Vela Luka
General Information
Situated on the western side of the island of Korcula (Croatia) in a large bay dotted with many tiny islets and surrounded by tranquil inlets, Town of Vela Luka is an oasis of Dalmatia and Mediterranean influences: mild climate, unpolluted sea and air, olive groves, fig trees, tuneful melodies.Vela Luka is surrounded by the richness and beauty of Nature. It is the 2nd largest settlement on the Adriatic islands, a safe harbour for seafarers.
The cultural identity of Vela Luka arises from the traditional merging of man and nature. A few kilometers from the center of Vela Luka we find traces of early human settlement at the "Vela Spila" cave. Archeological finds from Vela Spila can be viewed at the Cultural Centre in Vela Luka. Also view the numismatic collection and the only Henry Moore sculpture in Croatia.
The traditional Vela Luka Festival in July and August offers many concerts, exhibitions and presentations for you to enjoy. The Regatta in honour of St John on the 24th June should not be missed.A few minutes walk from Vela Luka you will find your own private pebble beach, far from the everyday stresses of modern life.
The smells and beauty of the Adriatic will ensure an ideal holiday for the body and soul. You will get a taste of Dalmatia in one of the numerous restaurants and taverns specializing in seafoods.Mild Mediterranean sun, clear night skies, azure sea of Proizd, perfume of pine trees, the cicadas of island Osjak, Dalmatian choral songs and friendly hosts will ensure a holidays you will never forget.
Vela Spila Vela Spila, above the Kale Cove in the most protected area of Vela Luka Bay, is characteristically and most likely, the most significant prehistoric archeological site in the Mediterranean region. The Cave interior measures ca. 15000m2, and thus far only small part has been explored. The continuous inhabitation has been established from the culmination of the last Ice Age (18000 B.C.) to the middle Bronze Age (2000 B.C.), and every now and then to the newer times.
The amount of artifacts, their importance, and diverse and prolific ornamentation defines Vela Spila as one of the basis of the contemporary civilization.
Cultural Centre The Cultural Center is centrally located besides the Parochial Church of St.John. The former school building, built in the second half of 19th century, houses Vela Luka Library, Archeological Museum and the Art Gallery, and provides an attractive space for other cultural events such as: Native music and dance performances, recitals, or Vela Luka's Folksingers group (Klapa) concerts.
The Cultural Centre accommodates several valuable museums collections: the archeological finds from The Neolithic Vela Spila (Big Cave), collection of wooden ships crafted by the late self-thought artist Nedo Gugic and an international collection of donated drawings, graphics and small sculptures.
Kumpanija The island of Korcula is known for its numerous chivalrous tournament unions, that are engaged and during different occasions perform old chivalrous tournaments with swords.
Thanks to the members of the Initial council, the hardworking and persisting practise of about twenty young men and husbands of Vela Luka, on March 19th 2001, on the feast of St. Joseph, that is celebrated as the day of the community of Vela Luka as well, exactly after 75 years, the tournament “Kumpanija” of Vela Luka was solemnly performed again.
ActivitiesWe organize, in partnership with Mediterano Tourist Agency, daily excursions to a multitude of beaches, the nearby islands of Lastovo, Vis and Blue cave on Bisevo, Hvar and Mljet National Park as well as day trips to the medieval towns of Dubrovnik and Korcula.
ServicesSince most travelers prefer to be in charge of their own time and movement while touring the island instead of relying on public transportation, Mediterano Tourist Agency sugest options such as: boat rental, rental cars, scooters and bicycles.
Diving Center GorgoniaGorgonia Diving is a recognised SSI Diver Training Facility and BSAC Resort diving cente.
The diving in and around Vela Luka is known for its variety of flora and fauna, and its amazing underwater rock formations. With huge walls full of red and yellow gorgonias; soft sponges and corals, combined with great variety of marine life, make for very interesting and exciting diving.
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