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Vis Island, Croatia Honeymoon Guide: Everything You Need to Know

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“Croatia? That’s an interesting choice,” are words we heard a lot when we told people our Croatia honeymoon plans. While still (at the time, at least) an up-and-coming destination for Americans, Croatia is clearly no stranger to tourism. And a visit to Vis Island, Croatia on your honeymoon is the perfect idyllic escape.

With stunning mountain scenery on one side and the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic on the other, there’s no reason this entire country shouldn’t be on your bucket list. Add to that its historical sites, Mediterranean flavors, Game of Thrones ties and kind people and you’ve got yourself a winning vacation destination.

Whether you’re visiting Vis Island, Croatia on your honeymoon, with friends or as a solo traveler this guide will help you plan your visit.

Vis Island, Croatia Honeymoon Guide

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In the 1960s, when most of Croatia began opening up for tourism, Vis was kept off limits by the Yugoslav army. They were using it as a Yugoslav military base, and it only opened up for tourism in 1989.

Is Vis, Croatia worth visiting?

Today, Vis Island feels like a hidden gem within a gem and one you should visit before it becomes overrun with tourists.

We spent the first couple nights of our honeymoon on Vis Island, Croatia. We chose Vis for its romantic, under-the-radar vibes as it’s far less populated and lesser known than Hvar. Smaller, too, with only about 3,000 inhabitants.

In recent years, Mamma Mia 2 was filmed on the island (though portrayed as a Greek island in the movie). I’m glad we made it to see Vis Island, Croatia before it becomes “over-discovered,” and I highly recommend you make your way there sooner rather than later.

Before you go, avoid the packing mistakes we made and don’t forget these essential items!

Is Vis a party island?

Compared with larger and better-known Dalmatian Islands, Vis is certainly not a party island. While. itdoes host some summer festivals, you can expect an overall more relaxing atmosphere than on some of the other Croatian Islands.

How do you get to Vis Island, Croatia?

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Catamaran

You’ll travel to Vis Island from Split by boat and it takes a couple hours. Book your tickets through Jadrolinija (the ‘j’s are pronounced as ‘y’s). The site has two options, to travel by catamaran or by ferry. If you have a car with you, you’ll need to take the ferry. If not, and if your schedule allows, opt for the catamaran since it’s smaller and the ride is a bit faster.

Based on our experience, I do not recommend hopping a ride to Vis on the very same day you arrive in Split. Take a night to rest in Split first, and catch a boat to Vis Island the next day.

Also, note that neither the ferry nor the catamaran have AC (although there may be a cafe area on the ferry that is kept cool) so dress and plan accordingly!

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Where to Stay on Vis Island, Croatia?

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View from our Airbnb

There are two main areas of the island to choose from when it comes to where to stay — Vis town or Komiza. Vis town is more convenient to the port, and since we had an early morning ferry out we opted to stay there and really enjoyed the area.

Be aware that hotels are few and far between on the island, and most people stay in VRBOs. Most likely, your host will pick you up from the port and drop you off at the airbnb. Very convenient!

Getting Around on Vis Island, Croatia

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If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a scooter to get around the island. Renting a car or bikes will also do, and you can find rental options for all on Vis’ tourism site.

To travel between Vis and Komiza, consider the bus or a taxi. There are no rideshare services on the island. If you’re in Vis town, you may try to hail a cab outside of the police station, which serves as a central meeting point in the area.

Or, walk over to the port and you’ll see a permanent taxi stand. We opted to walk or take taxis, though on a future trip I would explore the bus option as well.

What to Do in Vis Island, Croatia?

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Komiza

Swim, of course!

Basically, wherever there is water you can swim. The sea is crystal blue and very inviting but don’t expect sandy beaches! Be aware that you’ll need water shoes to protect your feet from the rocks, as outlined in this Croatia packing list. Croatia mainly has pebble beaches, though you can seek out sand beaches as well if you prefer.

If you’re looking for a beach to visit, I recommend Stiniva Bay. Flanked by beautiful cliffs on either side, Stiniva was awarded top beach in Europe in 2016. Sadly, we were not able to make it there this trip ourselves.

