One of the most popular yachting and sailing destinations in Croatia, the island of Vis is a place with many faces, all sharing one thing: beautiful nature. The Vis luxury yacht charter guide will make you feel as if you are sailing through hidden coves of the north side to the famous Stiniva and Budikovac on the southern shores
The Island of Vis in Croatia is an elite yachting destination, popular for both chartered luxury yachts and fast sailboats, attracting skippers seeking an adrenaline rush. Vis is a must-visit destination for anyone sailing in the waters of Split.
Hypnotically beautiful due to its charming combination of colorful history and its position – in the middle of the big blue Adriatic, yet still close enough to coast for comfort. This island is dotted with magical Vis beaches, its unique, mostly pristine nature, and its delicious local cuisine.
According to Vis luxury yacht charter guide, this island is ideal for a two- or three-day trip. Its northern shores are steep and mostly uninhabited, providing a sense of untouched wilderness. On the eastern and western sides, two surreal picturesque towns await – Vis and Komiža. Additionally, the southern shore is adorned with numerous magnificent Vis beaches, charming coves, and isles.
Explore and discover Island Vis: Jump to specific sections and discover the beauty of the Island Vis.
- Island of Vis, Croatia: Military base and Mamma Mia 2
- The Town of Vis: The Heart of the Island Puzzle Piece
- Fort George and Fort Bentinck
- Komiža: Summer Yachting Favorite
- Stiniva beach: Little Miracle on Vis Island
- Budikovac: Tiny gem in the Vis archipelago
- Geopark Vis archipelago
- Marinas and Anchorages in Vis
- Featured Yachts in Vis
Island of Vis, Croatia: Military base and Mamma Mia 2
The island of Vis used to be one giant military base, and the Yugoslav Army kept foreign tourists away from its shores up until 1989. Army barracks and other buildings are now one of the things you simply must see if you visit Vis: 38 imposing military buildings that tourists just seem to adore and can see on a guided Military Tour.
In the past few years, the island of Vis has been discovered by Hollywood (‘Mamma Mia 2’ was filmed there), and by UNESCO, who have granted the status of World Heritage to the entire Vis archipelago.
The town of Vis: The heart of the island puzzle piece
The town of Vis is a small universe in itself. Set in a deep bay and well-protected from all winds, the town of Vis was beloved by the ancient Greeks, who founded their colony of Issa there, the first Greek colony in the Adriatic.
As part of the Vis sailing experience, the Prirovo peninsula at the entrance to the cove will immediately charm you with its stone houses and church spire.
The northern shore of the island of Vis
Seven miles long, the northern shore is still successfully resisting over-tourism, mostly due to northern wind that scares away most yachts around Vis.
Rogačić is the only lively bay on the northern side of the island. Half an hour on foot from the town of Vis, it is popular for its beauty and because it is well protected from southern and westerly winds.
The most attractive part of the bay whose muddy bottom holds the anchor firmly in place is the tiny Parija cove. This western part of the bay, with the depth ranging between four and ten meters, holds the entrance to the tunnel that used to serve as a hiding spot for military ships.
From the cove Parija towards the south, several small and deep coves branch out, but Rogačić beach is the only one in front of which you can drop your anchor (anchoring is forbidden in the eastern cove, and impossible in the central).
Fort George and Fort Bentinck
If you are interested in military history and wish to see Fort George and Fort Bentinck, make sure you get there before the construction crews. The area is marked for redevelopment, with a new marina and a tourist port soon to fill out Rogačić bay.
Gradac bay is probably the least popular anchoring destination when sailing around Vis. This intimate bay has a muddy and sandy bottom, and three tiny pebble beaches. The westernmost arm is home to a handful of private summer homes, but dropping anchor there is not allowed due to the presence of underwater cables.
The other two arms are pristine, with electric blue water deep down to ten meters. Although yachts near Vis are generally safe in the southern wind in Gradac coves, it can still be dangerous due to the tall cliffs surrounding them.
The neighboring cove is Oključna, deep set into the island. Well protected from southern and northern wind, it is up to 15 meters deep. When dropping anchor, be mindful of the many local boats, or consider using the nearby short dock if your keel is shorter than 2m.
Beautiful Vis sailing experience is from Oključna to Barjaci cape, and farther toward Križni cape. There are many small coves and the most popular among them is Perna, whose beautiful water and ideal depth for anchoring attract many.
Komiža: Summer yachting favorite
Sailing into Komiža is surely one of the most delightful experiences in the Adriatic. According to the Vis luxury yacht charter guide, Komiža is a must-see destination. This wide, deep set bay is surrounded by mountains ranging up to 500 meters in height.
Nestled in the heart of the bay is the dreamy town of Komiža, boasting a lovely tall St. Nicholas church, stone houses, and the oldest fishing port in the Adriatic.
The side shores of the deep bay are unfriendly, with many underwater rocks, so make sure to approach carefully. However, the lovely coves south of Komiža are worth the trouble.
