Shielded from tourism for decades by its past as a Yugoslav military base, Vis has had the rare chance to observe and learn from the overtourism challenges faced by its Adriatic neighbours
The filming location of Mamma Mia is hoping it’ll become the hottest new destination in Croatia.
As the Balkan country attempts to steer visitors away from overcrowded destinations such as Dubrovnik and Hvar, Vis Island is emerging as the perfect antidote to mass tourism.
The serene refuge is poised to welcome more travellers in 2026 than it ever has before. Shielded from tourism for decades by its past as a Yugoslav military base, Vis has had the rare chance to observe and learn from the overtourism challenges faced by its Adriatic neighbours.
As a consequence, it is now able to roll out a tourism plan based on small-scale, local experiences that celebrate the Dalmatian concept of slowing down and embracing authenticity.
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With no airports or cruise stops and modest, locally-owned accommodation, Vis welcomed just 27,518 visitors in 2024. By comparison, Hvar, one of Croatia’s most popular islands, received 195,000 arrivals.
Croatia’s tourism board is highlighting Vis in its ‘Find Your Pomalo’ campaign, which translates to ‘Find your slow, relaxed or easy-going way of life’.
New walking and cycling trails are planned on Vis in 2026, along with the opening of the Museum of Issa, giving travellers more ways to explore.
Free-climbing and caving opportunities are abundant on the island, while traditional villages, local wineries and family-run restaurants are a big part of Vis’s charm.
Back in 2017 Vis welcomed in the cast and crew of the second Mamma Mia film. The flick refashioned it as the Greek resort of Kalokairi.
Intrepid Travel, which included Vis on its list of lesser-visited destinations, has added it to its eight-day Explore Croatia adventure. The journey now includes an overnight stay on Vis, giving travellers a chance to explore the island at its own unhurried pace and without the crowds.
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Intrepid’s assistant product manager for West Europe, Duje Dropuljic, said: “Vis Island invites travellers to slow down and experience the Adriatic at a different pace. It’s free from long queues and heavy crowds, removing the stress that often comes with popular destinations.
“The food scene is shaped by local farms and fresh ingredients and I urge visitors to try the famous traditional pie – Viška pogača. While some see Vis’s remoteness as a drawback, it’s exactly what makes Vis so special.”
If you’re staying in Vis Town, one of the big plusses is that you don’t need a car. It takes just 20 minutes to walk around the harbour to Kut, the oldest and prettiest part. Kut was built by the Venetians in the 17th century and is a series of courtyards and passageways in limestone, overhung with balconies.
Intrepid’s 2026 Not Hot List features:
- Tiwai Island, Sierra Leone
- Tien Shan Mountain Range, Kyrgyzstan
- Sierra Norte, Mexico
- Vis Island, Croatia
- Gaziantep, Türkiye
- Arunachal Pradesh, India
- Via Transilvanica, Romania
- Ruta de las Flores, El Salvador
- Oulu, Finland
- Great Basin National Park, Nevada, US
