Town of Komiza
Provided by:
Grad Komiža
Welcome to Komiža! Komiža is a fishing town located in a bay on the western coast of Vis, at the foot of Mount Hum. Stone houses and narrow streets bear witness to the life that has been going on here for over a thousand years. Since the 12th century, Komiža has been home to the bravest fishermen of the Adriatic. Local fishermen created the "falkuša" - a special wooden boat for sailing to the distant island of Palagruža. These week-long expeditions have shaped the identity of the town and become a symbol of Komiža's courage. The waterfront is dominated by the 16th-century Komuna fortress, today the Fisherman's Museum. There you can see original tools and learn more about the life of Komiža fishermen who faced the challenges of the sea for generations. The gastronomy of Komiža deserves your attention. Komiža's bread with onions and sardines is a perfect match with the local Plavac Mali wine. For lovers of natural phenomena, the Blue Cave on Biševo is a must-see because when sunlight penetrates through an underwater opening, the cave is bathed in a breathtaking blue light. Throughout history, Komiža has been the scene of pirate tales, Venetian rule and the fight for freedom. Here, every cove hides a legend worth discovering. Welcome to Komiža - a place where the sea tells stories and time flows at a different pace. Here is all the information you may need on this trip: ℹ️ Komiža Tourist Board Tel/fax: +385 21 713 455 E-mail: info@tz-komiza.hr Address: Riva sv. Mikule 2, 21485 Komiža Working hours with customers in season (01.06.2025-30.09.2025): Monday - Friday 09:00-20:00 off season (01.10.2024-31.05.2025): Monday - Friday 09:00-13:00 - 🚢 You can get to the island by ferry or catamaran, and you can travel around the island by bus or taxi. 🚕 More information at: https://www.tz-komiza.hr/kako-doci - ⛵ Nautical Center Komiža Address: Komiža City Port, 21485 Komiža Phone: +385 21 713 849 Email: nauticki.centar.komiza@st.htnet.hr Open: April 15th – October 15th 30 berths with electrical and water connections, garbage collection, and access to waterways to Vis and other destinations. - 🚑 Komiža Ambulance Address: Ul. Komiških iseljenika bb, 21485 Komiža Phone: 021 713 122 Doctor on duty (emergencies): 091 4010 148 The clinic provides general, family and dental medicine services. - ⚕️Split-Dalmatia County Pharmacy – Komiža Address: Ul. San Pedra 13, 21485 Komiža Phone: 021 713 445 Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 13:00 and 18:00 – 20:30 Saturday: 08:00 – 13:00 Sunday: Closed Note: The pharmacy is located in the immediate vicinity of the clinic. - 🏤 Post Office Komiža Address: Ul. Hrvatskih mučenika 8, 21485 Komiža Phone: 072 303 304 Opening hours: Monday: 08:00 – 17:00 Tuesday – Friday: 08:00 – 14:00 Saturday and Sunday: Closed The post office offers "Bank in the Post" and Western Union services. - 🏦 Erste Bank – Komiža Branch Address: Ulica Barona Eugena Ransonneta 2/a, 21485 Komiža Phone: 072 373 659 Opening hours: Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 15:30 Saturday: 08:00 – 12:00 Sunday: Closed Note: There is an ATM within the branch. 🏧 Erste Bank (ATM) – Ul. Riva Svetoga Mikule Address: Ul. Riva Svetoga Mikule 38, 21485 Komiža Phone: 051 365 591 - 🧳Tourist agencies: Srebrna Tours Address: Ribarska 4, 21485 Komiža Phone: +385 21 713 668 Mobile: +385 98 9487 332 E-mail: sandra.vitaljic@st.t-com.hr Opening hours: 08:30–12:30 and 17:30–19:30 Offer: Organized boat trips (Blue Cave, Biševo, Stiniva, Titova Cave), boat rental, local transfers and accommodation. Alternatura Address: Hrvatskih mučenika 2, 21485 Komiža Email: info@alternatura.hr Offer: Ecologically oriented excursions to the islands of Biševo and Brusnik, visits to the Blue Cave and the Bear Cave, and educational content about natural heritage. Paiz Travel Address: Riva sv. Mikule 1, 21485 Komiža Phone: +385 21 712 037 Mobile: +385 98 263 207 Email: info@paiz-travel.com Offer: Boat trips, wine tours, guided island explorations, and personalized excursions.
