Best of Vela Luka

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Vela Luka
Towards the western end of Korčula Island, Vela Luka is a small, picturesque town set around a sparkling natural harbor. There are some fine nearby coves for swimming, including Picena Bay, with its rocky beach and tranquil waters. Northeast of town lies Vela Spila, a large-domed cavern where archaeologists discovered a trove of ceramic artifacts dating back more than 18,000 years. These Paleolithic finds are on display at Vela Luka’s Centre for Culture. The town is also famous for its dance traditions and a cappella–style singing.  

In the past, kimkim travelers have hopped a boat to the island of Proizd for a secluded getaway. The clear turquoise water and white stones make a fabled setting for a day on the beach. There’s little development apart from a lone summertime restaurant, and shaded paths through the woods lead you to different overlooks on the small island. Another fine day trip destination is Ošjak, an uninhabited island of pine forests and rocky coves a mere 15-minute boat ride from Vela Luka.
Plan your trip to Croatia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
The medieval hilltop town of Motovun
Map of Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, Split & Dubrovnik - 14 Days
Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Rovinj, Plitvice, Split & Dubrovnik - 14 Days

Set out to explore the hidden gems of Croatia on this extensive two-week itinerary from the romantic vine-covered hills and Venetian-style coastline of Istria to the ancient coastal cities of Dalmatia. From Zagreb, you'll immerse yourself in the Istrian Peninsula exploring medieval hilltop towns, seeking out prized white truffles, and dining on fresh-caught seafood in top-rated restaurants before experiencing the delights of the Dalmatian coast. You'll take in an unforgettable sunset in Zadar, discover cascading waterfalls and emerald-green lakes in Plitvice Lakes, sail in and around the nearly-barren islands of the Kornati, and enjoy views over the Adriatic and historic saltpans from a parapet walkway in Ston.

The charming hilltop town of Buzet in the Istrian peninsula
Best of Croatia: Zagreb, Istria, & Dalmatia - 13 Days

Go from medieval hilltop towns in vineyard-covered Istria to charming coastal cities of the Dalmatian coast over the course of this 13-day trip. You'll begin in the art-forward capital of Zagreb before venturing to the romantic landscape of the Istrian peninsula where you'll hunt for truffles, tour fortressed villages, and relax on pebbled beaches. Carry on down the coast after spending the night in breathtaking Plitvice Lakes to watch a sunset in Zadar, visit your own personal island off of Korčula, and explore the rugged beauty of the Pelješac peninsula.

Discover the Dalmatian coast and Adriatic islands on an exciting bike tour
Map of Dalmatian Coast Bike Tour: Split, Hvar, Korčula, & Dubrovnik - 7 Days
Dalmatian Coast Bike Tour: Split, Hvar, Korčula, & Dubrovnik - 7 Days

Discover the Dalmatian coast from Split to Dubrovnik on this week-long self-guided cycling adventure. You'll warm the legs with a ride up Marjan Hill to look over the historic city of Split, ride alongside fields of lavender and ancient Greek ruins in Hvar's interior, and cross the length of Korčula to drink native wines and swim in the sea. Then it's back to the mainland with a ride over the ruggedly beautiful Pelješac peninsula to the historic saltpans of Ston before ending the trip with two nights in the "Adriatic Pearl," and a day to venture into the rural countryside beyond the city's gleaming streets.

Other popular travel destinations in Croatia
Dalmatian Coast · Dubrovnik · Split · Hvar · Korčula · Zagreb · Plitvice Lakes · Zadar · Ston · Istria · Rovinj · Hvar Island · Motovun · Vis Island · Opatija · Trogir · Mljet Island · Brač Island · Skradin · Stari Grad · Šipan · Šibenik · Osijek · Bale · Miljet Island