001)- great Croatian author in our literary scene. He wrote many of anthological works such as Cyclops, Hands, Gloria, Nor brother nor cousins, etc…

Vesna Parun (1922-2010) born in Zlarin but spent her childhood in Vis, one of the most famous and renowned Croatian contemporary poets

Not to miss:

• Next to traditionally baked specialities and with authentic white wine sort from Vis Vugava do not miss to taste pasta brodetto, Vis or Komiza sweet bread
• Enjoy Dalmatian festivities on Fishermen night in Komiža each year
• Visit the Blue Cave (Grotto) on Bisevo Island near Vis. It is 20m deep and is often compared to the one in Italy (Grotta Azzura). Ideal time to visit the cave is from 11 to 12h since that is time of the day when on sunny days rays reach inside reflecting and revealing beautiful scenery.