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Points of interest
#1
Komiža waterfront
Komiža's waterfront is the center of life in Komiža. It stretches along the entire harbor, is paved with stone, and faces south, so it is always protected from the bora wind and is bathed in sunlight all day long. Historically, it was the main place for fishermen - here they landed with their catch, repaired their nets, and prepared their ships for new voyages. Today, the waterfront is the most important gathering point for locals and tourists. During the summer, various events are held on the waterfront. The most famous is Fisherman's Night, when fish specialties are prepared, concerts are organized, and the party lasts until late at night. The waterfront also hosts Big Game Fishing - an international competition in big fish hunting. Then the catch is publicly weighed, and visitors can see large tuna. They can also participate in accompanying events such as street food festivals and island product fairs. Of particular interest is the old boat regatta of Rota Palagružona, children's fishing tournaments in traditional falkuš, as well as the Carob Days in September, when carob cakes and liqueurs are offered with performances by a capella group. The waterfront also hosts children's festivals, theater performances, capella song evenings, sports tournaments and exhibitions. Every day, especially in summer, the waterfront is alive in the morning when fishermen bring in fresh fish and in the evening when everyone goes out for the traditional "džir po riva". This is an evening walk that is an important part of social life - where people meet, talk and socialize.
#2
Church of St. Nicholas
While you enjoy this view of the entire Komiža and the surrounding sea, pay attention to the small church located on an elevated position above the town harbor, the church of St. Nicholas. Due to its position, the church is visible from almost every part of the town. It was built in the 12th century, but some sources and inscriptions suggest that there was an even older church on this site, perhaps even from the 9th century. According to legend, Pope Alexander III. personally consecrated this church in 1117, after taking refuge from the storm on Vis. The Benedictines came here from Biševo, fleeing from pirates, and built a monastery with a church on this location. The church has been expanded over the centuries. Originally it was Romanesque, and later Gothic and Baroque elements were added. Today it has five naves, which is a rarity on the island. Two towers from the 13th century have also been preserved, and one of them is among the oldest in Dalmatia. The interior of the church contains wooden altars from the 17th and 18th centuries, statues, a Baroque censer, silver chalices with a Venetian seal, and several Rococo-style relics. The church also contains the graves of priests and famous Komiža families such as Vitaljić, Marinković, Mardešić, and Ivčević. Around the church is a small cemetery with stone tombstones, which testify to the history of the town and its families. Throughout history, the church has been both a parish and a cemetery, and the monastery was fortified due to frequent pirate attacks. The Church of St. Nicholas is still an active religious site today. It is especially important on December 6, the feast of St. Nicholas, when a procession through the town is held and an old wooden boat is burned. The ashes of this boat are used to bless new ships, which is a unique custom in Croatia. The church is called Muster in local speech, after the Latin word for monastery – monasterium. From the plateau in front of the church, there is a good view of Komiža and the sea.
#3
Commune Fortress (Fishermen's Museum)
The fortress you are standing in front of, Komuna, was built at the end of the 16th century on the western part of the Komiža waterfront, precisely because of the frequent pirate attacks that were a constant threat to the island at that time. Construction began in 1585, but it did not go smoothly – the Venetian government did not want to cover all the costs, so the Komiža fishermen had to raise money themselves by fishing at the Trešjevac post office south of Biševo. On the northern wall of the fortress there is still an inscription from 1592, which testifies to their perseverance and hard work. The name "Komuna" comes from the fact that the fortress later served as a municipal building, but also because the entire local community participated in its construction and maintenance. Interestingly, the place where the fortress once stood was the house of a judge, who was promised an apartment in the new fortress when it was completed. The fortress was built of local stone, in the typical Renaissance style of Venetian fortifications, with a square layout and particularly thick walls facing the sea, where the danger of attack was greatest. Initially, part of the fortress was literally in the sea, and stone rings for tying ships are still visible on the walls. Over the centuries, the Komuna changed its functions: from a shelter for the population, to a salt and fish warehouse, to a military base. In the early 19th century, the fortress also housed the English, and later became the administrative building of Komiža. In 1870, a bell tower was erected with a bell from 1722, and later a clock was added. Today, the Komuna is home to the Fisherman's Museum, the first of its kind in the Mediterranean, opened in 1984. Here you can see original fishing tools, equipment, models of traditional boats and rich documentation about the life and work of Komiža fishermen. Of particular note is the life-size replica of the falkuša – a unique wooden boat with a collapsible mast, built from pine from the island of Sveca, which could transport up to eight tons of fish and sail at speeds of up to 10 nautical miles per hour. The last original falkuša, "Cicibela", sank in a storm in 1986, but the tradition of building these boats has been revived and today there are three new falkušas that serve tourist purposes. Another interesting fact: a replica of the Komiža falkuša represented Croatia at the EXPO 1998 world exhibition in Lisbon, and the people of Komiža are also known for catching as many as three million tons of sardines in one day, according to records from the 16th century. Every year, on December 6, on the feast of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of travelers and fishermen, a sacrificial boat is burned in front of the parish church in Komiža – a tradition that still lives on today. The museum is open during the tourist season and provides a unique insight into the maritime heritage that has shaped the identity of Komiža and its inhabitants.
