Vela Luka
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| Vela Luka
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 Vela Luka harbour from SW |
The harbour of Vela Luka lies at the head of a deep inlet at the W end of the island of Korcula in Croatia, around four miles ESE of the islet of Proizd at the extreme W tip. Vela Luka is the second largest settlement on the island after Korcula Town and is the main ferry port for car and passenger ferries to and from Split on the mainland. Owing to its sheltered position and excellent natural harbour, Vela Luka has always been the main fishing harbour on the island, a position which it still retains even though the quays are increasingly populated by tripper boats and visiting yachts. The town is commercial rather than picturesque, but its position at the W end of the island makes it a convenient overnight or provisioning stop when on passage through the islands.
Charts
- British Admiralty
- 2712
- 269
- Croatian charts
- MK21
- Imray
- M26 (Split to Dubrovnik)
Weather
Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.
Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.
For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets.
There are no dangers in the immediate approach to Vela Luka. However the shoals around the headland have depths of only 6.0 metres. The islet of Osjak on the S side of the bay can be left on either side. Once nearing the head of the inlet, the long ferry jetty with a red light structure on it is conspicuous on the S shore.
Entrance
Vela Luka is a year-round port of entry. Customs and Immigration offices are at the E end of the harbour, close to the town quay.
Berthing
Visiting yachts normally berth on the town quay at the E end of the harbour, 500 metres past the ferry jetty on the S shore, just before the inlet turns N and narrows significantly. There is space here for around 25 yachts berthed stern or bows-to. There are two laid lines per berth. Depths are 3.0 - 4.0 metres. Alternatively there are mooring buoys to the right of the fuel dock. Cost for the quay for 15 metres was 300 kuna (May 2015) and for a mooring buoy 150 kunas in May 2013. If you use a mooring buoy you are allowed to then go to the quay to fill up with water. Shelter here is good in all conditions except strong W winds, which send in an uncomfortable swell.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
There is a good anchorage in the wide cove on the NW side of the harbour approaches, U. Plitvine, where it is possible to find shelter in all conditions except strong SW winds. It is more comfortable at anchor here than on the town quay in W winds. Anchor in 8.0 - 9.0 metres at the head of the cove, taking a line ashore if necessary. Holding is good in sand and weed.
A smaller yacht may be able to anchor right at the top of Vela Luka inlet, in the part that turns N after the town quay. However, while depths are 2.0 - 4.0 metres the inlet is very narrow here and there is little room to swing, since there are small boats on moorings all the way round. It is only really comfortable anchored fore and aft and even then you may get some disapproving glances from local boat users.
Yacht Repairs and Services
Basic repairs possible.
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
Fuel berth just W of town quay (0600 - 2200). Water at fuel berth. Water and electricity points on town quay.
Things to do Ashore
Tourism
While the town is not unpleasant, Vela Luka lacks the attractions of its neighbour at the other end of the island, Korcula Town and is best regarded as an overnight or provisioning stop. There is a cave, Vela Spila, on a hill above the town where Neolithic remains have been found. These and other exhibits are preserved in the town’s museum.
Grocery & Supply Stores
Supermarkets and other provisions shops in the town. Fruit and vegetable market.
Eateries
Several restaurants and café/bars.
Internet/WiFi
In internet cafes.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
Rental outlets in the town.
Garbage Disposal
Bins near the town quay.
Transport
- Ferries to Split and neighbouring islands.
- Local buses to Korcula Town.
Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Vela Luka at the Wikipedia
- Korcula Tourism website
Also see Croatia.
References & Publications
See Croatia.
Comments
We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit.
Verified by
Date of member's last visit to Vela Luka and this page's details validated:
- August 2005 --Athene of Lymington 17:27, 23 April 2012 (BST)
- May 2015 --Zebahdy of London
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