Vela Luka is a small town situated on the western side of the island of Korčula. This port town is a tourist, industrial and agricultural centre known for its shipbuilding. Vela Luka has about 4500 inhabitants and it lies in the deep and beautiful bay, which is exposed to mistral in the summer with the surrounding hills protecing the bay from northern and southern winds.
Vela Luka was inhabited even in prehistory as it can be seen from the known archeological site – Vela spilja. The cave is situated on the slope of a Pinski rat hill, at the height of 130 m, and visitors can reach it by asphalt road that leads to the very entrance of the cave. From the nearby hills when the skies are clear, the hill of Gargano and the islets of Palagruža can be seen, while on the other side, the southern parts of the island of Hvar and Pelješac can be admired, as well as the peaks of Biokovo.
Vela Luka stands out because of its beauty and the indented coast, with many islets and bays, as well as hills abounding in thick pine woods. From the riva, boats carry tourists towards their favorite destinations in the bay of Vela Luka – to the beautiful islet Ošjak (a park forest protected by law) and to the islet of Prozid. image 2There is also a Cultural centre situated in the old summer residence Kaštel, which holds a valuable archeological collection made of all the findings from Vela spilja. The town of Vela Luka is known for its mild climate, clean air, friendly hosts, rich catering offer, different sports and recreational events and for its klapa singing. The richness of the folklore of Vela Luka is presented each year on "Velolučke svečanosti" where old dances can be seen and where klapa singing can be heard.
Besides two swimming areas in town, there are also beautiful rocky and gravel beaches. The modern treatment centre "Kalos" can be found in the bay of Kala and it is known for its medicinal mud and for its fountainheads of medicinal water that help people with rheumatic troubles. There is also the church of St. Joseph in Vela Luka, dating from the 19th century. In the Modern Gallery works of known painters and sculptors are exhibited, and each year on the 24th of June a traditional rowing regatta takes place.