Gradina bay
Beautiful bay 5 km from Vela Luka, faces west on the inside of Vela Luka bay. Popular with tourists, inhabitants of Vela Luka and sailing enthusiasts. Offers a safe harbour for mooring boats.
← Back to all places
Vela Luka
Vela Luka is a small town and a municipality in Dubrovnik-Neretva County in southern Dalmatia, Croatia. Located on the western side of Korcula at the bottom of a wide bay with many indented coves. Developed at the beginning of the 19th century in a deep sheltered bay. Its name means 'big harbour' in Croatian chakavian. Inhabitants of Korčula and Pelješac often refer to it simply as 'Luka' (the port/harbour). Has several hotels and a medical centre called Kalos (for rheumatic disorders and rehabilitation). Inhabitants are farmers, fishermen and workers in tourism. The town also has small industrial plants.
📍 Open in Google Maps →🏖 Beaches
Martina Bok
A real highlight — picturesque bays appreciated by nature lovers and naturists. Walk around 500 meters from the parking lot through beautiful pine forest. Turquoise blue sea colors, almost Caribbean-like. Crystal clear water, perfect for snorkeling.
Proizd
A small pristine island off the coast of Vela Luka — considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Crystal clear azure water, smooth white stones, and surrounded by pine forest. Reached by daily boat from Vela Luka harbour in summer.
Picena beach
Insider tip — picturesque bay about 4 kilometers west of Vela Luka. Public beach almost only used by surrounding apartment guests, never crowded. Lovely bar next to the beach offering kayaks for rent during opening hours.
🍽 Restaurants
Restaurant Dalmacija
On the waterfront next to Vela Luka promenade, opposite the brand new marina. In the shade underneath tree branches — comfortable for tasting traditional autochtonous dishes of Korcula. Best wines by local Korcula winemakers.
Restaurant Nautika
Along the shore with sea, boats and barges. Service with a smile and food made with great care and joy. Always learning and evolving to make your experience better.
Luky Restaurant & Bar
Superb dishes prepared from quality local ingredients, served in the relaxing atmosphere of Luky. Traditional aromas and flavours of Dalmatia with a glass of fine wine, surrounded by the blue sea and memorable sunsets.
🍷 Wineries
OPG Jerolim
Charming boutique on the doorstep of the Petkovic family. Ecological approach, without forcing nature. Olive oil, green olives without preservatives, olive fruit in fruit syrup, flavored olive oils (lemon, bitter orange, basil, rosemary, oregano, sage). Also essential oils, hydrolates, olive tea, jams.
Winery Torkul
Fanito Zuvela founded the company in 2000 — long-time excellent olive grower continuing his ancestors' tradition. Modern technologies and continuous professional education to offer premium products. Focus on creating top quality extra virgin olive oil.
Zlokic mill
Vela Luka has always been synonymous with excellent olive oil. This fully operational plant also houses a small olive oil museum. See how olive oil was made in the past — tools from old mills preserved by the people of Vela Luka, showing how much effort olive oil production took.
✨ Things to do
Hum hill
Winding road meanders through olive groves northeast of Vela Luka to the hill of Hum, crowned by an abandoned Habsburg-era fortress. Commanding views of the maritime approaches — Lastovo to the south and the long grey form of Hvar to the north.
Vela Spila
The 'Great Cave' — gaping limestone cavity with sea-facing entrance and two large holes in its roof, producing eerily atmospheric play of light. Inhabited since the Stone Age — the earliest known home of modern humans on the Adriatic. Major archeological research centre with digs every September (Cambridge University). Ceramic cult objects ~17,500 years old — earliest examples of clay craftsmanship in Europe. 9,000-year-old skeleton 'Stanko' discovered here. Five-minute walk uphill from the seafront.