VISUAL ARTS ON VIS...

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The magical island of Vis has been catering to the needs of body and soul for over 2000 years. Since the 3rd Century BC,  travellers have extolled the virtues of its wonderful isolation, panoramic views, abundant waters and exceptional wines.

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Vis sits far into the Adriatic Sea, 60km south-west of Croatia's second city, Split. It is one of the smallest inhabited Dalmatian islands, with only two main settlements: the port of Vis town on the east, and the pretty fishing village of Komiza on the west. 

 

Its strategic maritime position has furnished Vis with a rich, fascinating story: from the first Syracusan Greek settlers of 4th-Century BCE Issa, via the power struggles of the Venetian Republic and then the Austro-Hungarian Empire, through to the island's role as an Allied airbase in the Second World War, you can find traces of history on every stone. 

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Today, Vis and its five small neighbouring islands have been described as "the last paradise oasis of the Mediterranean". In 2019 the Vis Archipelago Geopark was recognised by UNESCO for its significant geological formations and the natural and man-made habitats they support. 

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As you might expect on an island, fishing is central to the local economy and culture, and it's reflected in the fabulous range and quality of seafood you'll find on so many menus on the island. As they say, when you're eating fish on Vis you can safely assume it came from 'the garden'!

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But wine is king here: it defines the soul of the island. There's even a unique grape variety - bugava/vugava - grown by everyone, from grandfather on the family plot, to the seriously talented young winegrowers helping to put Croatian wines on the map. In fact, when you're here it's almost impossible not to enjoy a glass of domaće vino...