Holidays of Discovery
Vis
Still as unspoilt as the Mediterranean was 100 years ago
This remote island was strategically significant in the Adriatic and was fought over in many naval battles. The Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Venetians, Austrians, French and British have all controlled Vis at different times. Major naval battles took place in 1811 when the British defeated the French and in 1866 when Austrian forces trounced Italy.
During World War II the island was at different times under the control of Tito's partisans and was the British Military Mission Headquarters. After the war Vis became a military base to which access was strictly controlled and it was only in summer 1998 that the island opened to foreign visitors. This protection from tourist development left the island unspoilt and the local population able to carry on their traditional way of life, fishing and farming.
The island has rich vegetation including wild rosemary, almonds, heather and sage and much of the arable land is covered by olives, fig and lemons. There are many vineyards and Vis has for centuries been famous for its wine. Opol is an outstandingly good light red wine, Black Vis (Visko Crno) is a strong heavy red and Vugava a rather rich white wine.
Visitors to the island will find the two small towns of Vis and Komiza delightful and full of history with beautiful wild mountain scenery and many (donkey) tracks providing good walking.
Excellent restaurants offer locally caught fresh fish, lobsters and crabs served with the fine local wines. For originality, good local specialities and location, try either Villa Kaliopa, a garden restaurant with the tables set amongst the palms and bamboo greenery, or restaurant AS, an upmarket eatery situated in a quaint narrow street in the old town.
Whilst on the island it is possible to hire mountain bikes and scooters. Worth visiting nearby, calm seas and fine weather permitting, is the small island of Bisevo, famous for its Blue Grotto (Modra Spilja) which is as impressive as the one at Capri. The nearest airport is Split.
Accommodation
Hotel Tamaris **
Built in the traditional Dalmatian style of local gleaming white stone, the hotel Tamaris is situated in the centre of the town overlooking Vis harbour. The hotel restaurant with its sea front terrace is a popular spot for relaxation and for watching the world pass by. Facilities: Restaurant with waterfront terrace, lounge/bar. Rooms: 27. All rooms with private shower/ WC. From £24 per person per night including breakfast.
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