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Things to do in Vis

• Scuba Diving Around Shipwrecks

  
  

  The waters surrounding Vis conceal some of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating dive sites, particularly for those interested in shipwrecks and underwater history. Due to the island’s long military use, these areas were off-limits to the public, resulting in a well-preserved marine environment and largely untouched wrecks. One notable site is the B-17 Flying Fortress, an American bomber from World War II that crashed near Vis in 1944. Resting at around 70 meters deep, it is suitable only for experienced divers. However, there are many other dive spots ideal for beginners and intermediate divers, such as the Greek freighter Vassilios, which sank in 1939. Located in shallower waters between 18 and 36 meters, it has transformed into a vibrant artificial reef teeming with marine life.

  In addition to shipwrecks, Vis offers spectacular underwater caves and rock formations to discover. The Blue Grotto on the nearby island of Biševo is world-renowned, yet numerous lesser-known caves also provide enchanting experiences with sunlight filtering through crystal-clear waters. Dive centers across the island provide courses for novices and guided dives for seasoned divers. With water visibility often reaching 30 to 40 meters, Vis offers some of the clearest diving in Europe. The prime season for diving spans from May to October when the waters are at their warmest.

  
  

• Visit Stiniva Beach

  
  

  Stiniva Beach is a remarkable cove tucked between high cliffs that nearly touch at the entrance, creating a dramatic passage to a quiet pebble shore. Sheltered from the open sea, the clear and calm waters make it an inviting spot for swimming and enjoying the natural surroundings. The beach has a secluded atmosphere, with towering rock formations that create a sense of peaceful isolation.

  Reaching the beach can be an adventure in itself. Visitors often arrive by taxi boat from nearby towns, or for those seeking a more active route, a steep 20-minute forest trail leads down to the cove. The hike offers scenic views along the way, though proper footwear is essential. Since the beach lacks facilities, bringing your own water and snacks is recommended. The snorkeling is especially rewarding, with schools of fish swimming along the rocky edges, and the setting provides a lasting impression of Vis Island’s natural beauty.

  
  

• Kayaking Around Vis Coastline

  
  

  Exploring Vis by kayak offers a unique way to experience the island’s scenic coastline, revealing hidden coves, quiet beaches, and sea caves that are accessible only by water. The clarity of the Adriatic here is remarkable, allowing clear views of the seabed even in deeper areas. Kayak rentals are available in both Vis Town and Komiža, with options for guided tours suited to different experience levels. Beginners often enjoy paddling from Vis Town toward Stončica Bay, while more seasoned kayakers may venture farther, such as from Komiža to Biševo Island.

  One of the best parts of kayaking around Vis is the ability to move at your own pace. You can glide into narrow inlets that larger boats cannot enter, relax on secluded pebble shores, or drift quietly while watching marine life beneath the surface. The mornings are usually calm, offering ideal conditions for paddling before the winds rise later in the day. It is advisable to bring essentials like water, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag, especially if you plan to capture the views of limestone cliffs and clear turquoise waters.

  
  

• Island Hopping Adventure: Blue Cave and Hidden Coves of Vis & Biševo

  
  

  This half-day speedboat tour from Vis to Biševo offers a scenic and immersive way to explore Croatia’s coastal highlights. Departing from Vis town, the journey begins with a visit to a former military tunnel at Parja Bay, followed by a stop at the renowned Blue Cave on Biševo Island. Thanks to skip-the-line access, you can witness the unique natural light that fills the cave with a luminous blue glow, a rare sight created by sunlight reflecting through an underwater entrance.

  The itinerary continues with visits to several picturesque swimming spots, including Pritišćina and Stiniva Cove, a remote beach enclosed by steep cliffs that has been recognized as one of Europe’s top coastal destinations. Additional highlights include the Green Cave on Ravnik islet, where visitors are allowed to swim inside, and Budikovac Blue Lagoon, known for its exceptionally clear turquoise waters ideal for snorkeling and observing marine life.

  What sets this tour apart is its well-paced structure, offering a blend of guided exploration and leisure time at each location. With a maximum of ten participants, the small group format ensures a more relaxed experience. The speedboat provides efficient travel between stops, and the skipper offers insights about each site while also supplying water and snorkeling equipment. The excursion concludes at Vela Smokova’s sandy beach before returning to Vis town, bringing together caves, coves, and hidden spots that are otherwise difficult to access.

  
  
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• Hike to Tito's Cave

  
  

  This historic trail leads to the cave where Josip Broz Tito, the former Yugoslav leader, sought refuge during World War II when Vis served as his headquarters in 1944. Beginning in the village of Podšpilje, the route winds through Mediterranean terrain, offering wide views of the surrounding landscape and the Adriatic Sea. Though not overly strenuous, the uphill climb takes around 45 minutes and requires a reasonable level of fitness. Sturdy footwear and plenty of water are essential, particularly during warmer months. While the trail is marked, some sections may be unclear, so using an offline map app such as Maps.me can be helpful.

  The cave is modest in size, but its historical significance adds depth to the journey. An information board is usually present to provide context about the site and its role in wartime strategy. Reaching this spot offers a moment of reflection on the island’s role in regional history. The views become more striking as you ascend, and hiking in the early morning or late afternoon enhances the experience with cooler temperatures and softer light.

  
  

• Discover Fort George

  
  

  Fort George is perched high on a hill overlooking Vis Town and stands out as one of the island’s most fascinating historical sites. Built by the British in 1813 during their control of Vis in the Napoleonic Wars, the fortress features thick stone walls and a strategic location. Its most remarkable aspect is the sweeping panoramic view that stretches across the bay, nearby islands, and on clear days, even reaches Italy. The imposing structure invites visitors to imagine the soldiers who once kept watch for enemy ships from this vantage point.

  Today, Fort George has been repurposed as a cultural center and restaurant while carefully preserving its historic features. Visitors can explore the different areas of the fortress, including the old gun emplacements, and enjoy dining in the central courtyard with stunning views of the Adriatic at sunset. In summer, the site comes alive with events such as art exhibitions, live music, and outdoor cinema screenings that attract both locals and tourists. The blend of history, culture, breathtaking scenery, and great food makes Fort George a memorable destination worthy of a few hours, especially if visited during the golden hour before nightfall.

  
  

• Explore the Blue Cave

  
  

  The Blue Cave on the island of Biševo is a natural phenomenon known for its striking visual effect. Between late morning and noon, sunlight reflects beneath the surface and fills the cave with a vivid blue glow that seems to radiate from the water itself. This brief window of time offers a surreal atmosphere that many describe as cinematic or dreamlike.

  Access to the cave is only possible by boat, typically on a guided tour from Vis town or Komiža. Because the entrance is narrow, larger boats wait outside while visitors transfer to smaller vessels for entry. Time inside is limited to about five to fifteen minutes, but the experience leaves a lasting impression. Swimming is not permitted, and the site tends to draw crowds during the high season, so early reservations are recommended.