Vela Luka (Vallegrande). When sailing in southern Dalmatia, there are a few places you shouldn’t miss; the town described here isn’t among the best in the area, as it has a more commercial and industrial character than a tourist one, but in return it offers tranquility, one of the safest harbors, minimal tourist traffic, and ample opportunities to restock, since the town has all the necessary amenities.

Southern Dalmatia is characterized by large islands located between the town of Trogir and Dubrovnik (Ragusa in Italian). If you’re coming from the south, it’s a good idea to stop first in Montenegro, where gas prices are significantly lower; if you’re coming from the north and have planned a more active vacation, you might consider stopping in Hvar, often referred to as the “Rimini of Croatia.”

Vela Luka is the second-largest porton the island of Korčula; many sailors choose to stop here because the bay offers good shelter and a safe mooring. The town is one of the largest in southern Dalmatia, so it offers all the necessary services, such as a fuel station, harbor master’s office, pharmacy, doctor, and more. In addition, during the summer, numerous events are organized, particularly those dedicated to local music.

History and archaeology enthusiasts shouldn’t miss a visit to the “Great Cave”; the site has been continuously inhabited by humans since prehistoric times for thousands and thousands of years and is recognized as one of the most interesting sites in the entire Mediterranean basin. There are artifacts attesting to human presence in this cave as far back as 18,000 years ago; the skeletons discovered there are now on display at the Archaeological Museum in Vela Luka.

The entrance to the gulf and then to the harbor is well marked. The available berths are those east of the gas station (green flashing light for 3 seconds), 500 meters past the south pier, where mooring is not permitted because it is reserved for ferries bound for Split. Prices are reasonable at 1.64 euros per linear meter. If there is no space at the port, you can anchor in the bay.

Vela Luka is about 40 kilometers from the town of Korčula; the entire island is about 50 kilometers long. Along the southern coast, you’re sheltered from the bora, and it’s easy to find several coves where you can stop; however, Vela Luka is the only one that also offers protection from the sirocco. Keep in mind that this wind often brings clouds and thunderstorms, especially during the winter. In the summer, it occurs less frequently and typically lasts two to three days; be careful how you anchor, because sometimes in the southern Adriatic Sea, the sirocco shifts from southeast to southwest as it dies down.

During the summer, you can tune in to VHF channel 73 in this area to stay up to date on the weather; the forecast is broadcast in several languages, including Italian. If you have a radio, you can tune in to Radio Split, which broadcasts a more detailed forecast in Croatian and English at 7:45 a.m., 2:45 p.m., and 9:45 p.m.