Vis Island
 

I have a few questions about Vis.

1. Would you rather stay in Vis Town or Komiza?

2. Any hotel accomodations?

3. What's the transportation situation like within Vis/Komiza? I've been told that a car or scooter is advisable. Would we be able to get around (and go to the places we want to see) without one? I'd prefer that we don't rent a scooter or car but if taxis are an issue, then we may reconsider. Thank you so much for your help.

I meant accommodation recommendations - not hotel accomodations! Ooops! Either apartments or hotels would be just fine.

Thanks!

1. I preferred Vis town--more restaurants, etc., for the evening, close to ferry, etc. The view is great.
2. Hotels are all lackluster--rent an apartment from a local.
3. Depends on time of year. In high season I assume the bus is more frequent than what I observed (which was nothing, even though a bus supposedly goes between Vis and Komiza according ot ferry dpeartures/arrivals. Regardless, a bus won't get you to the best parts of the islands--the beaches.
If you don't want to rent a scooter, I would rent a car. Paying a driver will cost more and be a pain.

I used www.adria-island.org and stayed in Apartments Jerka. It was basic but had the best view in town.

Yorkshire, was that apartment close to the port, town, groceries, restaurants? Or did you need to have a car?

Vis town is tiny, so everything is walkable (unless you have health issues).
The need for a car arises when you want to explore the rest of the island and get to the best beaches.
www.tz-vis.hr

gotcha! I'm also trying to figure out how to get to Dubrovnik by ferry or catamaran. Leaving this Friday, but I only have a certain amount of days to spend in each island. Do you know of any?

If you are trying to go to Dubrovnik directly from Vis, there is no ferry or catamaran that does this route. You'll return to Split, and I suggest taking the bus over the ferry, as it is much faster (4.5 hours versus up to 8). Also, the bus is practially hourly, and the ferry is not even daily. Personally, I'd spend more time on Vis than in Dubrovnik, IF you prefer less crowds and nature. If you need more action than Vis offers, then plan more time in Dubrovnik.

awesome! yes, I saw the website on Vis and it looks fantastic. It doesn't seem like a party island, and more like a place to relax and what not, and that's exactly what we are looking for. Thanks again for your recommendations!!!!

Yorkshire - The Jaksa apartment, was it close to the town center? or close to the ferry?

sorry... you already answer that question. Actually is Vis better than Hvar in terms of accessibility to the ferry?

Vis vs. Hvar and ferry access:
In Vis town, whereever you are, you can see (or hear) the ferry, the pier is in the center of the small harbor.
Hvar grad is much larger, so there is potential to have a farther trip to the ferry, but is also centrally located just in front of the old town. If you book in advance, sometimes you can get assistance from your host (and hotels will probably pick up your luggage with carts) if you have a lot of luggage. Note there can be a lot of stairs.
If choosing between the two, I'd say transportation and maximizing time are the main factors--and especially time of year. Both are slammed in August. In Vis, you need transportation to get to great beaches, but in Hvar you can take daily boats to small islands, which is nice too. Hvar is more expensive (though seafood on Vis was not cheap) and probably overrated, but I enjoyed my off-season visit there immensely.

I hear you! yeah we won't have much luggage, as a matter of fact, we will only have a backpack each, but do you know if you rent scooters in Vis? Sorry, I know I'm asking lots of questions, just trying to get some info from someone who has been there before. Being that Hvar is a bigger island, I would think that there are more options on restaurants, seafood etc etc.

Scooter rental in Vis is offerred through the tourist office as well as through at least one other place. It was about 150 kuna per day (in 2005). In addition to just riding around enjoying the view, you can park and walk to the beaches--Stiniva, Srebrena, etc.--the tourist office will tell you (note they close for a few hours mid day). Also, check out the interactive map on the website.

cool! Thanks again!

ok...one more question...was it easy to find an apartment? the reason I'm asking is that I email some of the agencies, but I haven't gotten any response. It's my fault for procrastinating, so I guess we can always wing it and see what happens

Accomodation booking depends on time of year--August is high season in Hvar and Vis. September poses no problem.
I prebook because I travel a looong way to get there and it's easier, but if you are not particularly picky and have the time, you can show up and head to a tourist office if you don't get a suitable offer in person. You will pay a surcharge through an agency--and stays of less than three nights also have a surcharge.

gotcha! I think I'm going to have to wing it....I waited too long to book this apartments, and I'm leaving tomorrow.

Thanks again for your help!

Friends stayed here last month and said it was fantastic.

www.houseonvis.com

Thanks Julia! I checked it out and looks beautiful, just a bit out of my budget. Also, I'm planning to stay there for 3 nights only.