To access Vis, and the spectacular Stiniva, visitors can take a two-hour ferry from the harbour in Split

As far as tourism organisation European Best Destinations is concerned, it's fully deserving of its 2016 Best Beach in Europe gong.

Those keen for a visit have to head to Vis, where the sandy retreat is situated on the southern part of the island, close to the village of ?u?ec.

A visit to this award-winning beach would not be complete without exploring the island – perhaps hire a scooter and take in the towns of Vis and Komiza, before heading north to the vineyard-strewn country of Plisko Polje.

To access Vis, and the spectacular Stiniva, visitors can take a two-hour ferry from the harbour in Split.

Accessible only by hiking on a steep and narrow path, or by taking a taxi boat from the nearby Rukavac cove, this exquisite patch of coastline is definitely worth the effort it takes to reach it