Vela Luka

Vela Luka is a small town situated on the western side of the island of Korcula in a deep picturesque bay. The bay of Vela Luka abounds in numerous coves covered with vineyards, olive groves, fig-trees, and pine trees. With the population of 4500, Vela Luka is the biggest place on the island. It’s a safe anchorage and nautical harbor. Vela Luka is an attractive destination due to its mild climate and natural beauties, crystal clear sea and beautiful beaches. Moreover, it is rich with cultural heritage, various sport and entertainment events, and most importantly with kind and hospitable hosts.

Vela Luka just like any other part of Dalmatia along the coast, living in small towns is characterized by two periods, the summer and the winter period.

The winter season is characterized by a calm and relaxed rhythm, and its highlight is in January, the time of a carnival or “maškare”. With respect to the old Christian customs there is a long tradition of carnival in Vela Luka, so every Sunday from the beginning of January up until the end of February there are organized costume parties, contests for the best costumes and prizes for the best three. This period of festivities ends with a big parade when all contestants go in a procession through the town center.

The summer period starts on June 24, on St. John’s day, and is celebrated by a traditional boat race from Gradina cove to the town center. During the summer months, the rich entertaining program enables all visitors of Vela Luka to enjoy the weekly performances of the folk group «Kumpanija», vocal singing, exhibits of local and other artists, fishermen evenings, and various concerts of pop and classical music.

In addition to that, there is also a disco and numerous bars where you can enjoy the occasional concerts of popular singers and bands, domestic and foreign.

Vela Luka offers rich gastronomic based on numerous quality restaurants and inns offering local specialties and other dishes. Most of them are in the town center, and in the wider area of Vela Luka there are several households offering authentic Dalmatian ambiance, traditional cuisine of Vela Luka, domestic wine and more.