VELA LUKA (42° 58'N; 16° 43'E), town (pop. 4,464 in 1991) and harbour in the bay of the same name on the W coast of Korcula.
Approach: Landmarks: the white hexagonal masonry tower (white light) on the western extremity of the island of Proizd; the octagonal masonry tower (white light) on Velo dance point and the square masonry tower (red light) on the islet of Kamenjak; the pyramidal stone tower with a red balcony (red light) on Vranac point; the belfries and the chimney of the fish cannery; the white tower with a column and a balcony (green light) on the head of the car-ferry landing place; the white tower (green light) on the W end of the quay in Vela Luka.
The passage between the islands of Proizd and Korcula is shallow (3 m). The rocks Izvanjska and Prva are situated N of this passage. In the proximity of the low-lying point of Velo dance, which should be given a berth of at least 400 m, there is the barely visible Cancir rock.
Mooring: The harbour is sheltered from all winds but stronger westerlies send in waves. Yachts can moor alongside the quay, a part of which is reserved for local passenger ships (depths 2.14.8 m). Smaller yachts can use the four-point moor alongside the small jetty E of the quay (depths 1.32.1 m).
The bay affords good protection to yachts: the anchorage ground E and ESE of the Osjak islet (depths 3050 m); Plitvine cove (where smaller yachts can use the four-point moor); Gradina cove (good anchorage for yachts drawing up to 4 m) and alongside the shore in Bobovisce cove.
Facilities: Harbour master's branch office, post office, hotels, rest-homes, numerous espresso-bars and restaurants, medical service, chemist's, fish-cannery; Zubatac Fishing Club, head office of Pomorska plovidba shipping line. In Kale cove, situated at the head of the harbour, there is the Kalos sanatorium (treatment of joint inflammations, sciatica and female disorders with radioactive water and mud).
Water from the hydrant. Fuel at the pump on the waterfront. Repairs can be undertaken at the Greben shipyard.
Car-ferry lines: Lastovo (Ubli) - Vela Luka - Hvar - Split; Lastovo (Ubli) - Vela Luka - Split.
Every four years Vela Luka is the venue of an international club (workshop) of architects, sculptors, painters and mosaic artists. The works of art produced are donated to Vela Luka.