#4
Skor Square
Škor Square is a hidden gem in the heart of old Komiža, just a few steps away from the bustling waterfront. It is located in a labyrinth of narrow stone streets, where it is easy to get lost, but even easier to find something special. The name of the square has two interesting stories: according to one, it comes from the Italian word "scuro", which means dark - because the square is often in the shade due to the densely packed stone houses. Another story says that the name is related to the word "skver", because small ships were once repaired nearby. Škor Square is not regular like most squares you are used to. It was created spontaneously, just like most Mediterranean squares, so it has its own unique shape. It is surrounded by traditional Dalmatian houses with wooden shutters and balconies full of flowers. There is also an old fountain on the square, which used to be the main gathering place for locals. Women would come here to get water, but also to hear the latest news from the city. You may not have known, but it is on this square that various cultural events and open-air concerts are held every summer, making it one of the liveliest places in Komiža.
#5
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Pirates
You are standing in front of a church that is, without exaggeration, one of the most interesting places in Komiža. This building is not only a witness to faith, but also to a turbulent history intertwined with the sea and pirates. The Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Pirates, or as the people of Komiža call it – Gospa Gusarica, was built in the mid-16th century on the very coast, in the northern part of the harbor. The name “Gusarica” is not accidental. According to legend, pirates attacked Komiža in the 16th century, robbed the church and took away the valuable painting of Our Lady. When they tried to escape, they were caught in a terrible storm. In fear, they threw the painting into the sea, and according to legend, the sea brought it back to the beach in front of the church. This event resonated so strongly among the locals that the church was soon known only as “Gospa Gusarica”, and the official name was almost forgotten. The architecture of the church is special: it consists of three connected churches, each with a triangular facade, which makes it unique in Dalmatia. Inside, there are three naves with different vaults – Gothic and Baroque – and as many as five altars, the main altar of which is decorated with gilded Baroque statues of the Annunciation. The wooden choir with Baroque gold and carved grilles attracts special attention, and the church also houses a historic organ from 1670. Another interesting fact: next to the church there is an octagonal well with a water source, and the water from the source flows under the main altar all the way to the entrance to the church. This source was a gathering place for women who came here to get water or wash their clothes, so the church courtyard was a favorite place to socialize. For centuries, the church has been the center of religious life in Komiža. On the feast of Our Lady of the Pirates, on July 27, a procession is held in which the image is carried through the town and along the sea, and boats accompany the procession. The evening ends with a big party, which shows how important this church is to the islanders. Interesting fact that you may not have known: the church also houses the only votive painting in Komiža – it depicts a pirate ship chasing a smaller ship, and was painted by Captain Alibanović in the 18th century. The church was also the center of the Brotherhood of Our Lady of the Pirates, founded in the mid-16th century, whose members came from all strata of Komiža society
#6
Mountain Hum
Hum is the highest peak on the island of Vis, rising 587 meters above sea level and located above Komiža, on the western side of the island. From there, the view stretches to Komiža, the island of Biševo, and when the weather is clear, the distant Jabuka rock can be seen. Although the peak of Hum itself is closed due to a military radar station, you can reach the Chapel of the Holy Spirit at 585 meters on foot or by car, and this chapel is the official checkpoint of the Croatian Mountaineering Bypass. Popular hiking routes lead to Hum from Komiža, Podašpilje and the village of Žena Glava. The shortest path from Komiža takes about an hour and a half and passes through a typical Dalmatian karst landscape - vineyards, dry stone walls and olive groves. On the way to the peak, there