Experience Villa Riva on the unspoilt island of Vis and discover a truly unique, stylish and luxurious holiday destination.
Villa Riva is a beautiful, four-storey 200 year old Venetian villa, set on a small square facing the lapping waters of the Adriatic. With 3 king bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, + 2 sofa beds, it accommodates 6-8 people, and offers stunning views of Vis and its harbour from all the bedrooms and terraces. At once luxurious and relaxed, it's a perfect getaway for those who love the beauty and history of Europe, crave the relaxation of a seaside location, and want a comfortable, private retreat from which to enjoy it all.
The Villa
Villa Riva sleeps 6 (8 using sofa bed) people with all the amenities you could possibly need for family and friends seeking a carefree, coastal European holiday. It is an old house, in the beautiful Venetian-style architecture of Vis, which has been stylishly renovated to a high standard.
The top terrace offers breathtaking views over the picturesque bay of Vis with its monastery, islets, harbour-side yachts and the turquoise Adriatic sea. Once you have enjoyed an evening drink watching the sun set over the far side of the bay, you'll never want to leave.
Off the terrace is a living area with full kitchen with all you need for holiday entertaining (full size fridge, stove, microwave, toaster, cookware, utensils, cutlery, crockery) if you can't bear to leave our beautiful house or the view from the terrace, and want to self cater.
The two larger bedrooms, one on each of the middle levels, have similar, stunning harbour views, and there is a second, vine shaded terrace off the lower bedroom. The third bedroom on the ground floor has it's own ensuite bathroom. You can choose a king-size bed or twin beds in two of the rooms.
Also, if desired, in each living area (top and bttoms floors) there are two, high quality sofa beds that could accommodate 1-2 more people. However, please be aware that this does take up the living space and is not very convenient.
There are three bathrooms, one next to each bedroom on the two middle levels, and an ensuite for the 3rd bedroom. Each bathroom is fully equipped with a toilet, shower, basin and bench space.
There is a washing machine and dryer in one of the bathrooms, as well as a hair dryer.
There is WiFi throughout, free of charge.
The Island
The island of Vis is one of the few genuinely unspoilt islands in the Mediterranean with no high-rise hotels or resort 'owned' beaches, yet it has a sophisticated Dalmatian culture and excellent food. Conde Naste describes it as “as impregnable as a Bond villain's lair and as beautiful as Capri before the tourists.” It is increasingly popular having been featured more recently in travel press, but tourism is very controlled, and Vis still retains it's 'hidden' quality.
There are three main villages on the island – Vis 'Town' and Kut are on either side of a fabulous C-shaped bay on the northeastern coast, while Komiza, a fishing village, is on the far west side of the island. The mountainous interior is scenic and well worth visiting.
Great beaches can be found all around the island both near to all the main villages, and a few smaller ones down the east and south coast of the island, near to the more isolated areas of Stoncica, Milna and Rukavac. All these are beautiful places to visit by car or scooter for a swim and a bite to eat in one of the beach cafes which are open for lunch.
We fell in love with Vis because it offers a relatively untouched slice of seaside Europe with spectacular views, lazy days swimming and relaxing, and long lunches and dinners over tasty, fresh Adriatic food. It's an island that is 'humanly imperfect'. A unique place to escape and feel truly alive.
Vis will suit people who dislike over-commercialisation, who want to experience a Mediterranean island as the locals like it, and enjoy really good food and wine. Some may also relish the history (especially naval), sailing, diving (Greek, Roman and 16c/17c/18c wrecks), vineyards, ecology (said to be the only totally organic island in the world) and, as we do, the incredible ice-cream!
Explore
Beaches -
There are a few lovely swimming spots in walking distance of the house. We would also recommend hiring a car or scooter to explore other beaches around the island.
Vineyards -
Vis is totally organic (one of the few places in the world) and there are local tours to visit the wineries in action.
Diving -
The island is a mecca for divers. Apart from Roman remains and wrecks, you can dive or take a boat trip to the magical Blue Caves.
Historic tours (self or guided) -
There is some fascinating history here, particularly from Napoleonic times, with caves, old forts, watchtowers and ramparts to visit.
Explore on foot -
Get lost in the cool stone paved alleyways. In the morning fishermen sell their catches on the quayside or in the ancient fish market, and in the evening wine growers offer tastings of their produce.
Eat! -
The food is excellent – lots of fish, scampi, lobster, pasta, risotto and local specialities such as prsut and pag (Dalmatian smoked ham and cheese) and peka (slow cooked dish of lamb, octopus or fish, and vegetables).
Sit, watch and breath it all in -
sit in one of the many quayside café bars, have a drink, watch the boats moor up and enjoy the moment…