Apple is a volcanic islet conical in the Adriatic, west of Vis. This is the second one island of eruptive origin, along the island of Brusnik, and from Komiža on Vis is about 70 kilometers west-northwest. Apple is an island that is almost invisible on a geographical map, and is known as the most remote island in Croatia. It's steep and it is pyramidal in shape, 96 meters high.
Apple is located in the deepest area of the sea, in solitude, away from all other islands so it is therefore exposed to all winds, and given that on the high seas even the weakest winds raise big waves, you will have to work extremely hard if you want to land here. In addition, there is no coast suitable for docking, the surrounding sea is very deep (260 meters) and almost there is no possibility of anchoring, and the rocks are without protrusions to which the boat could be tied.
Since 1958 years the island was declared a geological monument of nature, and after the Second World War it was used by the Yugoslav army during shooting exercises from airplanes.
The deep sea around the island is rich in fish (especially the toothfish also known as the “king of fish”), and there, due to the climate, you will find only two endemic species: black lizard and a plant called "rabbit". The area around the island of Jabuka is a natural hatchery for fish and other species: hake, shrimp, white muskrat, squid, monkfish, etc.
Are you up for an adventure?
For all those with an adventurous spirit and eager to explore, you can embark on an adventure of sailing through "Vis volcanic triangle" which make up the islands of Svetac, Brusnik and Jabuka. This interesting and different trip is attractive in the summer months because meteorological conditions and stable anticyclones allow a visit to this mystical maritime paradise of natural beauty.
Interesting fact: Since there is magnetite in its black volcanic rocks, as soon as the ship approaches the island, the magnetic needle of the compass completely "goes crazy", so the navigation device, otherwise useful, becomes completely redundant. Sailors have known about the specificity of this area since ancient times. Sailing past volcanic islands of Jabuka and Brusnik, due to magnetite the compass needle would deviate from the north and thus represented insecurity and potential danger at sea.
The history of the Apple hides one of the fastest animals in the world
The island of Jabuka, according to records, has been known throughout history falconry. The hunt was conducted in September, a Frenchman Castella in 1603 says that at the foot of the island there was a house where the catchers stayed while they walked around the nests on the cliffs. Although climbing Jabuka was difficult - exposure to dangers was often well rewarded.
Some sources point out that the gray falcon is still nesting on Jabuka and is attacking drones trying to capture the beauties of this natural phenomenon. Otherwise, gray falcon (falco peregrinus) is known for being the fastest animal in the world, its speed can reach more than 300 kilometers per hour.
Geopark Vis archipelago
Geopark Vis archipelago it is part of the UNESCO World Geoparks Network. The area of the Vis archipelago consists of the island of Vis, the surrounding islets belonging to it, Bisheva, Saint Andrew, Cranberry, Apples i Palagruž. In 2003, the World Wildlife Fund declared the Vis archipelago one of the 10 "last paradise oases of the Mediterranean" and includes it, along with the islands Mljet and LastovoIn Adriatic Blue Corridor the area with the highest biodiversity in the Adriatic. He lives here in total 126 bird species, of which the characteristic offshore species should be pointed out, such as Eleonora's falcon, caucasus and gregula, but also one strictly protected species - bottlenose dolphin.
Geologically it is the most attractive area of the Adriatic composed of the oldest and youngest rock formations. Also, this unique geographical area with localities and landscapes is another UNESCO Geopark in Croatia, after Papuk.
Cover photo: Biljana Jovanovic / Pixabay