No package tours, no big hotel complexes and no fuss. Vis Island really is “the Mediterranean as it once was” You can truly escape the crowds here.

When we first arrived on the ferry in 2004, the unspoiled beauty of Vis left us breathless. Vis lies between Italy and Croatia, about 25 miles southwest of Split. At only 56 square miles in size, Vis is the furthermost inhabited island from the Croatian coast. Its strategic westerly location made it an ideal military base. The Yugoslavian army have now left the island, leaving behind lush vegetation, pristine coastline and its preserved traditional lifestyle. As well as natural beauty, what became apparent to us as we walked off the ferry for the first time, was that this was a place full of history. Vis town from end to end is only a twenty minute walk. While walking, you will pass Renaissance and early Baroque architecture, churches and towers. Vis town is the oldest settlement on the island. As well as villas and churches dating from 16th and 17th century you can find interesting ruins from the Greek and Roman period. Vis town also has a host of excellent restaurants offering local island dishes and tastings of its famous Plavac Mali and Vugava wines.

On the western coast of the island is the timeless fishing village of Komiza. Nestled at the foot of Mount Hum, Komiza is a town of limestone houses, narrow streets and a pretty harbour. Komiza makes a great base to take a speedboat trip to the island of Bisevo, which is famous for its blue grotto.

There are some beautiful beaches and coves on the island, especially on the Southern coast. This is where our village of Rukavac is situated. To get to our village from the ferry in Vis town you will pass cultivated terraces of grape vines and olive groves. Virtually every Vis Island family is involved in growing grapes and making their own wine. September is generally a month of grape picking and pressing.