Komiza is a quaint and idyllic coastal town of Croatia, situated on the coast of Vis Island in the central region of the Adriatic Sea. Komiza, also known as Komixxa, has turned into a well known tourist destination, thanks to the growing interest in island-hopping culture, and not only.
Many tourists prefer to stay in the beautiful Komiza, due to its proximity to the Bisevo Blue Cave.
With the two largest settlements on the island being Vis Town on the east and Komiza on the west, you can effortlessly travel between both.
Let’s look at the amazing sights both towns have to offer.
Komiza and its Wonders
Komiza— with its Mediterranean climate, winemaking, cobblestone streets, outdoor cafes, galleries and museums, waterfront dining, and pebble stone beaches — is full of wondrous places.
Here are a few destinations worth visiting in the charming town:
Beaches in Komiza
Beach lovers will be delighted to know about the numerous beaches in Komiza. We selected the town’s top three beaches:
Gusarica Beach
Gusarica Beach is the town’s largest beach. Situated on the outskirts of Komiza, pine, carob, and tamarisk trees make up the beach’s backdrop.
It is a hit with families due to its small and soft pebbles and shallow entrance into the sea.
It has facilities for the disabled, shade, showers, changing rooms, and toilets.
On the beach, you’ll also find the St. Mary Church or “Gospa Gusarica,” which means “Our Pirate Lady.”
Created in the 16th century, legend says that pirates who raided the church and took the portrait of “Our Lady” met a gruesome outcome on the sea when a terrifying storm destroyed their boat and the waves returned the portrait, placing it before the church.
Another church that is worth mentioning is the Church of Saint Nicholas. If you decide to visit it, you will find it on the hill, above Komiza town, with some spectacular views.
Nova Posta Beach
Nova Posta Beach is a naturist beach consisting of two large beaches and many private pebble spots.
You can easily reach the remote and lovely beach from Kamenice Beach. Pine and Tamarisk trees encircle the beach. Adding to its splendour are its crystal clear waters and small and soft pebbles.
When the tide dies down, you can cross to Templuz Beach. Walk a little further to find yourself amid many pebble areas called Stora Posta.
Continue walking to reach the romantic “two-person” pebble zone called Baluncic.
Velo Zalo Beach
Velo Zalo Beach means “Big Pebble Beach” and you can only access this isolated and striking pebble beach on Vis Island from the sea.
The beach, bordered by cliffs, has several freshwater springs to help you combat the hottest days in the summer.
Located on the Island of Vis, the beach is five minutes away from the port of Komiza via taxi. Before leaving Komiza, take a little part of its history with you by recognising the town’s fishing heritage.
Ribarski muzei (Museum of Fish)
Ribarski muzei is a fishing museum located in the centre of Komiza town, in a castle established in 1585.
The castle’s purpose was to defend the town against pirates. The castle features gun openings and arrow slits.
The construction of the Venetian fort was funded by the hardworking anglers. Towards the end of the 19th century, the local government decided to use it as its headquarters and also built a tower clock and balconies.
The modern-day castle has a Fishing Museum within its walls.
The museum traces the town’s illustrious history as a functioning and renowned fishing port. In the museum, you’ll find a traditional gajeta falkusa (fishing boat), which was the only type of boat used in the town.
The nine-metre-long and about three-metre wide fishing boat with a nine feet high mast had room for six people and could carry eight tons of fish. They used pine to build the boat.
Although the last original boat was broken and sunk in the sea, keeping up with tradition, the townspeople constructed the same boats for tourism.
You have seen the town of Komiza but Vis Town is still left unexplored. Fortunately, the distance from Komiza to Viz is just 12 to 15 minutes by car.
If you don’t want to rent a car, you can buy a Komiza-Vis bus ticket and travel by bus.
Vis – the Oldest Town on the Island of Vis
World War II saw the Yugoslav army using Vis Island as a military base.
So, for many years, the island remained shut off from the world but that soon changed with the end of the war and the demilitarisation of Vis Island, Croatia.
Vis was found in 397 BC. Today, around 2,000 people live in the town while about 3,500 people live on the island.
Travel the Villages Luka, Gradina, and Kut
Three villages – Luka, Gradina, and Kut were combined in the bay to create the town as it is, although each village has still held on to its unique identity.
Travel to these three villages to uncover the treasures found there:
Luka
Back in the day, the village faced a possible threat of invasion from the Ottoman Empire. In 1617, they erected the Perasti Tower equipped with small cannons.
Another architectural building from the past is the Neo-Renaissance style Tramontana Palace created in 1911.
The railing of the balcony on the second floor has the initials of Luka Tramontana (the owner) etched into two shields along with his motto “Work and Perseverance.”
