Welcome to Vis
The island of Vis is trapezium-like; its longest longitudinal line, which connects east and west, is 17 km long, and the one that bonds the north to the south is 8 km long. The surface area of the island is 90 square kilometres.
Two large bays, one to the north, St. George's port and the other on the western part of the island, Komiža Bay, are indented deeply in the Vis trapezium.
The Island of Vis is created mainly of chalky limestone and dolomites whist the north-eastern and eastern part of Komiža Bay is made up of Triassic and igneous rocks. Vis is always mentioned together with the smaller islands: Biševo, Svetac, Brusnik and Jabuka. The climate of the island of Vis is Mediterranean with hot and dry summers and gentle and humid winters. The average annual temperature surpasses 16°C. The average summer temperature is lower than that on the mainland by a degree or two, and higher by a degree or two during the winter. The average annual rainfall is 800 mm per m2, which is slightly lower when compared to neighbouring islands and the mainland, whilst due to its geological structure the island has more fresh water sources than neighbouring islands. However, the plantations of palms, oranges and lemons, oleanders and aloes, Indian figs and other subtropical plants best characterize Vis' climate.
In an area where, from one side, a series of islands start to appear making the eastern Adriatic coast so special, and on the other, the open sea extends including the Strait of Otranto, we can find the island of Vis. This exceptional geographical location comprises fertile fields in the island's interior and a large number of fish in the surrounding sea, and has attracted people for many years. Already in the early Stone Age, Vis was a meeting point for navigation routes, of peoples of various origins and of a variety of cultures. This has been the main characteristic of Vis' history since ancient times until the present day.
In addition, Vis is known for its gastronomic offer. There are several reasons why Vis has found a special place on the Croatian gastronomic map.
First of all and perhaps most commonly mentioned is the climate of this island. Its unique micro climate, with its rich and fertile plain and numerous fields together with the strongest fishing area of the central Adriatic always guarantees a high quality and diversity of the overall island product.
On the one hand, the simple way of preparing fresh seasonal ingredients has marked Dalmatian cuisine, and the island of Vis has created a basic principle which has sometimes become a work of art: grilled sardines, freshly caught and uncleaned grilled squid, baked tomatoes, aubergines and courgettes are just part of the hundred year-old fishermen's and farmers' menu.
On the other hand, the most various ways of conserving food are used (dried, salted and smoked fish) as well as imaginative recipes created from the need to use almost everything: Beans and pasta (minestrone), marinated grilled fish or octopus balls are of continuous inspiration for Vis' grill and cuisine masters of cuisine.
As honest lovers of eating in company, Vis caterers are all unconventional islanders, good friends and jokers always ready to outdo each other and then even themselves.