Plan to arrive by boat if you want to visit as that is the most efficient way to get there (and you’ll avoid a 30 min hike down from the road).

There are a number of boat tours and water taxis that can take you to Stiniva from the harbor at Komiza. But, they stop making trips to Stiniva in the afternoon so be sure to get there in the morning.

Visit the Blue Caves

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We took a tour of the Blue Caves through Alternatura and had a great experience. They also offer other activities, including sailing, hiking and even food tours.

Even if you’re only able to do this as a day trip I highly recommend this boat tour.

If you’re dreaming of swimming in one of the caves, make sure you pick a tour that includes the Green Cave. Blue Caves do not allow swimming but Green Caves will allow you to take a dip.

Party at Fort George

While Vis does not have the party scene Hvar boasts, it does have Fort George. You can read a bit about its history, here.

If you visit over the summer, see if you can catch one of their garden parties. We didn’t make it here this trip, but know it would also make a great spot to catch the sunset. If you go, let me know what you think!

Wander the Streets

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Vis is made up of beautiful pathways and views. Grab a gelato, your camera and your love and take a leisurely walk through town as you take in the sights and sounds.

Take a Wine Tasting and Winery Tour

Spend a day sampling Croatian wines as you’re escorted around the island. This wine tasting and winery tour will take you to visit a couple different wineries in the northeastern part of Vis. It’s the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon on beautiful Vis Island.

[kad_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNFkQgNRYPo” ]

Where to Eat on Vis Island, Croatia?

We tend to build our travel itineraries around food. Unfortunately, hubby got sick on our second day so our foodie adventures in Vis were limited.

These recommendations are based on what we did manage to sample as well as places that came up in our research.

Konoba Roki

On our first night, we walked over to the police station (central meeting location) to catch the shuttle to Konoba Roki.

Konoba basically means ‘cafe’ or ‘restaurant.’ Konoba Roki is a great place to try peka — meat dishes prepared in a sort of stone slow cooker.

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To learn more about peka and see a bit of our experience at Konoba Roki, check out the video below. Tip: make reservations ahead of time. Peka takes a long time to prepare and you have to order when you make reservations.

You’ll have a choice of lamb, fish or octopus peka to share between two people. We chose the lamb and were satisfied with our choice.

Pojoda

Known as one of the best restaurants on the island, visit Pojoda specifically for its fish dishes. You would likely do well to reserve in advance here as well.

Lambik

Not only is Lambik Lounge one of the coolest spots to spend a night out enjoying live music, it also serves some damn good pizza.

With Italy so near, pizza, pasta and gelato are big in Croatia. When Imtiaz was too sick to go out to dinner on our second night in town, I went in search of takeout and stumbled upon Lambik.

I ordered us a couple of wood-fired pizzas for carryout and made my way back to our Airbnb. The pizza was delicious, some of the best we’ve had.

Stara Teza

This was a restaurant we hoped to make it to because it smelled and looked wonderful each time we passed it. For high-end, Mediterranean fare check out Stara Teza.

Fast Food Fani

On the harbor at Komiza, you’ll find a large cafe and behind it you’ll see Fast Food Fani. Order some pastries and a viška pogača — traditional sandwich made with salty fish, such as anchovies.

Then, sit at the outdoor cafe, order a drink and eat your treats. Great as a quick breakfast or snack as you wait for your tour or taxi boat.

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Konoba Jastozera

Reviews are mixed so you’ll have to check this one out on your own. Fans adore it’s ambiance, views and lobster. Critics complain its overpriced and overrated.

Either way, Konoba Jastozera is certainly one of the more famed restaurants on the island.

Conclusion: Vis Island, Croatia Honeymoon Guide

If you’re planning a Croatia honeymoon, be sure to include Vis Island in your itinerary. You’ll enjoy a quieter island, eat well and have plenty to do on Vis Island, Croatia.

Visiting Vis Island in Croatia? Use this itinerary to help plan your travel