Holiday Villas in Komiza to Rent 2024/2025

Komiza travel guide

Authentic fishing village of compelling charm; boat trips to Bisevo island to visit the Blue Cave renowned for its iridescent blue water

Komiza is located on the island of Vis which is the most distant large island in Central Dalmatian some 50 kilometres from the mainland. Vis island has a land area of 90.3 square kilometres. Its widest point spans 17 kilometres and from north to south its maximum length is 8 kilometres. The coastline of Vis measures 76.7 kilometres long and is marked by some of the most beautiful bays and sheltered coves that can be found anywhere in Croatia. Komiza is the second largest town on Vis with a population of 1,400 and is located at the western end of the island at the head of a wide and deep bay. It is an enchanting place steeped in history and famed for the skills of its fisherman and their unique falkusa fishing vessels. In the harbour is a replica of a falkusa fishing boat. Komiza is located at the foot of the Hum hill (587 metres).

It is well worth a taxi ride to the top of the hill from where, on a clear day, you can see many of the principal islands of the central Dalmatian Adriatic. Around Komiza the beaches of Kamenica, Gusarica, Nova Posta and Velo Zalo offer the perfect opportunity for swimming and relaxing on the beach. The town also offers a number of cultural and historic sites, monasteries and fortresses. Sports and recreational facilities include three boccia courts, as well as various playgrounds for basketball, handball and football. Water sports and diving are part of the town's summer activities. Komiza experiences warm and temperate winters and hot summers. The climate allows for tropical and Mediterranean vegetation, including palms, carobs, olives, grapes and lemons. The island is also home to twelve distinct types of island vegetation. Vis has been marked as one of the ten most environmentally preserved islands in the Mediterranean by the World Organization for Environmental Protection.The principal local landmark is the 13th century Benedictine monastery of St. Nicholas. The oldest part of the monastery is a Romanesque church dating from the 13th century. In the period between the 14th and 17th century a large five-naved church was built: its central nave dates back to the beginning of the 16th century and the large Baroque sanctuary to 1652. The citadel in the port was built in 1585. There are several other churches of interest in the town.

If you stay in Komiza a boat trip to the island of Bisevo and its renowned Blue Grotto is essential. The Blue Grotto is a cavern which can be entered from the sea by small boat and derives its name from the amazing deep blue colour of the water which is seen at its best around midday when the sun shines through an underwater opening creating this vibrant colour. Bisevo island has a population of about 200 residents, and is noted for bee-keeping and wild honey production. Komiza is famed for its fishermen way beyond the waters of the Adriatic. In the early 20th century many Komizini fisherman emigrated to America and came to settle in Washington State. They were among the first to pioneer the North Pacific salmon fishing industry. In the earliest days of the 20th century these intrepid men were would travel from Puget Sound to the abundant Alaskan salmon fishing grounds of Prince William Sound, Southeast Alaska. There is the annual celebration of Komiza's fishing heritage, Ribarska Noc (Fisherman's Night).

Travel to the island of Vis is from Split by regular ferry service to Vis town. You can bring a car over on the ferry or take a taxi across the island to Komiza on arrival.