This fishing village on the island of Vis is a cruising favorite in the central Adriatic, combining quirky island charm, adventurous spirit and good food
Croatia’s Tranquil Escape on Vis Island
Located on the western side of the island of Vis, Komiža is a picturesque town with a rich maritime tradition that wins the hearts of travellers with its charm and authentic spirit.
Experience the intoxicating scents of myrtle, lavender and rosemary and enjoy fresh seafood delicacies with the sounds of seagulls circling boats full of fresh fish. Komiža’s unique beauty will leave you breathless.
Plan your Komiža charter adventure
The boat ride from Split is the perfect introduction to the magical Komiža. The journey to Vis offers magnificent views of the Adriatic Sea and the nearby islands. Once you reach Vis, a short car ride will take you to Komiža (‘Com Issa’ – a place next to Vis), which is an adventure in its own right.
A picturesque panorama opens up after each winding turn along the serpentine that you will never forget. In front of you is the bell tower of the Church of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, red roofs and stone houses are lined up along the coast, and green hills covered with vineyards and olive trees are around you. The island of Biševo can be seen in the distance, surrounded by crystal blue sea.
Entering the port of Komiža is like entering a symphony made of sea and stone. The sun’s rays will dance on the water’s crystal surface, with the Hum hill (587 m) in the background. Colourful fishing boats tell their own story, and the tall breakwater renovated in 1996 is ideal for evening walks, giving Komiža a touch of luxury.
Fishing village magic: Island’s authentic atmosphere
A walk through the narrow stone streets of Komiža is like a journey through its rich history. Inhabited since ancient times, various cultures have left different marks on this town, which is evident in its architecture, gastronomy and traditions.
In addition to Venetian influences, Komiža’s architecture also features elements of the Viennese Art Nouveau and historicism, as well as numerous remnants from the Yugoslav period – from residential buildings, cinemas and hotels to memorial plaques.
Although tourism is a significant part of its economy, the town has managed to preserve the island’s lightness of being, unique spirit and charm, and meeting members of the local population is always pleasant and cordial.
The people of Komiža are proud of their heritage (rightly so), and will gladly tell you stories about the rich history and culture of this place. Spend some time talking to them, try local dishes and take a peak into quirky souvenir shops.
Komiža has a unique symbiosis of the sacred and the profane, where church bells are joined by the waves in creating a one-of-a-kind setting. On Gusarica beach, next to the church of Our Lady of Gusarica, you can swim while looking at the imposing 17th-century building.
Just a few kilometres away, on Kamenice beach, the 16th-century St. Nicholas Church stands on a hill above the sea, offering a spectacular view of the surrounding islands and the blue Adriatic.
Taste of the Adriatic: Komiža’s culinary delights
Travelling through Dalmatia without visiting the island of Vis and its restaurants is like sailing without a map – you are missing a precious opportunity to experience the magical gastronomy that this area has to offer. Vis stands out from other Dalmatian destinations in many ways, and the richness and variety of its gastronomy is just one of the many things that make it special.
Numerous taverns and restaurants serve traditional dishes such as brodet, black risotto, grilled octopus and Komiža pogača (bread pie). An old saying from the island of Vis goes: ‘Fish, to taste right, must swim three times – in water, in olive oil and in good wine!’ So, don’t forget to taste the indigenous Vis wines – Vugava and Plavac Mali – well-known for their quality.
Lobster lovers’ paradise: Creating Jastožera memories
Boaters will love the famous ‘Jastožera’, where mooring is free of charge for guests, and smaller vessels can simply sail under the arch directly into the pool with live lobsters. This tavern, built in 1883, was once known as the ‘lobstera’, a place where lobsters were raised and kept for trade throughout Europe. Today, the ‘Jastožera’ offers something more than fresh lobster prepared in several ways – a unique experience, the best fish and a journey through time and space.
If you’re looking for a more modern and creative approach to gastronomy, head to the ‘Fabrika’ bistro, owned by Luka Nižetić, Croatian singer and the winner of the first Croatian Celebrity MasterChef.
‘Fabrika’ is an excellent choice for breakfast or brunch for vegans and guests looking for great Mediterranean street food alike. Their signature burgers and a wide range of options can be enjoyed any time of the day, with a great view of the sea.
If you have a sweet tooth, ‘Cukar’ is the place to go. The small pastry shop will win you over with its charming ambiance, but the real magic happens when you try Mrs. Jasminka’s creative takes on traditional Dalmatian sweets.
Every bite is full of rich flavours of Dalmatia, such as carob, fennel, dried figs, bitter orange, lemon, prošek dessert wine or their various combinations.
Experience Vis like never before: Charter the Princess Y72
Elizabeth
With four cabins and a dedicated crew of three, the Elizabeth offers a luxurious and comfortable cruising experience. As the only Princess Y72 available for charter in Croatia and Montenegro, this British-built yacht boasts a top speed of 32 knots.
A symbol of Komiža: Unveiling the story of the Falkuša
Komiža’s adventurous spirit is truly remarkable. For centuries it was inhabited by brave fishermen who first dared to leave the Adriatic and sail all the way to Malta. As a matter of fact, they developed the gajeta falkuša – an exceptional sailing boat.
The falkuša is unique because it can be used for fishing, but also for transporting cargo. There were 74 falkušas in the Komiža Bay in the 16th century, and the last type of the oldest fishing boat in the Mediterranean sank in 1986.
The gajeta falkuša is considered a symbol of Croatian maritime heritage, and three boats have been restored for the purpose of tourism: ‘Comeza-Lisboa’, ‘Mikula’ and ‘Palagruža’.
The Alternatura adventure travel agency offers, among other things, unique sailing experiences aboard the falkuša along the coast of Vis and nearby islands. Visitors can enjoy the traditional way of sailing, and hear the story of the rich history and culture of this boat.
The ‘Rota Palagruzona’ falkuša regatta, which is considered the oldest regatta in the Mediterranean and perhaps in Europe, is especially popular.
Underwater paradise for all: Beginner dives in Komiža
The visibility in Komiža’s spectacular underwater world often exceeds 30 metres, making it a paradise for divers of all skill levels.
Even complete beginners can try introductory dives, exploring vibrant coral reefs teeming with colourful fish.
More skilled divers will enjoy diving on World War II ship and plane wrecks, or descending dramatic underwater cliffs to encounter a variety of underwater life.
Text Trešnja Ferić Koludrović
Photos Marko Mihaljević
