Forts

Many battles were fought over the dominance of Vis, conquerors conquered but never vanquished it

Throughout history, due to its strategic position in navigation along the Adriatic, the island of Vis and its archipelago has been – a fortress. The insecurity caused by pirates and Turkish attacks since the 16th century has forced the inhabitants to build towers and smaller forts, many of which have been preserved to the present day, to name a few:

Fortress ‘Komuna’ in Komiža

Due to the frequent attacks of Turks and pirates on Komiža, a fort was built in 1595, during the time of Prince Ivan Grimani of Hvar, whose coat of arms and cross were carved on the inscription above the entrance. The Venetian administration was reluctant to finance the construction of the fortresses in their entirety, so the construction slowed down. Fishermen from Komiža came to the rescue, as evidenced by an inscription from 1592. on the north wall of the fortress: this building is the work of a ‘Trešjavac position’. It is a fishing position south of the island of Biševo, where fishermen from Komiža have been working hard to raise money to complete their fort.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the fort was held by a smaller English military crew. In 1870, a tower with a bell dating from 1722, was erected above one corner of the fort. Nine years later in 1879. the municipality of Komiža bought the fort and located its offices there – hence its name Komuna (Commune). At that time, on the fort the windows were opened and the balconies were built, also the clock tower with the bell was added to the exhisting turret.

The fortress is actually a spacious tower with a regular square base with sloping lower walls. At the top of the fort is a terrace with a wide crown. At the time of construction, the fortress was partly in the sea, and on the north and west walls, are still present, well preserved, the solid stone rings for the mooring of ships.

Nowadays, the fortress Komuna hosts a unique Fisherman’s Museum.

Location: The fort Komuna (Commune) dominates the port of Komiža.

Bataria (Batarija) – Vis

Bataria Fortress or Our Lady’s Fortress, was the main fortress of the town of Vis. It was built in the middle of Vis harbour, in 1830, by the Austrian administration. This fort played a significant role during the famous Battle of Vis, in 1866, when Italian ships penetrated the harbour, and attempted to land on the island, but were driven off by a cannon fire from Bataria, which was almost the only one of the surplus forts capable of operating and maintaining artillery fire.

It was surrounded by a moat, and had a heavily fortified barracks with loopholes and a bulging center section in the middle of the south wall. In front of the fortress there is a courtyard with wells, and ahead of it there is a high embankment surrounded by a sloping wall, with warehouses and dungeons inside. The entrance is located on the southern part of the fort, leading you into a spacious courtyard with water tanks. The back of the fort is occupied by an army barracks, later converted into an almshouse and a hospital, so its windows were widened and the embankments were afforested. Today, it houses Archaeological Museum rich in exhibits, while during the summer in its courtyard there are concerts, performances and various events.

Location: From the port of Vis, you can get to the fortress Batarija in 15 minutes, easy walking.

Fort Wellington

Located at the eastern entrance to the port of Vis, built in the early 19th century, during the British rule. It was built on St. George’s Hill (Jurjevo brdo), named after the church of Sv. George (sv.Juraj). The fortress is named Wellington after the field marshal Arthur Welleseley, 1st Duke of Wellington, the victor over Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Because of the name itself, it is assumed that it was completed closely after that famous victory, that is in the last days of the English stay on the island. On its round walls can be seen the loopholes, and the interior is secured by two transverse walls, between which is a circular pedestal with demolished arches walled up by bricks.

Location: Wellington Fort is 5 kilometers from Vis.

King George III Fort – Fortica – Vis

On the list of the most beautiful locations on the Adriatic coast, there is the mysterious citadel Fort George. Just a glance at this historic building, which today is the pinnacle of tourism, is breathtaking. On the hill above the town of Vis, it stands as a monument of the beauty of architecture of that time and adorns the entrance to the bay itself. Fort George was built by the English commander of Vis, George Duncan Robertson in 1812, and was named after the British King George III.

