From an ex-military zone to an Adriatic jewel: the island of Lissa or Vis has a distinctive past, but a clearly defined present as a dream summer destination. From a cave high in the mountains, Tito managed the Yugoslav guerrilla movement, a historical event that left as a legacy ports for communist submarines that dot the coast. But the island today is different, and the tension of the fighting has given way to relaxed and vacation-like atmospheres.
Two are the main towns, located at opposite ends of the island: on one side Komiža, characterized by a more authentic style, on the other the larger Vis, with its seaside taverns along the promenade. And then there are the beaches, like the idyllic Stiniva, a pebble cove surrounded by cliffs, regularly mentioned among the best in the country. In addition to this, there are rugged mountain trails to climb to enjoy breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Are you curious to visit the island of Lissa? Here we explain how to reach it!
How to Arrive by Plane
If you want to reach Croatia by plane, the airport to consider is Split. There are several flights operated by numerous airlines that connect the main Italian cities with Split, including Ryanair and easyJet. Once you arrive, you’ll need to reach the port and board the ferry that will take you directly to the island.
How to Arrive on Lissa Island by Ferry
If you prefer traveling by ferries, you can do so from the port of Ancona which also serves connections to other islands, such as Brač. The companies operating this route are Jadrolinija (Croatian) and SNAV (Italian): these services run year-round, with a frequency that increases in the high season (up to about 8 crossings per week). The crossing time varies between 8 and 11.5 hours, depending on the company and the type of vessel.
Once you arrive in Split, you will need to board a second ferry. In peak season there are two or three routes available, for which we recommend checking the schedules on the official sites.
How to Get to the Island by Car
Finally, if you want to reach the island of Lissa by car from Italy you will need to combine ferry and road. Those departing from the north have an advantage because they are closer to the Croatian border, while those who do not want to drive so much can load their vehicle onto one of the ferries leaving Ancona for Split.
Once ashore, head to the city port and take a local ferry (operated by Jadrolinija) directly to Lissa, with a duration of about 2 hours and 20 minutes. It is wise to book in advance, especially in peak season, as car spaces on ferries to Lissa are limited. In this way you can travel comfortably with your own car and enjoy the freedom to explore the island without relying on public transport.