Yachts near Vis island shouldn’t miss visiting Biševo, the tiny island with a huge heart and beautiful Blue Cave.
Southern Vis: A Colorful Yachting Heaven
Southwest, Stupišće cape is a piece of land reminiscent of Swiss cheese, as the army has left behind an underground tunnel network. Between the lonely cape and the island’s most popular bay, Stiniva, there are endless little coves, some of them so tiny that you’ll surely be the only one there.
Stiniva beach: Little miracle on Vis island
Stiniva is a little miracle and best enjoyed at dawn or at sunset when there aren’t many other yachts around. The cove remains accessible even with mistral (NW) or pulent (W) winds. Its unique shape, likely the result of soil erosion, occurred when the top part of the cave in the heart of the cove collapsed into the water long ago, creating this charming little space.
The white beach and the cute little rock pool are on both sides, protected by tall cliffs. The entrance to the cove is only four meters wide, so the safest way to enjoy the beach is to tie your yacht to a buoy. Once you get in, take a RIB and enjoy swimming in one of the most beautiful beaches on Vis and in Croatia. At the beach, make sure you visit the tiny restaurant.
Vis restaurants
Vela Travna and Mala Travna coves used to be equally popular, but lately Mala Travna has been gaining popularity among yachting crowds, mostly due to the culinary expertise of Senko Karuza. Senko owns one of the best restaurants on Vis, but he is not only a skilled cook whose creations will delight your palate.
Mr. Karuza is a great storyteller who will make your evening unforgettable and give you a full Vis experience. Therefore, Mala Travna has a unique standing in the Vis Luxury Yacht Charter Guide.
Sadly, the cove was recently connected to the rest of the island by road and has lost some of its charms, but it’s still very appealing, except with southern wind. It has a rocky bottom and the water is between six and ten meters deep, so make sure you drop the anchor properly and tie the boat to the cliffs.
When in Mala Travna, don’t miss an opportunity to dive underwater and meet the inhabitants of that tiny blue microcosm, which in addition to being colorful, is cooler than the rest of the island due to the presence of several freshwater spouts.
Discover Ruda cove
Ruda cove is hidden from view, but those who dare to sail into it will discover the most charming little lake, adorned with a lovely shade of blue. However, the view is slightly marred by the sight of the neighboring Rukavac village and its newly built summer homes.
The cove is well protected from westerlies and a northern wind. However, its rocky bottom makes anchoring dangerous, so you might consider stopping at one of the buoys instead. Finally, Ruda cove is a wonderful place for a lunch break when sailing around Vis on a yacht.
Silvery shine of Srebrna cove
The next cove, Srebrna, got its name – silver – from the silvery shine of its pebbles in the moonlight. The wind carries the waves southward, all the way to Italy, shaping the pebbles along the shore.
Srebrna beach is beloved for its vivid colors and is visited by many tourists arriving from inland. As it isn’t protected from winds and has a rocky bottom, we do not recommend dropping anchor or spending a night in front of Srebrna beach.
The next cove in the island’s pearly necklace is Rukavac, inhabited and exposed to southern and southeastern winds. The northern side of the cove is somewhat protected and there are buoys for visitors of restaurant Dalmatino there, while the western side is exotic looking and has a long pebble beach. This part of the island, called Tepluš by the locals, also has buoys belonging to the Diamond Beach restaurant.
In Rukavac, docking is possible at the pier (3 m depth), provided it is not busy with tourist boats or fishing boats, which often sell fresh seafood.
Ravnik and Green Cave
Across the way, the tiny Ravnik island serves as a natural breakwater, effectively slowing down southeastern waves. On its southwestern shore lies the Green Cave, the island’s most popular tourist attraction and symbol. There is an entrance fee for the cave, so if you decide to visit, make sure you pick the best time of the day.
Approach the cave on a RIB around noon, when sun rays seep through the roof and the color of the water is as green as the name says. Yachts sailing around Vis should always keep in mind the cave is not protected from southern wind, and the water in front of it is too deep to safely drop the anchor. According to Vis Luxury Yacht Charter Guide, this is a must-see yachting spot!
Budikovac: Tiny gem in the Vis archipelago
Budikovac island is another tiny gem in the Vis archipelago, beloved by yachts even though it isn’t protected from any wind, especially southern.
Locals and more experienced sailors love to find refuge from the wind in the blue cove on the northern shore of Budikovac when sailing around Vis. The island is locally famous for the lagoon on the western shore, accessible from the south. The lagoon is dotted with buoys, but it is too shallow for sailing – so if you wish to enter completely, make sure you choose a yacht with a draft of less than one meter (3 ft.).
In the lagoon, there is another amazing Vis pebble beach. Furthermore, a beach bar with a floating pontoon is popular as a RIB tying spot, so keep in mind it can get crowded during the day. If you choose to stick around after hours, this part of the Vis archipelago will show you its true charms.