The entire fort, which is today comonly called “Fortica” by the locals, is surrounded by a moat and has the sloping walls. The entrance to Fortica is magnificent, over a suspension bridge through a wide wooden door, with an English flag engraved in the middle of the arch (above). Inside the fort, there are two courtyards surrounded by ditches – with a well in the northern yard . On the terrace of the inner fort there are semicircular cannon holes, and all the walls are secured by loopholes.

For two centuries, this fortress served for military purposes, before being abandoned. In 2013 it is restored as a tourist and catering facility.

During the summer days, parties, concerts and various entertainments are organized to encourage residents and tourists to visit the fort. The fort also has a small museum where you can see interesting exhibits – maps, charts and various other items concerning the exciting history of Fortica.

Due to the incredible view from the rooftop terrace to the port of Vis and the neighboring islands, the beautiful garden and the surrounding environment, many couples have decided to say fateful ‘I do’, right here, in one of the currently most romantic locations in Croatia.

The fort is hidden behind the pine and cypress trees, which in the summer create a pleasant shade and a romantic setting. Once you reach it, it will surely tickle your imagination to peek inside its walls. It should be acknowledged that the place of the most beautiful sunrise and sunset on the island of Vis is on Fortica.

Location: This historic building has become one of the magnificent locations you should/must not bypass. It is easiest to reach by car, but the locals prefer to take a twenty-minute walk, enjoying a fantastic view of the town of Vis. From the port of Vis to Fortica, you need 5 minutes by car.

Fortified church of st. Roch (sv. Rok) – Komiza

On the Adriatic islands, exposed to pirate attacks,there were fortified churches and monasteries. One such church – a fortress, is located at the entrance to Komiža, on the coastal part of the town. It was built in 1763 by the family Mardešić, from Komiža. The previous church that was built in the 16th century, at the time of the plague, was converted into a sacristy, and a new one was built next to it, the church – fortress of St. Rocco.

Even today there are no windows on the walls of the church, except the round one on the front and the window under the roof, as well as the side loopholes and the hanging defensive wall on consoles built above them.

In the 20th century, a small bell tower was erected, which along with the altar was relocated from the old church, i.e. from the sacristy. Inside the church there is a late Baroque altar with a painting by the Italian artist from the 19th Century – Our Lady of Carmel, St. Roch, St. Vincent Ferrer and St. Simon Stock.

Today, in the church, the Holy Mass is celebrated on the day of the patron saint of the church (August 16), and on the day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (July 16).

Location: From the port of Komiža to the Church of St. Roch takes some 7 – 8 minutes, easy walking.

Fortress Hoste

At the entrance to the port of Vis, there is the islet Host, which is only 120 meters long and 36 meters wide. The old popular name for this islet was Sveti Juraj (Saint George), but during the British rule on the island, it was renamed into Host.

In 1811 Sir William Hoste, a young captain and commander of the British Navy in the Adriatic, erected an artillery fort on this island that was part of the defence system on the Fortica (Fort George III) – Wellington line, which, at that time, protected the port of Vis from the sudden attack of the French and Russians.

Hoste was a favorite of Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson, and was sent to the Adriatic with only four ships. In just two months, in 1810, Hoste captured or sunk 40 ships. On March 13, 1811, a French – Italian fleet of 11 ships under the command of Bernard Dubourdieu attacked him near Vis. This did not terrify the young Host, he destroyed and captured four ships, and killed Dubourdie during the battle. This and the other victories, brought immense popularity to the young British officer.

In ancient times there was a quarantine on this island. In order to protect the local population, all passengers from ships arriving to Vis had to spend some time in quarantine to determine whether they were infected with any of the diseases of the time, plague or cholera.

On the site of the former Fortress Host, in 1873, a lighthouse was built, and in the following decades the lighthouse keepers and their families constantly lived there. Being those the times under the rule of Austro-Hungary, the families were of various nationalities: Germans, Hungarians, Czechs, Poles, but the longest serving lighthouse-keeping family was, almost inheritably, a family Siminiati from.

