Vela Luka Travel Guide
Vela Luka occupies a spacious bay and the sloping shores on the western seacoast of the Korcula island where the primeval Mediterranean greenery goes in harmony with vineyards, olive and fig groves. The incredible views of the sea specked with islets that Croatia is so remarkable for make it a perfect setting for leisure, wellness and art. The closest Split airport is accessible by catamaran and car ferry; there are also bus connections to Dubrovnik and Korcula.
A Vela Luka travel is no commonplace event because of the unique archaeological site of Vela Spila, a 20 000 years old cave above the town. There is also the evidence of the Greek presence in the 5th century BC and the traces of the later Roman and Byzantine Empires. The township of Vela Luka did not exist until the 18th century when a fishermen's village was founded, although in the 15th century the area was a popular mansion building site among the Korcula gentry.
Tourist attractions. A huge attraction for your Vela Luka holidays is the priceless collection of objects from Vela Spila, along with unique sculptures, graphics, ship models that are displayed in the Cultural Centre building serving as a museum and an art gallery. The other interesting place worth-while examining while on a Vela Luka travel is the parish church and belfry of St Joseph guarded by two huge cypress trees.
Festivals and cultural events. The diverse cultural offer of Vela Luka never fails to produce a thrilling impression on its visitors, which is especially true of the weekly "Kumpanija" sword dance. People arriving in June are fascinated by a regatta on St John's Day, July and August holidays in Vela Luka can be enlivened with art exhibitions or pop concerts in the local disco and bars.
Restaurants The nutritious authentic dishes so well cooked in Vela Luka, such as home-made cheese, smoked ham, seafood specialties can be tasted at the restaurants of Davorin, More, Konoba Lucica.
Beaches. The area around Vela Luka abounds in coves and bays with wonderful sandy and pebble beaches. The most marvelous Vela Luka beaches are located on the offshore islands of Osjak (10 minutes by boat) and Proizd (30 minutes by boat), famous for their unrivalled beauty all over Croatia. The Kale bay is famous for its curative mud and mineral springs, so you can spend your Vela Luka holidays in the Kalos centre to cure rheumatic and other ailments or take one of the beauty programs.
Active vacations. Sports practising in Vela Luka is one more great chance to keep yourself in shape. In addition to wreck, cave, wall diving organized by the local centres of Poseidon and Gorgonia Diving you can fill your Vela Luka travel with surfing, yachting, boating adventures or popular fish picnics. The local tennis courts and numerous biking routes running through the fantastic countryside are always there to stimulate your active holidays in Vela Luka.