Vis, Croatia

Vis is a rare undeveloped Adriatic island, the unexpected result of decades under Communist Yugoslavia military control. Since Croatian independence, tourism has emerged slowly, with few hotels, no resorts and limited ferry service. Quiet beaches, secluded coves, clear blue seas and verdant landscapes of wild scrub, vineyards and olive and citrus groves are the principal attractions. The island’s few sights include a small archaeological museum, some 17th-century Venetian architecture and a fascinating network of WWII-era tunnels and hideouts used by Tito and his partisan forces. Yachts and other vessels anchor in the bays of laid-back Vis Town and the fishing village of Komiža, where seafarers head ashore to feast on the island’s famed cooking. Meals center around fresh, local fare -- seafood, meats and produce -- accompanied by island-grown wines like Vugava, an ancient white varietal.