Srebrna Bay

Srebrna Bay is a small, sheltered cove on the south-eastern side of the island of Vis, a short distance from the town of Vis, and its name, which means silver, comes from the shimmering colour of the pale, smooth pebbles on its beach. In bright light, and especially in the evening when the sun slants across the water, the stones glitter, and the sea over them turns a clear turquoise. The bay is quiet and unspoiled, and it offers a gentler alternative to the more famous coves on the island, such as Stiniva, which is reached by a steep path and a small boat.

The beach is a strip of large white pebbles, bordered by flat slabs of limestone that make comfortable places to lie in the sun. Because the bay is sheltered from many winds, the sea is usually calm, and the gently shelving seabed makes it suitable for children and for those who prefer easy swimming. The water is exceptionally clear, and snorkelling is rewarding, with small fish among the rocks. Facilities are basic: there may be changing cabins and toilets, and the shore is marked for swimmers, but there is little shade and few services, so bring water, food, a hat and sunscreen. Water shoes are useful, both for the pebbles and for the rocks.

The bay also has a story from the ancient world. The Greeks founded the colony of Issa on Vis in the fourth century before the common era, and it became one of the first urban centres on the eastern Adriatic, with its own coinage and fleet. In the area around Srebrna, there are traces of a quarry where the Greeks cut stone, and some of the cut blocks and workings are now partly under the sea. Looking for them while snorkelling or from the shore adds an element of discovery to a beach day, though the remains are modest and are best approached with respect, without removing anything.

Vis itself is a special island. It was a military base for decades in the Yugoslav period and was closed to foreign visitors until 1989, and that long isolation preserved its character, so that it feels more traditional and less crowded than other Dalmatian islands. Other sights, listed in this guide, include Stiniva Cove, Stončica Bay, the Roman baths, Fort George above the town, a tunnel complex known as Tito's Cave on Mount Hum, and the Blue Cave on the nearby islet of Biševo, which can be visited by boat.

Srebrna can be reached by car along a small road, or by boat from Vis town. In July and August, arrive early to find a spot. The bay suits families, couples and snorkellers who want a quiet swim and a sense of the island's history. Allow two to four hours.