Location: Vela Luka
Top Things to do in Vela Luka
Countries
5 Private Tours in Vela Luka That You Shouldn't Miss
Vela Luka (pronounced [ʋela luka] ( listen)) (Italian: Vallegrande) is a small town and a municipality in Dubrovnik-Neretva County in southern Dalmatia, Croatia. The town is located on the western side of the island of Korčula at the bottom of a wide bay which has many indented coves. Vela Luka developed at the beginning of the 19th century in a deep sheltered bay. Its name means "big harbour" in Croatian chakavian. Inhabitants of the Island of Korčula and Pelješac often refer to it simply as "Luka" (the port/harbour). It has several hotels and a medical centre called Kalos (for rheumatic disorders and rehabilitation). The inhabitants are farmers, fishermen and workers in tourism. Also the town has other smaller industrial plants.
Restaurants in Vela Luka
1. Island Explorer custom tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Island explorer is a custom tour, focused on outdoor experiences and set up for your preferences. You tell us what you're interested in and we will set it up. You just have to choose the way(s) we're gonna get around and what kind of places you want to see, we take care of everything else. The tour starts with a talk, even before we meet. To put it simply, there is just so many things to do here on Korčula island that you'd have to stay for a month to cover only a fraction of it. Because of that, we will talk about what you want to do – whether it is hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rock scrambling or climbing, caving... Or just wandering around the island, finding the coolest spots that only locals know about. It's all up to you – together will set up plan and just go on an adventure!
Inclusions: Experienced Guide
Exclusions:
2. Vela Spila hike - Ice Age on the Mediterranean
Starting from the center of Vela Luka we'll pass thru the old part of town and quickly enter pine forest's pleasant shade. On the southern slopes of Pinski rat hill, overlooking the town and the bay of Vela Luka, we will find one of the most important prehistoric archeaological sites in Europe. Layers of findings in Vela Spila cave reveal details covering a period of over 25 000 years of human inhabitance. Pots, tools, artistry, animal bones and burial grounds offer insight into changes in human lives during climate and geological turmoils that marked the end of Ice Age. The distance we will cover is about 3.5 kilometers, with 150 meters of altitude gain (about 2.2 miles and 500 feet of elevation gain) which usually takes a little bit over an hour. The terrain we'll walk on is paved road in the town, gravel road and trail on our way to the cave and paved stairway on the descent back to town.
Inclusions: Experienced Guide
Exclusions: Entrance to Vela Spila (15 kuna per person)
Reviewed By 15geoffs
This was my first trip to Croatia and the island of Korcula. After a week of scuba diving in and around the sleepy village of Vela Luka, I wanted to see the rest of Korcula. I was lucky enough to find Frano as my personal guide to take me on aan adventure I'll never forget. Frano is a local, knowledgeable about every facet of Korcula-from its history and flaura and fauna to its local culture and hidden gems. He's bright, speaks fluent English, and really listened to what I was interested in and what I wanted to do. He is everything you could ask for in a guide: accommodating, friendly, considerate, attentive, thoughtful, fun, and thorough. Frano met with me the day before of our day long tour and shared all the options we could do. He is an advanced rock climber, spelunker, and offers adventurous mountain bike trips. As much fun as that sounded, I only had a day, so I wanted to see and learn as much as I could on Korcula. Frano didn't disappoint. He picked me up with his friend and we headed out for an incredible day. Rocking out to Croatian music along the way, we visited several small towns and had VIP treatment at a beautiful local winery that was several hundred years old. We toasted with several delicious local wines served up with local figs, amazing homemade cheese, bread, etc. We pretty much had the place to ourselves. Frano knew the head wine maker and his family so we were treated well. This is the kind of 1:1 experience you never forget. We stopped by several breathtaking beaches, popped in for a swim in the warm, clear waters of the Adriatic sea. Frano taught me about the local economy, how every family would trade local caught fish, handmade olive oil, cured meats, and more with each other. I got a sense of what life was like there. Korcula is a large island, but most families know each other. It's a warm, friendly culture and I felt welcome. Frano took me to the highest point on the island. He showed me around an old fortress and then led me up to a rusted old lookout tower. He introduced me to a man sitting there. No phone. No electricity. Just a simple mattress, chair, and the most basic provisions. Frano explained to me this is how they keep an eye on the entire island for fires during the summer months. But this lookout point was used all the way back to Roman times. Speaking of which, we could see the Italian coast, just 75 miles away from that vantage point. Frano and I were engaged in such interesting conversation all day. Unlike so many guides who offer a scripted approach, this tour was customized for me. He's not rigid at all but he was mindful of time so we could hit all the places he wanted to show me. One of the highlights of the day was a hike around a hidden forest area. I think it was a state park. If you don't know where to look, you'd never find it. What was so cool about this spot is that the area around it was unremarkable scrub brush. It was hot. In the 90's. Once we made our way past that, it was like an oasis. The temperature dropped 20 degrees, the rock formations, plants, and trees suddenly changed. It was mystical. Like something out of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We had the whole place to ourselves. It was stunning, albeit a relatively small area. We walked through narrow, cool tunnels, over boulders, through winding trails, and then back out again. Thanks to Frano's knowledge of the island, I got to experience something most other visitors will never know. We ended up in old Korcula Town and Frano explained its history and architecture. He knew details about the town that made me appreciate everything I saw, like how the buildings were positioned at a specific angle and arc, so the breeze would flow into people's homes-natural air conditioning. Bottom line: Korcula has a lot to offer. It's a beautiful island with a beautiful culture and history. And there's no one better than Frano to show you around his home. To get here, you can take a ferry to Split or Dubrovnik. It's about a 2 hour trip each way. A must visit if you visit Croatia. Thanks again Frano! I will never forget our adventure.
