Imagine standing at the bow of a ferry somewhere near Hvar. The mainland is long behind you, and an island that most tourists will never see is rising on the horizon. Vis and Lastovo, the two most remote inhabited islands in the Croatian part of the Adriatic, were for a long time closed to foreigners because they served as bases of the Yugoslav People's Army. It is precisely this isolation that preserved what other islands lost long ago: silence, authenticity and space.
But which one should you choose? The answer depends on what you expect from your holiday. For hosts and guests planning a stay in an apartment, we offer a concrete comparison below.
How to Get to Vis and Lastovo
Vis: Fast and Reliable Access
The easiest way to reach Vis is from Split. The Jadrolinija ferry on the Split – Vis line takes about three hours, and the catamaran is somewhat faster. In summer, departures run several times a week, and it is advisable to book your car in advance because spaces fill up quickly. A passenger ticket costs roughly ten euros, while transporting a car costs several times more.
Lastovo: The Journey Is Part of the Experience
Lastovo is more demanding. The ferry from Split to Ubli sails for several hours, and there is also a connection with Korčula (Vela Luka). In winter the timetable thins out considerably, so the trip should be planned with a time buffer. This harder accessibility is also the reason Lastovo remains so peaceful.
Vis: An Island with Character
Vis is larger, livelier and more varied. The two main towns, Vis and Komiža, differ almost as if they were two different worlds. The town of Vis cultivates an elegant English and Venetian heritage, while Komiža is a fishing town where people still talk about traditional town fish and sardines.
- Stončica: a sandy cove with turquoise sea and a pine forest, excellent for families.
- Srebrna Beach: quiet and sheltered, ideal for those who want to get away from it all.
- Blue Cave on Biševo: the most famous attraction, most beautiful around midday when the sun pours through the opening in the rock. The boat trip from Komiža takes about half a day.
- Military tunnels and bunkers: a reminder of the period when the island was a forbidden zone.
Vis is also an island of wine. The indigenous vugava variety and the red plavac are grown on terraced vineyards, and locals say the best wine in the Adriatic is drunk here. It is worth trying peka with lamb or octopus in one of the taverns in the island's interior.
Lastovo: The Island of the Darkest Sky
Lastovo is a nature park and one of the least populated areas of the Adriatic. It has around fifty islets and rocks, and the sea is so clean that the bottom is visible at a depth of several metres. The island's special feature is its night sky: thanks to minimal light pollution, Lastovo is one of the best places in Croatia for stargazing. It has even been granted official dark sky protection status.
- Lastovo (town): a stone town on an amphitheatre-like slope, with chimneys of unusual shapes that cannot be seen anywhere else.
- Hidden coves: Skrivena Luka, Zaklopatica and Pasadur are good starting points for walking and swimming.
- Poklade: the famous Lastovo carnival, with a story of victory over pirates that is passed down from generation to generation.
The menu features Lastovo lamb, lobster and grilled fish, and every tavern has its own recipe for the Lastovo pie (a homemade savoury pie). Prices are usually somewhat lower than on more popular islands.
Accommodation: What to Expect
On both islands, private apartments and stone holiday houses predominate, and there are few hotels. For this reason, booking in advance is almost obligatory, especially for July and August. On Vis you will find it easier to find accommodation by the sea in the towns of Vis and Komiža, while the offer on Lastovo is more modest, but often with a view of completely untouched nature.
Hosts on these islands can stand out with small touches that guests appreciate: information about the ferry timetable, a tavern recommendation, a bicycle loan or delivery of basic groceries on arrival, since shops are not always nearby.
When Is the Best Time to Travel
- June and September: warm sea, fewer guests and lower prices. The best balance for both islands.
- July and August: peak season, especially on Vis and in Komiža, with the liveliest atmosphere.
- May and October: ideal for hiking, wine tours and photography, but check the ferry lines.
Vis or Lastovo: A Quick Decision
Choose Vis if you like variety: beaches, wine, boat trips, history and a somewhat livelier evening atmosphere. It is a good choice for couples, friends and families with children.
Choose Lastovo if what matters most to you is complete peace, untouched nature, diving and a starry sky. It is ideal for those who want to switch off their phone and simply be.
Whatever your choice, one thing is certain: on these islands time flows differently. Browse the accommodation offer on Vis and Lastovo on BarbaBooking and book in time, because the best locations disappear first.