is also Tito's Cave, famous for the fact that Josip Broz Tito stayed there during World War II. Interestingly, there are actually two caves - one served as a shelter for Tito's associates, and the other, about a hundred meters away, was arranged as a shelter for him personally. In the larger cave, there was even a special place for Tito's dog, the wolfdog Tigra. The Chapel of the Holy Spirit, just below the peak, is a favorite destination for hikers and hikers. There is a metal stamp of the Croatian Hiking Bypass, and the view from that point is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful on the Adriatic, especially at sunset. Nearby is Mali Hum, 515 meters high, which can be reached by a circular trail from Komiža. This route passes by Crvena Stina and the church of St. Michael, and from the top you can see the sea and Biševo. One interesting fact you may not have known: due to its military importance, Vis was closed to foreign visitors for decades, until the end of the 1980s. The island was full of military facilities, and today you can visit numerous tunnels and underground bases, which further spice up its mysterious atmosphere. Vis is also the furthest inhabited Croatian island from the mainland, which gives it a special feeling of isolation and untouched nature
#7
Blue Cave
We are approaching the eastern side of the islet of Biševo, about 5 kilometers southwest of Komiža. Here we are greeted by the Blue Cave, a place known for its unusual blue light that fills the entire space. The sun's rays enter through an underwater opening, reflecting off the white limestone bottom, creating a scene that looks as if you have stepped into another world. Objects immersed in the water turn silver, a sight you will not forget. The cave is 24 meters long, 10 to 12 meters wide, and up to 15 meters high. We traveled here from Komiža for about half an hour, and due to the low entrance to the cave – only 1.5 meters high and 2.5 meters wide – we had to transfer to smaller boats. The best time to visit is between 11 and 12 in the morning, when the sun creates the most intense blue light. For this reason, entry to the cave is organized according to a strictly defined schedule, and visits are limited in time. Interestingly, the Blue Cave only became known to the general public in the mid-19th century, when it was described by the Austrian Baron Eugen von Ransonet. Before that, local fishermen knew about the cave, but did not pay attention to the light phenomenon that today attracts thousands of visitors. Today, the Blue Cave is a protected geomorphological monument of nature and one of the most famous attractions on the Adriatic. There is a separate entrance fee, and the cave is managed by the Public Institution "More i karš". It is important to know that the cave is not accessible to visitors during bad weather or high waves. You may not have known: the Blue Cave is one of the few caves in Europe that can only be entered by boat, and a similar blue light phenomenon still exists only on the Italian island of Capri. So take advantage of this beautiful day and enjoy the trip - the experience of the Blue Cave is something you will talk about for a long time!
#8
Tavern Jastožera
The Jastožera Tavern is one of the most authentic and picturesque restaurants on the Adriatic. Housed in a building from 1902, a former warehouse for live lobsters, this tavern has retained the spirit of the past, when tons of lobsters were exported from Komiža to European metropolises such as Vienna and Paris. Today, the restaurant cherishes this tradition - guests can see the lobsters in wooden cages in the sea and choose the one that will be prepared for them. The ambiance of Jastožera is unique: wooden floors under which you can see the sea, a view of the bay and the possibility of arriving by boat give this place a special charm and romantic atmosphere. The Jastožera menu is dominated by lobster prepared in various ways - with tagliatelle in a rich broth or in a creamy white sauce, grilled, boiled, gratinated or served on a traditional buzara - each plate highlights the freshness and taste of the sea. The specialties are, of course, lobster dishes prepared in various ways, but there are also fresh fish, shellfish, octopus and a rich selection of wines, with an emphasis on Dalmatian and Vis wines. Guests often praise the atmosphere and location, describing it as “movie-like” and ideal for special occasions. Jastožera remains a symbol of Komiža and an unmissable destination for lovers of seafood specialties.