3. Gradina bay hike - Navigare Necesse Est
Deep bay of Vela Luka has pretty much determined the history of the town as well – fishing, shipbuilding, and seafaring were always part of living here. Prehistoric site of Vela Spila, thousands years old anchorage at Gradina bay, picturesque coves and chapels along the coastal trail – they all reveal us the details of a long and rich history of living by the sea and with the sea. The distance we will cover is about 13 kilometers, with 340 meters of altitude gain (about 8 miles and 1100 feet of elevation gain) which usually takes about 4 hours.
Inclusions: Experienced Guide
Exclusions: Entrance to Vela Spila (15 kuna per person)
Reviewed By 15geoffs
This was my first trip to Croatia and the island of Korcula. After a week of scuba diving in and around the sleepy village of Vela Luka, I wanted to see the rest of Korcula. I was lucky enough to find Frano as my personal guide to take me on aan adventure I'll never forget. Frano is a local, knowledgeable about every facet of Korcula-from its history and flaura and fauna to its local culture and hidden gems. He's bright, speaks fluent English, and really listened to what I was interested in and what I wanted to do. He is everything you could ask for in a guide: accommodating, friendly, considerate, attentive, thoughtful, fun, and thorough. Frano met with me the day before of our day long tour and shared all the options we could do. He is an advanced rock climber, spelunker, and offers adventurous mountain bike trips. As much fun as that sounded, I only had a day, so I wanted to see and learn as much as I could on Korcula. Frano didn't disappoint. He picked me up with his friend and we headed out for an incredible day. Rocking out to Croatian music along the way, we visited several small towns and had VIP treatment at a beautiful local winery that was several hundred years old. We toasted with several delicious local wines served up with local figs, amazing homemade cheese, bread, etc. We pretty much had the place to ourselves. Frano knew the head wine maker and his family so we were treated well. This is the kind of 1:1 experience you never forget. We stopped by several breathtaking beaches, popped in for a swim in the warm, clear waters of the Adriatic sea. Frano taught me about the local economy, how every family would trade local caught fish, handmade olive oil, cured meats, and more with each other. I got a sense of what life was like there. Korcula is a large island, but most families know each other. It's a warm, friendly culture and I felt welcome. Frano took me to the highest point on the island. He showed me around an old fortress and then led me up to a rusted old lookout tower. He introduced me to a man sitting there. No phone. No electricity. Just a simple mattress, chair, and the most basic provisions. Frano explained to me this is how they keep an eye on the entire island for fires during the summer months. But this lookout point was used all the way back to Roman times. Speaking of which, we could see the Italian coast, just 75 miles away from that vantage point. Frano and I were engaged in such interesting conversation all day. Unlike so many guides who offer a scripted approach, this tour was customized for me. He's not rigid at all but he was mindful of time so we could hit all the places he wanted to show me. One of the highlights of the day was a hike around a hidden forest area. I think it was a state park. If you don't know where to look, you'd never find it. What was so cool about this spot is that the area around it was unremarkable scrub brush. It was hot. In the 90's. Once we made our way past that, it was like an oasis. The temperature dropped 20 degrees, the rock formations, plants, and trees suddenly changed. It was mystical. Like something out of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We had the whole place to ourselves. It was stunning, albeit a relatively small area. We walked through narrow, cool tunnels, over boulders, through winding trails, and then back out again. Thanks to Frano's knowledge of the island, I got to experience something most other visitors will never know. We ended up in old Korcula Town and Frano explained its history and architecture. He knew details about the town that made me appreciate everything I saw, like how the buildings were positioned at a specific angle and arc, so the breeze would flow into people's homes-natural air conditioning. Bottom line: Korcula has a lot to offer. It's a beautiful island with a beautiful culture and history. And there's no one better than Frano to show you around his home. To get here, you can take a ferry to Split or Dubrovnik. It's about a 2 hour trip each way. A must visit if you visit Croatia. Thanks again Frano! I will never forget our adventure.