Host is currently on the list of only eight islands from all over the world, which is recommended the newlyweds for the ideal honeymoon. Just a five-minute boat ride away from the town of Vis, this piece of land for two has been transformed into an oasis in which complete privacy is guaranteed. The lighthouse has been converted into a comfortable accommodation with two double bedrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. Below the building there is a small beach, and a special attraction – a stone terrace for memorable breakfasts and sunsets to remember.

Location: The Isle of Host is located just 500 m from the coast, 5 minutes taxi ride.

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Live like a local

How the reservation process works?

Find your ideal accommodation

By visiting our site, you may begin searching the accommodation we offer. Each unit has the type designation and the capacity, as well as the detailed description, equipment and the location on the map, and we highly recommend to read the comments the previous guests have posted.

Contact the owner

After you have found the suitable unit, please contact us via e-mail, or fill in the reservation form and send it. After checking the availability, we shall send you our reply and offer with the details needed to make an advance payment.

Get the keys

After the visible payment (according to our offer), you will receive, e-mailed, the booking confirmation. All that remains is to pack and get ready to travel. At your arrival, the host will welcome you, and show you the apartment, give you the keys and all the information needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dear guests, and you who are about to become, during our years of experience in renting business and numerous encounters with you, dear people, from all the parts of the world, we were often asked almost some same questions. Hereby, we have prepared the information most requested. In case you do not find the information, you were looking for, or you need additional advice, feel free to contact us – we will be glad to help you.

Bus lines on Vis island

There is a regular direct bus connection between towns of Komiža and Vis, several times a day, including the line that is related to ferry and catamaran arrival and/or departure for/from Split.

Bus to Komiža is located at the Vis port, right side from the ferry ramp, and leaves after the arrival of ferry/catamaran. The drive takes about fifteen minutes. 

The tickets you buy on the bus directly from the bus driver, cash only. The price varies (off-season – summer season) 20 – 25 kuna.

Besides the direct line Vis-Komiža-Vis, there is the local line that drives through and connects the villages in the inner part of the island: Podšpilje, Marinje Zemlje, Žena Glava and Rukavac.

The valid bus timetable you will find at the bus stop in the port of Vis and at the bus stop in Komiža. The timetable changes several times a year, depending on the ferry/catamaran lines.

Car park and mechanic

Ifyou arearriving to Komiža by car, it is important to know that the centre is not allowed for vehicles. You could leave your car at the guarded car park, some 200m from the very centre, at a reasonable fee.

  • Car park ‘Rogači’, address: Komiških iseljenika 4, Komiza.

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If you are in a need of a car mechanic, there are several in the town of Vis, well equipped for the eventual needs of your ‘beamer’ .

  • Car mechanic ‘CIPULIN’, address: Kranjčevićeva 14, Vis.
    GSM: +385(0)98 287 527
  • Car mechanic ‘CLIFF’, address: Zagrebačka bb, Vis.
    GSM: +385(0)98 784 610
  • Car mechanic ‘VATRICA’: address: Dubrovačka 13, Vis.
    GSM: +385(0)91 2766 130

Car, scooter, bike and boat rentals

  • Rent a car, scooter ‘Porat’
    Address: Hrvatskih mučenika 11, Komiža.
    GSM:+385 (0) 91 2713 518
  • Tourist Agency „Darlic & Darlic“: car, scooter and bike rental. Address: Ul. Hrvatskih mučenika 8, Komiža.
    GSM: +385 (0) 98 784 664
    Web: „Darlic i Darlic“
  • Tourist agency „Blue cave”: car, scooter, boat and bike rental. Address:Trg kralja Tomislava 10, Komiža.
    GSM: +385 (0) 91 520 3790
    Web: „Blue Cave“
  • Rent a boat „Zdenkica“: boat rental and taxi boat
    Address: Riva sv. Mikule bb, Komiža.
    GSM: +385 (0) 97 77 33 797
    Web: “ Zdenkica“
  • Rent a scooter „Goli“:
    Address: Ul. Vinka Foretića 9, Komiža
    GSM: +385(0)91 894 5568

