Budikovac Blue LagoonVis Island

Budikovac is a small, almost uninhabited island off the south-east coast of Vis, about 10 nautical miles from Hvar Town, and it holds one of the most photographed patches of water in the Adriatic. Between the main island and the two islets of Mali Budikovac and Sanak lies a shallow lagoon with a bottom of pale sand, and the effect of sun on sand through a metre of clear water is a turquoise that looks edited even when you are standing in it.

A word on the name. Search for "Blue Lagoon Croatia" and most results point to Krknjaši, the lagoon near Trogir that the day boats from Split visit. This is not that one. Budikovac is quieter, further out, and reached only by boat, which is exactly why it is on our route and not on theirs.

The lagoon is shallow enough to stand in across much of its width, so it is the easiest swim of any Vis day: anchor, step off the ladder, wade. Snorkelling along the edges of the islets turns up sea grass, small fish and the occasional octopus, and the sandy bottom makes it a favourite with families and with anyone who does not love pebbles. On the main island there is a small pebble beach, and a family-run konoba serves grilled fish, lamb and local wine in season, with no menu to speak of and no reason to want one. Book ahead in July and August if you want lunch there.

Because it lies on the way back from the caves, Budikovac is where our Blue Cave & Island Vis tour tends to stop for the long afternoon swim: after the Blue Cave, the Green Cave and Stiniva, the warm, still water of the lagoon is the reward. On a calmer day with a shorter itinerary it also works as the main event, paired with Stončica or Smokova on the same stretch of coast.

The light is best around midday, when the sun is high enough to switch the colour on. Earlier and later the water is just as clear but a deeper blue, and the lagoon is emptier. Your skipper will time the stop to what you want more: the colour or the quiet.