Of course, it would be foolish not to visit those popular attractions above, but in order to get the most out of them, it is advisable to do them first, before the crowds – two amazing caves and the best beach in Europe for a little swimming. Not a bad way to start the day before we discover Vis away from the crowds.

Suggested itinerary – please note that an earlier departure is possible – even advisable given the growing popularity of the caves. It should also be noted that crowds at the Blue Cave may delay the schedule somewhat.

09:00 Hvar town departure

09:45 First stop, including time for a swim, is the Green Cave, which is not as popular as its Blue cousin, but well worth a visit. The Green Cave (called Želena Spilja by the locals): a small opening in the ceiling of the cave lets the sunlight pass through, creating an image very similar with a flashlight cone in the night. The cone is also visible in the water and you can clearly see the spot where it hits the seabed.

10:30 Stiniva bay – hard to spot with its cliffs protecting its location, Stiniva is divine, a small ray of heaven which is collecting several international accolades, the latest of which was the best beach in Europe by European Best Destinations. Enjoy the moment with a dip in true Dalmatian heaven.

11:00  The Blue Cave is a water-logged sea cave located in a small bay called Balun (Ball in the local dialect), on the east side of the island of Bisevo and about 4.5 nautical miles (8.3 km) from Komiza. The grotto is one of the best known natural beauty spots on the Adriatic and a popular show cave because of the glowing blue light that appears at certain times of the day.

12:00 – 12;30 pick up in Komiza, short refreshment and a brief introduction into the Secret Vis tour with refreshments (why not try a glass of the famous Vugava white wine from Vis or beer lovers might be interested in the island’s very own craft beer only the second to be produced on a Croatian island), which will take place either side of lunch learning about the harsh conditions Dalmatians endured on this former wine island before mass emigration due to phylloxera and a poor economy caused mass emigration. A key part of the tour is military history, LOTS of amazing military history.

1 pm – 1:30 guided car transfer and tour towards lunch place

1:30 pm Lunch at Roki’s estate, a veritable feast of Dalmatian peka, and the sitting of one of the most remarkable stories in Dalmatia, for your host Roki was solely responsible for continuing one of the island’s more unusual claims to fame – the oldest cricket club in Europe outside the UK. With regular international games and tournaments on the edge of the military airfield which played such a crucial role in World War II, the stories and setting are a match for the excellent gourmet experience.

3 pm departure for the 2nd part of the inland tour with various stops. Discover the role the British have played over the centuries on Vis, with their forts, Allied cemeteries and role in refugee evacuation to the Sinai Desert. And as fascinating as those stories are, Vis is famous for its submarine base (you will visit), as well as its tunnels and ramparts built into the hills by Tito, as well as a missile loading site. Imagine a current tourist island which was closed to the world just 25 years ago.

5:30 pm town of Vis – departure to Hvar town

An optional extra is a unique experience on the traditional wooden sailing boats of Komiza – the falkusa. Beautifully restored, sail out to the bay of Komiza and experience sailing like the participants of the first regatta in the world did back in 1593. Yes, that took place in falkusa – on that secret island of Vis!