On the rocky capes of the island of Vis, where the land abruptly plunges into the deep blue sea, stand stone witnesses of an almost forgotten time. Tunare – tuna watchtowers – were once the eyes of Vis fishermen, points from which they watched for the arrival of schools that fed entire families. Today, these abandoned structures have become some of the most photogenic and mysterious attractions of the central Adriatic.
What exactly are tunare and why do they exist on Vis?
Tunare or tunjare are stone towers five to eight meters high, built at strategically chosen points along the Vis coastline. Their purpose was simple but vital – they served as observation posts from which fishermen tracked the movement of tuna schools through the Vis channels.
Vis was perfect for tuna fishing due to its geographic position. The island lies on the route where enormous schools of bluefin tuna passed every spring and autumn, moving between the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. Fishermen would spend hours at the top of the tunare, waiting for the moment when the sea darkened with thousands of fish. Then they would signal to the boats below, and a coordinated action that could feed the village for weeks would begin.
Five tunare you must visit
1. Tunara at Cape Stončica
The most famous and best-preserved Vis tunara is located near the lighthouse of the same name on the eastern side of the island. A marked hiking trail leads to it from the village of Rukavac, and the walk takes about 45 minutes. This tunara has a preserved staircase and platform at the top offering views of the open sea and neighboring Sveti Andrija.
Practical tip: Visit it in the late afternoon when the sun illuminates the stone walls with a honey color. Bring plenty of water as there is no shade on the trail.
2. Tunara near Stiniva cove
Few people know that near the famous Stiniva beach, one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic, stands a forgotten tunara. It is located on the northern cape above the cove, and you reach it via an alternative trail that branches off before descending to the beach. This location offers a unique combination – swimming at a spectacular beach and visiting a historical monument on the same day.
3. Tunara on the Stupišće peninsula
The Stupišće peninsula on the western side of Vis is home to one of the oldest tunare, which local historians believe dates back to the 16th century. The easiest way to reach it is by boat from Komiža, and along the way you'll pass fascinating sea caves and hidden coves.
Recommendation for rental owners: Organize a half-day boat trip for your guests that includes Stupišće, the Blue Cave, and swimming in coves accessible only from the sea. Such unique experiences bring five-star reviews.
4. Tunara above Komiža
The closest to civilization of all Vis tunare, this watchtower stands on a hill north of Komiža. An easy trail leads to it from the town center, and the ascent takes about twenty minutes. From the top, you'll see all of Komiža, the harbor, the island of Biševo in the distance, and the endless blue sea.
This tunara is perfect for visitors who don't want long hiking tours but still want to experience this unique part of Vis heritage.
5. Tunara on the islet of Ravnik
For adventurers who want to go a step further, the tunara on the uninhabited islet of Ravnik is a true discovery. You can reach Ravnik by kayak or small boat from Rukavac. Besides the tunara, the island offers the Green Cave – a smaller but equally impressive sister of the famous Blue Cave.
Why are tunare interesting for rental owners?
If you rent accommodation on Vis, tunare represent perfect content for guests hungry for authentic experiences. Modern travelers, especially those who come outside the main season, are looking for stories, history, and places that aren't overrun with selfie sticks.
Here are several ways you can use tunare to improve your hospitality:
- Create your own guide – Prepare a simple PDF with a map, descriptions, and practical tips for visiting the tunare. Leave it in the apartment or send it to guests before arrival.
- Connect with local guides – Collaborate with Komiža fishermen or local historians who can tell first-hand stories. Such trips become the highlight of a vacation.
- Photography packages – Tunare are extremely photogenic. Offer collaboration with local photographers for couples looking for unique photo locations.
Best time to visit tunare
Although tunare are accessible year-round, each season offers a different experience:
Spring (April – June): Perfect time. The temperature is pleasant for hiking, flowers cover the trails, and the sea already takes on that specific blue color. Bonus: you'll see the tunare at the same time of year when they once served their purpose.
Summer (July – August): Avoid the middle of the day. Hike early in the morning or late afternoon. Combine a tunara visit with swimming in nearby coves.
Autumn (September – October): Perhaps the best period. The heat subsides, the sea is still warm, and the island is quieter. Autumn light gives photographs a special atmosphere.
Winter (November – March): For true enthusiasts. Tunare in winter attire, with dramatic skies and wild sea in the background, offer an experience few tourists ever have.
Where to stay for exploring tunare?
For serious exploration of Vis tunare, it's ideal to stay in Komiža – a fishing village on the western side of the island. From there, all tunare are easily accessible, and Komiža itself offers an authentic Dalmatian atmosphere, excellent fish restaurants, and breathtaking views.
On the BarbaBooking platform, you can find a diverse selection of accommodation on Vis – from stone houses with sea views to modern apartments in the heart of Komiža. Hosts who know the island will help you plan an unforgettable stay.
Final thoughts: Why visit the abandoned tunare?
In a world where every tourist attraction has its Instagram profile and set barriers, the Vis tunare remain untamed, untouched, and honest. Standing at the top of a stone tower several centuries old, looking at the same sea that generations of fishermen looked at before you – that's the kind of travel that stays in your memory.
Tunare remind us that tourism doesn't have to be just beaches and restaurants. Sometimes the most valuable experiences wait in places you've never heard of, built by the hands of people whose names have long been forgotten, but whose stories still live on in stone.