Coffee shops, restaurants and pizzerias, shops

  • Taverns/konobe: Barba, Bako, Robinson,Jasmina, Koluna
  • Restaurants: Jastožera, Fish restaurant/Riblji restoran, Fabrika
  • Pizzeria: Charly,Hum
  • Pastry shop: Komiža, Cukar
  • Coffee shop: Corto Malteze, Orion,Speed, Škor, Keke
  • Grocery shop: Mini market ‘Komiža’, Golubjera, Studenac
  • Shop with nautical equipment: Frone trade, Perna
  • Green Market: here, at the local producers stall you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables as well as homemade jams, liqueurs, wine, olive oil, capers, essential oils and other local products. More on local producers and products you can find on our page: Click with homemede  

Currency

In Croatia the official currency is the kuna (KN). 1Kuna = 100 lipa. Commonly circulated banknotes come in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 kuna. You’ll find silver-coloured five, two and one kuna, and 50 and 20 lipa coins, and bronze-coloured 10 lipa coins.

In Komiža there are Erste Bank and Pošta (Post office), where you can either withdraw or exchange money. There are also several ATMs in Komiža where you can withdraw money.
Most shops and restaurants accept credit cards.

Fish market

In Komiža you can buy fish at the fish market ‘Davor’, where hospitable, expert salesmen offer a great choice of fresh fish, sea food and clams from the Adriatic Sea.

Fish market ‘Davor’ you can find at the address: Trg kralja Tomislava 5, Komiza. On their fb page you could easily get informed of a day’s offer and book a desired choice:

Web: Fish market ‘Davor’

Gas station

There is only one gas station on the island, INA, in the town of Vis.
Address: Šetalište stare Isse 24, Vis. Phone: +385(0)21 711 176

GSM: +385 (0) 91 4971 255

Payment option: INA card, DC, EC/MC,VISA, DISCOVER, MOL.
Here, you can supply your vessel (seagoing draught to 2,5m)

  • Working hours during the summer season
    (from 1st June to 30th September) 07:00 – 21:00
  • Working hours during the off season
    (from 30th September to 1st June): 07:00 – 16:00

Hairdresser, laundry

In Komiža and Vis town, there are several hairdressers for women and men as well as a barbershop open during the whole tourist season.

  • Professsional Hairdresser & Barbershop:
    Address: Ribarska 50, Komiža. GSM: +385 (0) 98 784 615
  • Hair salon “Foka” : GSM: +385(0)91 576 8131

Professional and fast washing and ironing service provides the laundry in Vis town

  • Laundry you can find at the address: Trg 30.svibnja 1992, Vis
    GSM: +385 (0)92 189 1941

Health Care/Doctor’s offices

In Komiža and in the town of Vis, there are general practitioner (GP) and family practice (FP) doctor’s offices, as well as the dentist’s office.

For emergency cases – doctor on duty cell phone
GSM: +385 (0) 91 40 10 148

Dentist: GSM: +385 (0) 21 640 095

Pharmacy in Komiža is in the vicinity to the infirmary/doctor’s offices/.
Address: San Pedra 13, Komiža
Phone: +385(0)21 713 445

How to arrive to the island of Vis?

Island of Vis, with the island of Lastovo, is the furthest inhabited island in Croatian Adriatic. To the mainland Vis is connected by regular car ferry and a fast ship line/catamaran.

The ferry ride from Split to Vis lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes.

The catamaran ride takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Catamaran boards passengers only.

Car ferry and catamaran lines between Split and Vis (and vice versa), during the summer season, are rather frequent (3-4 times a day). The tickets could be bought in advance – online, or at the Jadrolinija Agency in Split and Vis, before the departure.

