VIS, an island in the central Dalmatian archipelago; area 90.3 sq km (length 17 km, width up to 8 km); population 4,338; the highest peak Hum (587 m). The vast Komiza Bay, with sandy bottom, is situated on the western coast of the island. The southern coast is characterized by several smaller inlets (Travna Vela, Travna Mala, Stiniva, Ruda, Teleska Vela, Ploce, etc.). The town and the port of Vis lie on the northern coast of the island with many cliffs, of which Gradac Cliff is most impressive (100 m). The islets of Ravnik, Budihovac, Parzanj and Greben are situated off the south-eastern shore. The island of Vis is exposed to the north-westerly and south-easterly winds. The average air temperature in July is 24 °C, and in January 8.8 °C; the annual rainfall reaches 557 mm (only around 40 mm in the summer). The island has no fresh water sources, apart from several springs near Komiza. Water is supplied in the summer by ships and kept in cisterns. Limestone crests used to be covered with macchia. Fertile valleys, covered with red soils and interspersed with sand dunes, are cultivated with vines. The main settlements on the island, Vis and Komiza, are connected by a road and ship lines. Apart from viniculture (modern wine production plants) and vegetables (early vegetables), fishing (fish cannery in Komiza) is also important. The island has a palm-tree nursery. Tourism is increasingly gaining on importance.