Vir Island - Island of Vir - Otok Vir - Insel Vir - Islands of Croatia

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Vir Island - Island of Vir - Otok Vir - Insel Vir

Vir Island is interesting, because before the 1980’s, it was a barren and uninhabited island where the Yugoslav government was going to build a nuclear power plant. In anticipation of this, a boon town of houses sprang up; built by people who were hopeful to work at the plant. When the government withdrew its plans to build the plant, residents were left with hundreds of homes on an island where there was no agriculture, fishing industry, or any other means of support. With excessively built houses and a now large population of residents, no one was sure what to do with the real estate, which was now worth nothing. Many of the homes were not built to code, so they were eventually torn down and a regular infrastructure of roadways and sewer systems were built and soon, Vir Island became the perfect vacation town.

Because of this plethora of resort homes, Vis Island gets flooded with local vacationers during the vacation times which provides an income for the islanders. Restaurants are aimed at vacationers, and there may not be much in the way of historical monuments and culture, but the travelers who go there have a good time. During the rest of the year, Vir is quite a cozy and quiet island.

The word “vir” is Croatian for whirlpool, but probably really derives from the old Dalmatian dialect meaning pasture. Which means that there are other aspects to Vir island that are more pleasant than the overcrowded homes and throngs of vacationers. Away from the over inhabited areas, Vir has places of solitude, like a Mediterranean landscape and shore. Bandira at 112 m is the highest summit on the island and lets visitors have a panoramic view of the area including the Velebit mountains. Vacationers can enjoy many activities including surfing sailing and hiking.

So while Vir Island isn’t exactly as stylish as the other islands, it makes a quick and fun get away for the whole family, or a getaway if you are after an adventure holiday.