An increasing number of tourists visiting island Vis is showing interest in 38 abandoned military objects along the island. They have become a very important part of the island’s tourist offer, and it is great to see the island is benefiting from them, especially when we know that Vis was quite isolated and closed for tourists during the second half of the 20th century because of these army objects.
One of the pioneers of Vis military tourism, Tomislav Mileis from Zagreb, opened an agency offering these so called military tours seven years ago. Today almost 90% of his income comes from this particular tourist product with over 1500 guests visiting the military objects in 2015 alone which is the highest number to date.
“Military tourism is something most of our guests have never seen or thought of, it is completely different from everything they usually do during their holiday” Mileis commented for HINA. Most of his clients are foreigners, Visitors from Great Britain are regulars which is not surprising if we know their army was stationed on the island form early 19th century onwards. Guests from Slovenia, Scandinavia, United States, France and Italy are also opting for this unusual tour and if we look at the TripAdvisor comments and ratings, they are more than thrilled with it.
Military tour offers a great combination of culture and history, it includes visits to fresh water springs and Hum, highest point on the island. Vis has 38 military objects including
former command centre Vela glava, military trenches Jastog, rocket base Stupišće built by the US army in 1944, Carvene stine location where the first post war news agency was opened and many more. Tour starts from Komiža or Vis and goes all the way to Cape Stupišće. Guests go through a labyrinth of underground tunnels and abandoned warehouses, continue on to the trenches in Vela Glava and then on to Hum 587 m above ground. On their way back they stop at Tito’s cave where guides will acquaint them with all the historic events that took place in the cave, followed by a presentation of eco products from the island and unique wine cellar inside a military object.
“Some visitors who come to Vis now say that coming here without taking the military tour is like coming to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel tower. Shorter three-hour tour is usually booked by charter agencies for their clients while the longer 5 hour tour is for guests that are staying on the island for a longer period of time. It seems that tours have captured the imagination of our guests because they are coming back for more” Mileis stated.
For more information on these tours go to www.visit.hr
