Vis (town)

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WorldMediterraneanAdriatic SeaCroatiaVisVis (town)
Vis (town)
43°3.69′N, 16°11.22′E Chart icon.png
VisHarbour.jpg
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Vis Town harbour from S

The harbour of Vis Town lies on the NE coast of the island of Vis in Croatia, about six miles SW of the Pakleni Islands at the W end of the island of Hvar. The harbour is in a natural cove at the head of a mile long inlet, protected from N and E by the peninsular of Pririvo on which there is a monastery surrounded by vineyards. The town consists of two settlements, Vis Town and Kut, along the S side of the inlet, effectively merged into one by a long promenade around the bay. Visiting yachts can either moor bows or stern-to on the quay in front of Vis Town, where there are laid moorings with water and electricity, or use similar moorings on the quay in front of Kut village, where it is usually quieter and shelter is better with E winds. Shelter on the quays is good except in strong NE or (to a lesser extent) SE winds, when anchoring is often a better option.

Charts

British Admiralty
2712
2774
Croatian charts
MK17
Imray
M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)

Weather

Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Passages

See Croatia.

Communication

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Navigation

There are no dangers in the immediate approach to Vis Town, as long as care is taken to pass clear of the rocky reefs NW and NE of the entrance, which are marked with white concrete light towers. Depths in the inlet are over 35 metres until rounding the pensinsula of Pririvo with its conspicuous monastery, when they reduce to 8.0 - 10.0 metres and at the town quay on the S side of the bay to 3.0 - 4.0 metres. Shelter can be found in the bay in virtually all conditions, but it may be necessary to anchor in the lee of Pririvo peninsula with very strong E or SE winds.

Entrance

Vis Town is a summer port of entry. At other times of year, Split or Dubrovnik are the nearest mainland ports of entry and Korcula the nearest among the islands.

Berthing

Yachts moored on Vis Town quay

There are two main berthing options:

  1. Vis Town quay
    The most popular berthing spot is on the town quay at the S end of the bay, where depths are 3.0 - 4.0 metres. There are laid moorings along the quay for 30-40 yachts to go stern or bows-to. These moorings get taken up by mid to late afternoon during the season and early arrival is recommended, especially in late July and August when the Italians flood in. There are water and electricity points along the quay. Toilets and showers nearby.
  2. Kut village quay
    There are laid moorings along the quay in front of Kut village half a mile E of Vis Town quay, which are often quieter and which offer slightly better shelter with anything S or E in the wind. Depths along the quay are 3.0 - 3.5 metres. There are water and electricity points along the quay. Toilets nearby.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

In strong winds from S or E, it is often more comfortable to anchor off Kut village and immediately W of the monastery peninsula respectively, since the berths on the quays can become rather uncomfortable. In either case, anchor in 5.0 - 8.0 metres. The holding is moderate to good in sand and weed (if you avoid the weedy patches). There are also a few mooring buoys laid in the bay which can be picked up by visiting yachts (though it is wise to snorkel down to check their security if there is bad weather expected).

Alternative anchorages are at U. Stonca and U. Rogacic.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Basic emergency repairs only.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel berth on NW side of the harbour (0600-2200). Depths of 2.5 metres alongside. Water and electricity on the quays.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Monastery vineyards in Vis Town
Vis Island is carpeted with vineyards
Tito’s wartime HQ

Vis Town has a number of attractions, including the nearby Greek necropolis of Issa, which contains interesting funeral tablets from the 2nd century AD. On the NW side of the bay are the remains of Roman baths and on the peninsula to the E is the a beautifully sited Francscan monastery surrounded by vineyards. The village of Kut on the E side of the bay is a charming maze of flagstoned streets and solid, old stone houses, many in need of restoration. The archaeological museum of Vis is situated in an old fortress between Vis Town and Kut and contains among its prized exhibits a beautiful bronze head of Artemis. With transport, it is well worth exploring the interior of the island, filled with hectare after hectare of vineyards on the southern slopes producing the local Vugava (white) and Plavac (red) wine. If your transport can struggle up to the summit of Hum mountain the views are superb and, by descending half way and embarking on a short climb on foot, you can visit the wartime HQ of Tito, sited in a series of caves in an impregnable valley.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Supermarket, butcher and other provisions shops in the town. Fruit and vegetable market.

Eateries

Restaurants and café/bars ashore.

Internet/WiFi

In internet cafes.

Laundry

None.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Rental outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Near the harbour.

Transport

  • Ferries to Split three days a week during the season.
  • Seasonal ferries (June to September) to Giulianova in Italy.

Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forums

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

Links

For other useful websites, see Croatia.

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.

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Date of member's last visit to Vis (town) and this page's details validated:



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Names: Lighthouse, Athene of Lymington


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