Sailing schedule, prices and other information are available on the Jadrolinija web-site: Jadrolinija

When departing by your car to Vis, it is important to know that, when at the port in Split, you have to park your car in the queue for the ferry minimum one hour in advance. During the high season, it is rather crowded at the port, and if you have bought a reservation – a ticket, it is recommended that you park your car earlier (go get coffee/lunch in the meanwhile…) and return to the car 30 min before the ferry is due to go.

Note: catamaran from Split to Vis and from Vis to Split:

  • Tuesdays sails via town of Hvar – on the island of Hvar
  •  Wednesdays sails via Milna – on the island of Brač

Off season: Split → Vis

Pon 11:00 *15:00 18:30
Uto 11:00 *15:00 18:30
Sri 11:00 *15:00 18:30
Čet 11:00 *15:00 18:30
Pet 10:00 17:00 *20:30
Sub 11:00 *15:00 18:30
Ned 11:00 *15:00# 18:30#

Off season: Vis → Split

Pon 5:30 *7:00 15:30
Uto 5:30 *7:00 15:30
Sri 5:30 *7:00 15:30
Čet 5:30 *7:00 15:30
Pet 5:30 *7:00 14:00
Sub 5:30 *7:00 15:30
Ned 7:30 *13:00# 15:30#

Notice: #Trajekt: U razdoblju od 01.01.-24.02. i 01.12.-31.12., nedjeljom i blagdanom trajekt isplovljava iz Visa u 16:30 sati, a iz Splita u 19:00 sati. Dana 25.12. ne održava se putovanje s polaskom iz Splita u 11:00 i iz Visa u 16:30 # Katamaran: U razdoblju od 01.03 - 27.06. i 02.09. -30.11 utorkom iz Visa katamaran isplovljava u 7:15 sati, nedjeljom i blagdanom katamaran iz Visa isplovljava u 18:00 sati. U istom razdoblju polazak katamarana iz Splita, utorkom u 15:15 sati, a nedjeljom i blagdanom u 19:45 sati. Osim u periodu od 31.05. - 27.06. & 02.09. - 29.09. katamaran iz Splita isplovljava u 20:00 sati.

Library, open-air cinema and museum

In the very centre of Komiža there is a library named after a prominent Croatian writer Ranko Marinković, born in the town of Vis. In the library there are also the titles in foreign languages.

The library is at the address: Komiških iseljenika 1, Komiza.
Phone: +385(0)21 713 216

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In the towns of Komiža and Vis, there are also interesting open-air cinemas. During the hot summer nights, the open-air cinema under the starry skies, definitely has a certain charm and a touch of romance.

In particular, the cinema in Komiža is one of the oldest cinemas in Croatia, and presents unavoidable part of a cultural offer in Komiža. Although being among the oldest, this cinema is equipped with modern digital devices – thanks to this, there are always the most recent film titles on the programme. (there is more on Mediteran cinema fb page)

Web: Cinema/Kino Mediteran

Open-air cinema, address: Hrvatskih mučenika 17, Komiza

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Fisherman’s Museum, Komiža: This museum contains a rich collection of original items of fishing boats and fishing equipment belonging to the fishermen from Komiža, for centuries known as the best masters in the Adriatic Sea. There is also a displayed collection of fishing tools, used for fish processing, highly developed in the past. Amongst the exhibits, a special attention is drawn by a replica of the famous Komiža’s fishing boat – Falkuša.

Address: Riva sv. Mikule 4, Komiža. Phone: +385(0)21 713 019

Archaeological Museum, Vis: The museum is housed in “Batarija”, the main fortress built by Austrians, during their rule at the 19th -century. This museum has the largest collection of amphoras in Croatia. It is particularly interesting to admire the collection, uniquely exhibited in the same way as arranged in the ship’s lower deck, when transported across the Adriatic.

