How to get to Vis Island, from a former military zone to the pearl of the Adriatic

From a former military zone to the pearl of the Adriatic: the island of Vis has a unique past, but a distinct present as a dream summer destination . From a cave in the mountains, Tito led the Yugoslav guerrilla movement , a historic event that left behind the communist submarine ports that still dot the coast. But today's island is different, and the tension of the fighting has given way to a relaxed, holiday-like atmosphere.

There are two main towns, located at opposite ends of the island: on one side, Komiža , characterized by a more authentic style, and on the other, the larger Vis , with its seaside taverns. And then there are the beaches, like the idyllic Stiniva , a pebble cove surrounded by cliffs, regularly named among the best in the country. Beyond that, there are mountain peaks to climb for breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

Curious about visiting the island of Vis? Here's how to get there !

How to get there by plane

If you're flying to Croatia , the best airport is Split . There are several flights operated by numerous airlines connecting major Italian cities to Split, including Ryanair and easyJet. Once you arrive, you'll need to head to the port and board the ferry that will take you directly to the island.

How to get to the island of Vis by ferry

If you prefer to travel by ferry, you can do so from the port of Ancona , which also serves connections to other islands, such as Brač . The companies operating this route are Jadrolinija (Croatian) and SNAV (Italian): the routes are active year-round, with frequency increasing in high season (up to about eight crossings weekly). The crossing time varies between 8 and 11.5 hours , depending on the company and the type of vessel.

Once you arrive in Split, you'll need to board a second ferry. During high season, there are two or three routes available, so we recommend checking the official websites for schedules.

How to get to the island by car

Finally, if you want to reach the island of Vis by car from Italy, you'll need to combine ferry and road travel . Those departing from the north have an advantage because they're closer to the Croatian border, while those who don't want to drive so much can take their vehicle on one of the ferries departing from Ancona bound for Split.

Once you disembark, continue to the town port and take a local ferry (operated by Jadrolinija) to Vis, which takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. It's a good idea to book in advance, especially during the high season, as parking spaces on ferries to Vis are limited . This way, you can travel comfortably with your own car and have the freedom to explore the island without relying on public transportation.