Sailing Guide to Island Vis
Vis island is famous for picturesque Mediterranean beauty, olive groves and wines, ancient ruins and secluded beaches. Learn all about it!
Sailing to island Vis rewards you with unspoiled bays, intriguing wartime relics, and calm harbors. Despite its picturesque Mediterranean beauty, olive groves and wines, ancient ruins and secluded beaches, the place is not overcrowded with tourists, as one would expect.
What kept Vis island under the tourists’ radar over the years was the Yugoslavian army. Due to its distant position from the coast, the island served as a military base, off-limits for foreigners until 1989. Now that tourism is slowly taking over, Vis became a destination for those seeking a quiet getaway and delicious gastronomy.
The best marinas, ports and anchorages on Vis island
There are two main ports on the island: Vis and Komiza. They are usually quite busy but they are located right at the heart of the two largest settlements on the island (unlike Palmizana, Dubrovnik or Korcula, for instance). We recommend you find a berth or a buoy in the Vis or Komiza port. In high season you’ll need to get there quite early in the afternoon in order to secure your spot. But worry not, we have a blog that can help you with Online Berth Booking In Croatia.
City Port of Vis is a Marina located in the city port, and accommodates up to 100 boats. It actually has two locations; the quieter Kut and the busier Luka (Port). The unique atmosphere of an old coastal town has plenty of restaurants and bars close by, but also markets, and supermarkets. The port of Komiza only takes up to 30 boats on the dock plus more on the buoys.
Sailing tips on island Vis
When cruising around Vis, many skippers prefer anchoring in secluded bays rather than docking in the busy ports. Below is a curated list of anchorages with their pros, cautions, and suggested anchors based on your sea app data.
| Bay / anchorage | Approximate depth range | Bottom type | Exposure / shelter | Notes / Cautions |
| Stoncica Bay | 7 – 20 m | sand | exposed to N & NE winds | Only 6 buoys, busy bay, run a stern line ashore |
| Rogacic Bay | 4 – 6 m | sand / seaweed | good protection from S and SW | avoid shoals around roc |
| Slatine Bay | 5 – 12 m | sand | protection from NE / E winds | Popular spot — may get more traffic |
| Milna Bay (Vis side) | 6 -14 m | sand / Posidonia meadows | moderate shelter | No anchoring allowed on Posidonia meadows |
| Budikovac | 30 m | sand | partially exposed to bura and SW winds | W of the islets, good hold |
| Rukavac Bay | 20 m | exposed to SE and S winds | NW of Ravnik, good holding | |
| Okljucna Bay | exposed to NW and W winds | stern-to in inner part of the cove |
Anchoring tips:
Before you drop anchor check the pilot books and the 777 harbors and anchorages book. We also recommend checking the info on the mySea chart: check seabed type, depth contours, and any user-flags (e.g., marine protected zones, cables, Posidonia beds).
- Use appropriate scope: in clearer water / good holding you might get away with 4:1, but if the seabed is mixed or there’s more swell consider 6:1.
- Allow for wind shifts and tidal/current changes — especially in smaller bays. Use the anchor chain on mySea’s “anchor watch” or record your position when you set.
- Be respectful of protected zones: some areas around Vis may have restrictions (often annotated on mySea). Anchoring in Posidonia meadows damages the ecosystem and may incur fines.
- If you plan to stay overnight, mark multiple exit options in mySea in case the wind changes during the night and you need to move.
Historical sites on island Vis
After settling in your berth (or anchoring nearby), head ashore to explore the town or area. The town of Vis town is the oldest settlement on the island. Explore cargos and traces of Greek vessels in the local museum, or well-explained ruins of Roman baths or admire the Baroque Austrian architecture.
Military Tour
Sign up for a guided tour of the military history of the island Vis and visit fascinating sites in robust jeeps. For instance, rocket base Stupisce, highest peak Hum, former atomic missile command, former airport tower and facilities (used during WWII), Tito’s cave, or Fort George, named after the English commander of Vis, George Duncan Robertson. The fortress has gaps for cannons on the interior terrace and all the walls are secured by loop-holes.
Kut
If you are docked at Luka in Vis, it will take about 20 minutes to walk around to Kut, the oldest and prettiest part. It was mostly built by the Venetians in the 17th century, Kut has a number of courtyards and passageways made of limestone. This is also the location of St Cyprian’s church, a baroque structure from the 18th century with a bell-tower.