In the museum, there is a collection of Hellenistic monuments, among the largest ones in Croatia, and the artefacts from the prehistoric times.

In the museum there is also the Ethnographic Section showing the exhibits from the local people’s lifestyle – the items that tell the stories about the fishing, the wine growing, habitation, etc.

Address: Viškog boja 12, Vis. Phone: +385(0)21 711 729
GSM: +385(0)91 799 0276

Sport, recreation and diving centres

The island of Vis is quite an adventure. In case that your holiday consists not only of swimming and sunbathing, and you like a taste of adrenaline and action, Vis is your right choice. Sport admirers could choose between paragliding, windsurfing, kayaking, biking/cycling, stand up paddling, hiking and trekking in surrounding nature along the marked trails, cricket, and numerous excursions on the island or to the nearby islands, all the way to the Diomed’s Island – Palagruža. There are trips to Blue Cave, too, organized daily.

Detailed information on sport activities, trips/excursions and even more, you could find on our site under sections: What to see and Active holiday

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Till 1995, island of Vis was a big military base. Army left, but what remained is the labyrinth of underground tunnels, the rocket base Stupišće near Komiža, military tunnel and the command base Vela Glava. There is also unavoidable Titova špilja/Tito’s Cave, the Marshal’s dwelling place during 1944. (WW2) – there is the increasing interest in military tours, offered by several agencies in Komiža and Vis town.

If you are interested in Vis Military Tour, tourist agency Alternatura organizes such trips. More about the Tour, as well as the booking you could find on the site:

Web: Alternatura, Military Tour

Address: Hrvatskih mučenika 2, Komiža
GSM: +385(0)91 945 8003

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On the island of Vis there are several football fields, and basketball and tennis courts.

The Vis Island Cricket Club (named after Sir William Hoste) is the one among the only three clubs existing in Croatia. Founded back in 1809. carries the title of the oldest cricket club in Europe, outside (except) United Kingdom.
If you are interested, you could play cricket at Plisko Polje/address: Plisko Polje 17
GSM: +385(0)98 303 483

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The waters around the island of Vis are rich in diving locations. If you would love to enjoy the submarine landscapes, you could dive on the northern side of the island and find out particularly rich submarine world. Except the natural beauties of the submarine world of the island, there are many traces of the rich and turbulent history Vis abounds in. At some twenty locations, it is possible to see sunken ships, airplanes, submarines…at the depth of only 12m to deeper 75m, which makes this underwater world the most attractive in this part of the Adriatic.
The Vis’ undersea you could admire with several well-equipped diving centres:

  • Issa Diving Centre: Address – Ribarska 91, Komiža
    GSM: +385(0)91 201 2731
  • B-24 Diving Centre: Address – Obala Pape Aleksandra III 8, Komiža
    GSM: +385(0)91 766 1415
  • Manta Diving: Address – Pod Gospu b.b.; Komiža
    GSM: +385(0)98 443 283

Taxi service

From Vis to Komiža (and vice versa) you may, also, arrive by a taxi – there are many taxi drivers available in the port of Vis.

Taxi service in Komiža is at the end of Riva/waterfront, in the harbour – you could also call one of the given cell phone numbers:

  •  TAXI – NIKOLA – GSM:+385(0)91 1623 177
  •  TAXI – TONKO  – GSM:+385(0)98 9556 908

Water

Vis is one of the rare islands in the Adriatic having its own potable spring water. It is worth visiting (and seeing) the beaches where you could drink fresh water directly from its spring: The Kamenice beach, and Pizdica/Pištica beach (the old local name), where the water springs out of the rock right to the sea. Almost all the beaches have the fresh water springs in their shallow parts, you could feel that while swimming in somewhat colder sea, which is the sign that you have found another spring.

Water on the island is of extremely high quality, which is rare for a karst area – it is safe both for drinking and preparing food. Interesting detail is that this water is pumped by electric pumps from great depths, the unbelievable 170m, which is some fifteen metres beyond the sea level.