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Vis and Hvar Islands Kayak Adventure, Croatia - Sea kayaking Trip

1 week: Split to Split (VisHvarKayak)

A 1-week kayak exploration of the islands of Vis and Hvar accompanied by traditional Dalmatian wooden fishing boats.

Vis Island was the first part of former-Yugoslavia to be liberated by Tito’s partisans during WWII. Following the War, it was home to a large army base and was thus saved from unsympathetic attempts to attract tourists. Vis is now using tourism to complement its local industries without letting the new visitors overwhelm what is special about the island. Its clear waters and abundant sunshine are natural magnets for the yachtsmen of the Adriatic Sea and divers from around the world. The dialect of the locals reflects the islands close to the historical Mediterranean maritime community.

A specific form of gajeta, the typical Dalmatian fishing boat, falkuse were used exclusively by the fishermen of Komiza on Vis Island to catch vast amount of sardines for hundreds of years. These vessels supported not only the community of Komiza but also the whole of Vis Island and Hvar Island as well. On this tour our falkusa, or our leut, will act as a support vessel, providing not only a sleeping platform but a vehicle through which to teach guests about Dalmatian maritime culture - its history, its gastronomy, and even its ropework.

Accommodation

The first and last night are spent in apartment accommodation. All other nights are spent sleeping under the stars aboard the boats.

Kitty Notes

None required.

Itineraries

7 days

Monday -
Arrival in Split.
Split was built around the retirement palace of Roman Emperor Diocletian during the 4th century A.D. It is the best preserved Roman ruin in Eastern Europe.
Evening walking tour of the old centre.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodations in Split in private apartments.

Tuesday -
Ferry ride to Vis Island.
Snack lunch on ferry prior to launch from beach.
Paddle around the north side of the island to Komiza town. Distance – 14km
The control of Vis Island was a requirement for those who wished to control the Adriatic Sea, one of medieval Western Europe’s most important trade routes. Remains of conquerors’ fortifications and the location of two major sea battles will be seen during this afternoon’s paddle.
Dinner at a local winery. The meal will be prepared ispod peke, a traditional method where the food is slowly baked beneath a large iron bell. The indigenous white wine of Vis Island, vugava, and the Dalmatian red wine, plavac, are to be sampled.

Wednesday -
Paddle to the islet of Bisevo. Distance – 22km (round trip)
First stop on Bisevo Island visit one of only two blue grottos in the Mediterranean – Modra Spilja. After the grotto, the paddling will continue a short distance around the corner of the island to a small sandy beach. Guests can swim, picnic and drink wine produced in the bay. Depending on the time of the year grape picking may also be possible.
In the evening, after the return paddle, dinner will be in the konoba of Josko Bozanic, a doctor of linguistics and a lecture on the maritime history of Komiza will be given.

Thursday -
Paddle to Rukavac on the south side of the Vis Island, passed cliffs cut by deep pebble beaches. The most famous of these beaches is Stiniva, a photograph of which is always shown in Vis Island promotions. Distance – 22km
Lunch will be at a small beachside cottage, where a local chef prepares excellent seafood dishes.
Dinner will be cooked on the beach.

Friday -
Paddle to finish the circumnavigation of Vis Island. Distance – 18km
Lunch, a swim and even, if desired, a game of beach volley ball will be on the sandy beach of Stoncica Bay. The paddling will finish in Vis Town.

Saturday -
Channel crossing on the support boat from Vis Island to Hvar Island.
In a 1997 Traveller Magazine article Hvar Island was voted in the Top Ten Island Destinations in the world. Three of Hvar’s main attractions are sunshine, wine and fields of lavender. It receives more sunshine than anywhere else in Croatia - perfect for swimming.
Lunch will be at a small restaurant on the Pakleni Islands – small islands only a short distance from Hvar Town. A short 2km hike is required to reach the restaurant.
Palmizana Bay will be visited for a swim, a cocktail and dinner.

Sunday -
Cruise along the south side of Hvar Island pasing the Red Caves, Piscena Bay and Dubovica, to the small bay of Lucisce. After a swim, a hike is possible to the Old Augustinian Monastery above the town of Sveti Nedjelja .
After the return to Hvar Town, a pre-dinner walk to the Spanish Fort above the town will conclude the tour.
Accommodation in private apartments in Hvar Town for the last night.

Monday -
Ferry to Split.