Gradina
When you stroll along the harbour, you will come across a gorgeous floor mosaic and Roman baths.
Venture out a little further to the Prirovo Peninsula to find the St. Jerome Monastery and the Franciscan Church. They built the complex on top of a Roman theatre in the 16th century. The cellar and the monastery’s foundation still display the remains of the ancient wall.
To construct the church’s exterior, they used marble from the remnants of ancient Issa.
If you want to relax your feet and soak up the sun, travel to the opposite side of the peninsula to visit the beach.
Kut
In the quaint village Kut, you’ll find Baroque and Renaissance-style churches and houses from the 16th century and the 17th century.
See also the Archaeological Museum which features a vast collection of Greek jewellery and pottery and a 4th-century bronze sculpture of a Greek goddess assumed to be Artemis.
See the Gariboldi Palace, Prdvaric Palace, Jaksa Palace, and the Church of St Cyprian and Justina.
On the outskirts, you’ll encounter the Fort of St. George.
If you thought you had enough sightseeing and wandering around the villages, perhaps your next stop should be finding a place where to eat and drink in Komiza!
Where to Eat in Komiza?
Here is a selection of a few popular Komiza restaurants:
Slasticarnica Cukar
Slasticarnica Cukar offers different varieties of delicious pastries, cookies, and cakes that it gets difficult to decide which one to try first. Few delectable choices are carob, sage, and fig cakes.
They create their desserts by combining local and modern ingredients.
Gusti Poja
Gusti Poja has a daily menu and selected food options, as it’s a small local restaurant.
Their most ordered dish is the pasticada, a type of fish. Other seafood items on their menu include fish stew, octopus, and anglerfish dumplings.
They have outdoor seating with limited space, so reserve a table beforehand.
Lola Konoba & Bar
Lola Konoba & Bar Garden offers tasty Croatian food, blended with Mediterranean ingredients, served with refreshing drinks. Established in a location with a beautiful garden and a charming atmosphere, the restaurant gives off romantic vibes. Their gnocchi filled with fresh cheese and dipped in truffle cream sauce is to die for! They also serve several different types of fish.
Konoba Kantun
Konoba Kantun is another fabulous seafood restaurant with some saying that it’s the best fish restaurant in Komiza, Croatia. They cook their food on an open grill. Their melt-in-your-mouth steak and appetising risotto are also popular with patrons.
Pizza&Bar Hum
Pizza&bar Hum is an awesome dining option for pizza lovers. They not only offer your favourites but also put a creative twist on pizzas. You can try the Neapolitan, Truffle Mortadela, and Capriciossa pizzas. You can enjoy your pizza on the terrace.
Where to Stay in Komiza Croatia?
Komixxa Apartments Accomodation
Here’s where you can stay in Komiza:
Apartments on the Beach
Apartments on the Beach, as the name suggests, gives you a picturesque view of the sea. Each room is built to provide you with the utmost convenience. Explore your surroundings to find a café, Lucica Beach, and Mlin beach. There are a lot more beaches near you to discover. See how to get from Split to the Island of Vis.
TeGo’s Stone House
TeGo’s Stone House provides guests with a fully-equipped apartment with a kitchen and terrace. You can venture out into the garden or go hiking or diving, both a short walk away. You can hit the tennis court as well. It will take you only two minutes to reach the beach of Lucica. The property is close to several cafes and restaurants, as well as the Split Airport.
Apartment Beti
Apartment Beti puts your comfort and enjoyment first by offering a garden and astonishing views from its terrace and balcony. The three-bedroom apartment with two bathrooms is a good option for families. In just a few steps, you’ll find yourself staring at the vast ocean. In your surroundings, there’s a café and restaurant, Stiniva Cove, Zanicovo Beach, and more. You can come and go from Komiza via the Split Airport.
Seafront rooms Koluna
Seafront rooms Koluna is a wonderful option for couples due to its intimate location by the beach. They serve à la carte breakfast every day at their Seafront rooms. With your loved one, you can stroll down to Lucica Beach. The location is central, but not too loud. You can chill at the bar and dine in at the restaurant. You can go out on the balcony to enjoy the incredible views.
Villa Accomodation in Komiza
Villa Luana doesn’t disappoint! Stiniva Beach is five minutes away on foot, there’s a terrace and private parking. The rooms offer a fully-equipped kitchen and a seating area. The beachfront property also offers transfer to and from the ferry port in Vis, with additional charge. If you want to fly out, travel via the Split Airport.
Komiza Town— A Different Holiday Destination
Travel to Komiza, on the Island of Vis, to explore the various towns, beaches, caves, and islands. With all the beautiful destinations nearby, you can see a lot – stay here for a couple of days to properly discover the picturesque town, and the marvellous surroundings of the Vis Island.