4. Hum fortress hike - guardpost overlooking the south Adriatic
Above Vela Luka, about an hour and a half walk from center of the town, you will find the highest peak of west part of Korčula island. On the top of the hill, overlooking the south Adriatic sea and more than thirty island is a fortress built by Habsburg empire. After exploring and finding out more about the fort, we descend to Pičena cove and walk along the coast of Vela Luka bay back to our starting point. It is possible to arrange for dinner/lunch at a restaurant in Pičena cove where you can also enjoy a swim or a short kayak tour. From the bay it is possible to get transfers back to town, either by a car or a boat. The distance we will cover is about 10 kilometers, with 450 meters of altitude gain (about 6 miles and 1500 feet of elevation gain) which usually takes about 3 hours.
Inclusions: Experienced Guide
Exclusions: It is possible to arrange for dinner at Pičena cove restaurant, a family owned business just a few meters from the sea, Transfers back to town are not included in the listed price
Reviewed By 15geoffs
This was my first trip to Croatia and the island of Korcula. After a week of scuba diving in and around the sleepy village of Vela Luka, I wanted to see the rest of Korcula. I was lucky enough to find Frano as my personal guide to take me on aan adventure I'll never forget. Frano is a local, knowledgeable about every facet of Korcula-from its history and flaura and fauna to its local culture and hidden gems. He's bright, speaks fluent English, and really listened to what I was interested in and what I wanted to do. He is everything you could ask for in a guide: accommodating, friendly, considerate, attentive, thoughtful, fun, and thorough. Frano met with me the day before of our day long tour and shared all the options we could do. He is an advanced rock climber, spelunker, and offers adventurous mountain bike trips. As much fun as that sounded, I only had a day, so I wanted to see and learn as much as I could on Korcula. Frano didn't disappoint. He picked me up with his friend and we headed out for an incredible day. Rocking out to Croatian music along the way, we visited several small towns and had VIP treatment at a beautiful local winery that was several hundred years old. We toasted with several delicious local wines served up with local figs, amazing homemade cheese, bread, etc. We pretty much had the place to ourselves. Frano knew the head wine maker and his family so we were treated well. This is the kind of 1:1 experience you never forget. We stopped by several breathtaking beaches, popped in for a swim in the warm, clear waters of the Adriatic sea. Frano taught me about the local economy, how every family would trade local caught fish, handmade olive oil, cured meats, and more with each other. I got a sense of what life was like there. Korcula is a large island, but most families know each other. It's a warm, friendly culture and I felt welcome. Frano took me to the highest point on the island. He showed me around an old fortress and then led me up to a rusted old lookout tower. He introduced me to a man sitting there. No phone. No electricity. Just a simple mattress, chair, and the most basic provisions. Frano explained to me this is how they keep an eye on the entire island for fires during the summer months. But this lookout point was used all the way back to Roman times. Speaking of which, we could see the Italian coast, just 75 miles away from that vantage point. Frano and I were engaged in such interesting conversation all day. Unlike so many guides who offer a scripted approach, this tour was customized for me. He's not rigid at all but he was mindful of time so we could hit all the places he wanted to show me. One of the highlights of the day was a hike around a hidden forest area. I think it was a state park. If you don't know where to look, you'd never find it. What was so cool about this spot is that the area around it was unremarkable scrub brush. It was hot. In the 90's. Once we made our way past that, it was like an oasis. The temperature dropped 20 degrees, the rock formations, plants, and trees suddenly changed. It was mystical. Like something out of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We had the whole place to ourselves. It was stunning, albeit a relatively small area. We walked through narrow, cool tunnels, over boulders, through winding trails, and then back out again. Thanks to Frano's knowledge of the island, I got to experience something most other visitors will never know. We ended up in old Korcula Town and Frano explained its history and architecture. He knew details about the town that made me appreciate everything I saw, like how the buildings were positioned at a specific angle and arc, so the breeze would flow into people's homes-natural air conditioning. Bottom line: Korcula has a lot to offer. It's a beautiful island with a beautiful culture and history. And there's no one better than Frano to show you around his home. To get here, you can take a ferry to Split or Dubrovnik. It's about a 2 hour trip each way. A must visit if you visit Croatia. Thanks again Frano! I will never forget our adventure.