Komiza
On the western coast of the island Komiza is a must-see. It’s a charming fishing village. In 2017, the crew of Mamma Mia 2 refashioned the local port as the Greek resort of Kalokairi to shoot the dancing scenes.
The Venetian fortress and tower, Kastel, dominates the town’s vista. The Venetian authorities built it in case the Ottomoans decided to invade or attack the island, and also as defense against pirate attacks. The fortress also houses the Fishing Museum. In the distance, you can see the island of Bisevo.
Other adventurous attractions
During your private cruise, visiting places like the stunning Stiniva beach and dazzling Blue Cave on Bisevo island, or the Green Cave on the Ravnik island, are a must. Stiniva Bay is located in the southern part of the island and is approachable only through a narrow passage from the sea. There is no road, just a hiking path, leading to the beach, so it has managed to preserve its natural beauty. Make sure to come there early because lots of daily boating excursions from the mainland or Hvar bring in lots of tourists.
Bisevo island has several fascinating caves. The most famous one is, of course, the Blue cave with iridescent blue light. The sunlight reflects of the sandy bottom through an underwater opening.
The Green Cave is far less popular but still fascinating. It’s located on the small island of Ravnik and the green light inside comes from the opening in the ceiling.
Other things to try on Vis are cycling, abseiling and diving. Contact local travel agencies to rent a bike or sign up for an adventure down some ropes or take a dive. Wrecks around Vis include a Boeing B-24 Liberator “Tulsamerican”, and B-17 Flying Fortress, boats: Graf Radetzky,Vassilios and Teti.
Local cuisine of Vis island
Fishing has always been one of the island´s principal industries. The fish is excellent, especially skarpina, dragon-headed red fish. Other gastronimic suggestions are
- seafood: octopus salad, fish brodet (stew), black risotto
- peka (baked meat or seafood under a lid)
- starters: viska or komiska pogaca (homemade bread with olives, tomatoes and/or anchovies)
- extra points: escargot risotto
- deserts: homemade carob or fig cakes and sweets, fritule and krostule
- drinks: start with an aperitif (carob or other liquer) and continue with local delicious sweet wine Prosek, or Vugava, local white wine variety, or excellent Plavac mali red wines, depending on your restaurant menu
Beaches on Vis island
Stiniva
Winner of the “best beach in Europe” award in 2016, Stiniva, is located west of Mala Travna bay. A great swim stop while sailing the Vis area, getting to it on foot is challenging. It is a tiny pebble beach closed in by two rocky cliffs, with a small cafe on one side.
Srebrna
Another stunning beach is Srebrna. Its name derives from the large, flat, pale stones, meaning „silvery“ in Croatian. Located in the small town of Rukavac on the southeastern side of the island, the bay at Srebrna beach is exposed to the open sea. It is a pebble beach, with some rocky areas and shaded pines behind you. There aren’t any restaurants or cafes.
Stoncica
Located near the lighthouse on the northern part of the island, Stoncica is a sandy beach with sandy bottoms and stunning reefs. The water at this beach is shallow for 30 meters from the shore, making Stoncica perfect for families and children.
We’ve outlined everything you need to know to enjoy your time on this special island. We invite you to visit Vis, you will never forget it!
Ready Your Anchor – Discover Vis
Vis isn’t just another island stop-over. It’s a destination that rewards the sailor who plans ahead but also allows for spontaneous anchoring in hidden coves. With tools like pilot books and guides, and the mySea App at your fingertips (with anchoring charts, user feedback and berth booking) — you’re set for both convenience and adventure.
Drop your anchor in one of the tranquil bays listed above or tie up in the historic harbor of Vis town — either way, you’ll step ashore to olive-groves, wartime tunnels, and the vibrant flavor of Dalmatian cuisine. As evening falls, the sea calms, the stars shine above, and you’ll realise why this island remains a sailor’s favorite.
So set your heading, consult your charts, check the wind forecast, and let Vis show you its quieter side. Anchoring here isn’t just about staying put — it’s about embracing the stillness, the view, and the freedom of sea-life. Fair winds, a snug drop, and unforgettable nights ahead.
