Cruising Croatia

This lovely island, furthest inhabited from the coast, is considered by the locals to be far away. In the middle of the Adriatic many considered it as a strategic point for the control the whole region and that is reflected in its history. Inhabited from the Neolithic period, Dionysius the Elder (The tyrant of Syracuse) named it Issa, Liburnians held it for some time, then Greeks, Romans, Venetians called it Lissa, followed by the Napoleonic Kingdom of Italy, the Austrian Empire and in 1920. it ceded to Yugoslavia. The site of two famous naval battles, 1811. the Royal Navy (led by Sir William Hoste) defeated the French fleet, and in 1866. the Austrian fleet defeated the Italian fleet. British and Americans used it as an air base during WWII.

 

Around 3500 people live on the island in two main communities of Vis and Komiža. Excellent local wines are produced on the island and Komiža is well known as one of the two best fishing harbours (the other is Kali on the island of Ugljan) where innovative fishermen have for centuries designed their own boats, fishing nets and other equipment.

 

In Vis itself one can visit the remains of antique Issa, several churches and Franciscan monastery, war fortifications from different times, British military cemetery, and, only for British visitors, the Sir William Hoste Cricket Club (www.viscricket.com) established in 1809 and still bowling. Even the little island guarding the entrance to the Vis harbour is named after Captain Hoste.

 

The main harbour are the quays of Vis. The east side of the town is called Kut (corner) and in strong NE winds or when the main harbour is too crowded may be a good alternative.