Eastern Shore: Irresistible Sand Oases
Zaglav cove is one of the most unique places on the island, connected to the neighboring Milna (15 minutes away) by a narrow path stretching across the sea, used mostly by goats. Yachts sailing around Vis will find the Zaglav cove safe with western winds, and it’s popular among the locals, too.
Half a mile away, Milna cove offers a completely different experience. Inhabited, connected by a road visible from the sandy beach immediately lets you know you’re closer to civilization. Calm sea and pearly glow of water are ideal for kids. The cove is protected from mistral and tramontane, and quite popular among sailors not looking for some peace.
Vela Smokova cove is a paradise for divers
Vela Smokova cove is pristine, largely due to its inaccessibility by land without the assistance of a skilled hiking guide. Although as beautiful as it was when it was made, the cove is not wide enough for more than a few yachts at the time, but the water depth ranges from 2 to 20 meters and its sandy bottom is ideal for anchoring. The long part of the navy practice grounds, the cove has been spared from development. Divers will find another gem here: at two meters of depth, a sunken wing of a World War II airplane.
Sandy heaven in Stončica
Stončica cove is hypnotizing, breathtakingly beautiful from all sides, and accessible by land and by sea. Therefore, this appealing destination is an integral part of the Vis luxury yacht charter guide. Almost exotic, this cove is the deepest in the archipelago, and well known to every passing yacht. At its entrance, the enduring Stončica lighthouse has been welcoming sailors for generations. At the heart of the cove, there is a pontoon popular during the day, protected by a net stretching along its backside.
This sandy heaven isn’t protected from tramontane and northern winds, resulting in waves crashing into the steep rocks and creating underwater whirlpools. Scattered across the cove are 15 buoys, providing the safest option, and in the cove, there is the aforementioned beach, a beach bar and a trattoria very popular among the locals. Unquestionably, the Stončica beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Vis.
Geopark Vis archipelago
The Vis Archipelago is, geologically speaking, a very attractive area comprising rock formations that have an interesting geological origin. Parts of the archipelago, especially around Jabuka and Brusnik islets, as well as the interior of the Island of Vis, consist of volcanic rocks formed 220 million years ago, making them the oldest in the Adriatic.
The archipelago shoreline is filled with geomorphological phenomena – flooded and semi-flooded sea caves formed by the action of deep water waves on the limestone structure. Sailing through this maritime zone can be dangerous because magnetite from the rocks can interfere with the compass. Anchoring is difficult because the island has no bays and the underwater is deep.
The Vis Archipelago is one of the last ten paradise oases in the Mediterranean, and together with the islands of Mljet and Lastovo it forms the area with the largest level of biodiversity in the Adriatic.
Marinas and anchorages in Vis
Town Vis marina
The beautiful Vis marina, located in the deep bay of Vis, offers 40 berths in the south-eastern part (Kut) and 60 berths in the southwestern part (Luka), along with a large number of buoys scattered between them. Depending on the wind, you may need to relocate within the bay to find a peaceful spot. However, with buoys available throughout, this shouldn’t be an issue. The only part of the bay offering complete protection in all weather conditions lies between the gas station and the ferry terminal.
Town Komiža marina
You can find free 30 berths behind the tall breakwater or at any of the 70 buoys scattered across the port. Komiža is unprotected from westerly winds, with the most unpleasant being the winter libeccio (SW), which mainly affects the locals. The town lacks protection from northern or southern winds, or even the afternoon mistral. Therefore, yachts anchored in the port or at the buoys shouldn’t expect a peaceful night.
Vis marina price
Similar to all Croatian marinas, prices in Vis marinas depend on the length and type of boat. For a 50-foot sailboat, the approximate price of a berth on the waterfront is 110 euros, and on a buoy 80 euros. A 50-foot monohull sailboat in Vis marina will pay approximately 110 euros for a berth on the waterfront and 80 euros for a buoy.
Popular anchorages on the island Vis
Among the yachts that sail around Vis, the most attractive anchorages with buoys are the coves Stončica, Stiniva and Ruda. On the islet of Budikovac and in the cove of Rukavac, buoys can be used only by guests of the restaurants. The northern coves of Rogačić, Gradac, Okljucna, and the southern ones of Vela Smokova, Milna, Zaglav, Mala Travna are stunning anchorage places.
Featured yachts in Vis
When choosing a yacht in charter, fist decide whether you prefer the meditative power of silence aboard a sailing boat or catamaran, or if you appreciate speed and comfort, and are interested in renting a motorboat or luxury yacht. After that, leave all the ‘details’ to us. We will pay special attention to all your needs, to select the boat up to your wishes, to feel safe and comfortable with the crew that will make your time special, organize provisioning and prepare the route that will leave you breathless!
Upon request, our team will visit the yacht (s) you are interested in, with special care to your wishes – and make sure that we ‘pamper’ you with beauty while sailing!
Text Josipa Vlahović Cikatić
Photos Ivo Pervan, Boris Kačan, Aleksandar Gospić/HTZ
