Vela Luka (Vallegrande). Sailing in southern Dalmatia there are some places not to be missed, the location described here does not rank among the best in the area since it is more commercial and industrial in nature than touristy but in return it offers tranquility, one of the safest shelters, low tourist traffic and ample opportunity to refuel since the town has all the services.

Southern Dalmatia is characterized by large islands that lie between the town of Trogir and Dubrovnick (Ragusa in Italian). Coming from the south, it is advisable to stop first in Montenegro where fuel prices are significantly lower; coming from the north, those with a more eventful vacation planned may consider a stop in Hvar, considered the “Rimini of Croatia.”

Vela Luka is the second port on theisland of Korcula; many sailors choose to stop here since the bay offers good shelter and safe mooring. The town is one of the largest in southern Dalmatia, so the town has all services such as gas station, harbor master’s office, pharmacy, doctor, etc. In addition, during the summer period many events are organized especially dedicated to local music.

History and archaeology enthusiasts cannot miss a visit to the “Great Cave,” the place has been continuously inhabited by man in prehistory for thousands and thousands of years and is recognized as one of the most interesting in the entire Mediterranean basin. There are artifacts that attest to the presence of man in this cave as many as 18,000 years ago, the skeletons found are now in the Vela Luka Archaeological Museum.

The entrance to the gulf and then to the ports is well marked. The available places are those east of the gas station (green flashing light 3 seconds), 500 meters after the south pier where it is not possible to moor because it is intended for ferries to Split. Prices are good 1.64 euros per linear meter. If there is no place at the ports it is possible to anchor in the bay.

Vela Luka is about 40 kilometers from the town of Korcula; the whole island is about 50 kilometers long. Along the southern coast you are protected from the bura and it is easy to find several coves where you can stop, Vela Leuka, however, is the only one that also offers protection from the sirocco. Remember that this wind often ports clouds and thunderstorms, especially in the winter season. In the summer period it appears more rarely and tends to last two to three days, be careful how you anchor because sometimes it happens that in the southern Adriatic Sea the sirocco in the terminal phase turns from southeast to southwest.

In the summer time in this area it is possible to tune in to VHF channel 73 to be constantly informed about the weather situation, the bulletin is communicated in several languages including Italian. For those with radio equipment, on the other hand, one can tune in to Radio Split, which broadcasts a more detailed bulletin in Croatian and English at 7:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.