Nestled on the western side of the picturesque island of Korcula, Vela Luka is a charming port town that offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Croatian island life. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Vela Luka boasts crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, snorkeling and diving, as well as a host of quaint cafes, restaurants and shops lining its narrow streets. Don′t miss the opportunity to visit the Vela Spila cave, an ancient archaeological site believed to be the oldest prehistoric human settlement in Croatia.
Vela Luka posseses a picturesque harbor and a small old town.
The diversity and richness of the cultural inheritance of Vela Luka can be seen in the exceptional museums and galleries that are located in the Center for Culture in the town center.
Archaeological site Vela Spila (Big Cave) provides a picture of life on the Mediterranean of Mesolithic and Neolithic people living in that region. Carbon dating has shown that there was human activity going back 20 000 years.
Enjoy panoramic view of the area from the Forteca, an Austro-Hungarian fortress built in the 19th century.
Take a boat tour to uninhabited Proizd Island for more private beaches and relaxing walking trails through pine forest.
Also visit nearby forested islet of Osjak for hiking and beautiful bays.
Plaza Posaidon beach is right in front of the Vela Luka city. It is popular and clear.
Plaza Lucica is a real dream beach, idyllic and lonely! And good for snorkeling.
Meduza beach is quiet, the sea is wonderfully clear. This beach is a coarse pebble beach, where pine trees provide cool shade.
Drive to the town of Blato for ethnographic museum and the lovely old town.
Try Croatian food in the restaurant Dalmacija.
In the picturesque port town of Vela Luka on the island of Korčula, there is a story that has been passed down through the generations. It tells of a beautiful mermaid who fell in love with a local fisherman.
The mermaid would come to the shore every night to sing to her beloved, and he would listen from his boat in the harbor. The townspeople soon caught wind of the strange and enchanting melodies, and they would gather by the water's edge to listen in awe.
However, the mermaid's love for the fisherman was not meant to be, as her father, the sea god Poseidon, forbade their union. Heartbroken, the mermaid returned to the sea, never to be seen again.
But the memory of her hauntingly beautiful songs remained in the hearts of the people of Vela Luka. To this day, on clear nights, it is said that the sound of her voice can still be heard echoing across the harbor.
As you sail into the port of Vela Luka, keep your ears open and you might just catch a glimpse of the mermaid's ghostly silhouette or hear her enchanting song drifting on the sea breeze. The mermaid of Vela Luka is a testament to the enduring power of love, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.