5. Defora hike - forgotten stone villages of Vela Luka
First destination we head to is an abandoned stone village Dub, a place frozen in time. Less than 50 years ago village was still inhabited but with changes in the local way of life, today it stands completely abandoned. Just after we leave the village a panoramic view of Korčula's southern coast opens up, with plenty of little islets scattered along the coast. We descend towards a secluded pebble beach where you can enjoy a swim. From there the longest uphill of the day awaits - we ascend to top of Hum, the highest peak of western part of the island. With it's prominence and all-around view it is a beautiful lookout spot, overlooking the southern Adriatic sea. With such characteristics, it's not surprising that Habsburg empire built a fortress on top of the hill. From the fortress we descend towards the bay of Vela Luka and Pičena cove, where you can enjoy the sea, go for a paddle with a kayak or sit for a dinner just a few meters from the sea.
Inclusions: Experienced Guide
Exclusions: It is a full day hike, so it is recommended to either bring something in your backpack or we can arrange for a meal in a restaurant along the way., Transfers back to town
Reviewed By 15geoffs
This was my first trip to Croatia and the island of Korcula. After a week of scuba diving in and around the sleepy village of Vela Luka, I wanted to see the rest of Korcula. I was lucky enough to find Frano as my personal guide to take me on aan adventure I'll never forget. Frano is a local, knowledgeable about every facet of Korcula-from its history and flaura and fauna to its local culture and hidden gems. He's bright, speaks fluent English, and really listened to what I was interested in and what I wanted to do. He is everything you could ask for in a guide: accommodating, friendly, considerate, attentive, thoughtful, fun, and thorough. Frano met with me the day before of our day long tour and shared all the options we could do. He is an advanced rock climber, spelunker, and offers adventurous mountain bike trips. As much fun as that sounded, I only had a day, so I wanted to see and learn as much as I could on Korcula. Frano didn't disappoint. He picked me up with his friend and we headed out for an incredible day. Rocking out to Croatian music along the way, we visited several small towns and had VIP treatment at a beautiful local winery that was several hundred years old. We toasted with several delicious local wines served up with local figs, amazing homemade cheese, bread, etc. We pretty much had the place to ourselves. Frano knew the head wine maker and his family so we were treated well. This is the kind of 1:1 experience you never forget. We stopped by several breathtaking beaches, popped in for a swim in the warm, clear waters of the Adriatic sea. Frano taught me about the local economy, how every family would trade local caught fish, handmade olive oil, cured meats, and more with each other. I got a sense of what life was like there. Korcula is a large island, but most families know each other. It's a warm, friendly culture and I felt welcome. Frano took me to the highest point on the island. He showed me around an old fortress and then led me up to a rusted old lookout tower. He introduced me to a man sitting there. No phone. No electricity. Just a simple mattress, chair, and the most basic provisions. Frano explained to me this is how they keep an eye on the entire island for fires during the summer months. But this lookout point was used all the way back to Roman times. Speaking of which, we could see the Italian coast, just 75 miles away from that vantage point. Frano and I were engaged in such interesting conversation all day. Unlike so many guides who offer a scripted approach, this tour was customized for me. He's not rigid at all but he was mindful of time so we could hit all the places he wanted to show me. One of the highlights of the day was a hike around a hidden forest area. I think it was a state park. If you don't know where to look, you'd never find it. What was so cool about this spot is that the area around it was unremarkable scrub brush. It was hot. In the 90's. Once we made our way past that, it was like an oasis. The temperature dropped 20 degrees, the rock formations, plants, and trees suddenly changed. It was mystical. Like something out of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We had the whole place to ourselves. It was stunning, albeit a relatively small area. We walked through narrow, cool tunnels, over boulders, through winding trails, and then back out again. Thanks to Frano's knowledge of the island, I got to experience something most other visitors will never know. We ended up in old Korcula Town and Frano explained its history and architecture. He knew details about the town that made me appreciate everything I saw, like how the buildings were positioned at a specific angle and arc, so the breeze would flow into people's homes-natural air conditioning. Bottom line: Korcula has a lot to offer. It's a beautiful island with a beautiful culture and history. And there's no one better than Frano to show you around his home. To get here, you can take a ferry to Split or Dubrovnik. It's about a 2 hour trip each way. A must visit if you visit Croatia. Thanks again Frano! I will never forget our adventure.
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