The island of Korčula is one of the most beautiful gems of Croatia and is known for its dense forest. That is why the ancient Greek called the island Black Korčula and you will understand why they did this when you are getting closer to the island during your luxury Mediterranean yacht charter in Croatia. Korčula is one of Croatia’s most treasured islands. Slightly more removed for the mainland, the island is less visited than its neighbors, so if you are looking for a more secluded feeling, make sure Korčula is part of your itinerary this summer. How about going off the beaten path for a day and get in touch with your wild side? The town of Vela Luka, on the western side of the island is home to many artists, painters, sculptors and poets. About thirty artists work and live there at what they call the most beautiful cove in the whole world. Meet one of them to color the town!
The history of Korčula
The first known inhabitants of Korčula were Illyrian tribes who occupied a large part of Dalmatia and lived off farming and fishing. All over the island you will still come across their fascinating stone burial mounds, roughly shaped as a blunt cone. Upon the arrival of the ancient Greek, Korčula became a Greek colony. However, the Greek made no attempt to integrate with the Illyrians, who continued both their tribal lifestyle and their separate existence. It seems that the Greek never associated themselves with the Illyrians, possibly due to the Illyrians being perceived as part of a lower social class. An important document from this period is a stone tablet called the psephism from Lumbarda. This stone plaque, written in ancient Greek, is the oldest written document found on the territory of Croatia. Fortunately, this relic from the past can still be seen in Korčula’s museum. The golden period for Korčula was between the 13th and 15th century. The old town took shape and it was during this period that the Venetians left their distinctive mark on its architecture. In 1918, Korčula became part of the Kingdom of the Serbs, Croats and Slovenes under the Versailles Agreement and in 1991, Croatia became an independent state.
Graffiti in Vela Luka
Your captain will anchor your yacht in the stunning deep, wide bay of Vela Luka. The bay of Vela Luka is home to numerous coves bordered by luscious vineyards, olive tree groves, and mysterious fig trees and pine trees. The beaches of Vela Luka are beautiful and the sea is crystal clear. What a perfect spot to start your day! The crew will bring you to shore by tender where your private driver for today will be waiting for you to show you the town. The first stop will be the Cultural Center, next to the parish church of St. Joseph. The center consists of a museum, a gallery and a library. The wealth and diversity of Vela Luka’s history, art and cultural heritage is displayed in several collections, the archaeological collection, the international collection of drawings, the graphics and small sculptures collection and the collection of ship models carved in wood. The gifted international collection is the result of the donations the Cultural Center received from domestic and foreign artists after Vela Luka got hit by a tidal wave in the summer of 1978. Make sure to check out the two sculptures by Henry Moore!
Now that you are inspired by all the art work you were able to admire, it is time to actually be an artist yourself! Luckily, your chief stewardess told you to bring an apron or one of your least favorite shirts, because it is time to try something else, graffiti. You will be meeting up with Ivo, who has been a graffiti artist for twenty years, at an old water polo pool that has been empty and out of commission for thirty years. Ivo will spray paint a graffiti and will teach you everything there is to know about the history of the art of graffiti, by explaining each individual graffiti in and around the pool. You will learn who the artists were and when and why they decided to make this art work. Ivo will do the same at the next location, the fence of an old shipyard. Then it is time to get to work. Make sure to take plenty of pictures of your personal art work to show your friends and family back home!
Abandoned tunnels
On your way back to the yacht during your Mediterranean yacht chartet, stop at the abandoned tunnels of Korčula. After Croatian’s independence in the 1990’s, the military installations on the island of Korčula were simply abandoned and are now open for exploration. The main complex is large, with several empty buildings, machines, rusting trucks, and other heavy military equipment. On the way to the entrance of the tunnel, you will notice deserted bunkers and hangars. Take a look at the entrance of the tunnel, which goes underground for several hundred meters, maybe even kilometers, in complete darkness. While most of the structures are vacant, some of them have been repurposed, such as the building that is presently being used as an oil refinery. Now that you are a graffiti expert, you will probably see good options for some new art work!
Time to relax
Your tender will be waiting for you to bring you back onboard and will set sail to the beautiful beaches of the island of Proizd. The bays of Proizd island have been voted the most beautiful beaches in Croatia several times, and it’s a must during your Mediterranean yacht charter. Keep your eyes peeled, you might spot dolphins on your way! The island is uninhabited and is the perfect location to spend a relaxing afternoon in the water with your loved ones. The crew will get all the water toys out and all you have to do is decide which one you are going to use first during your day off the beaten path in Croatia!
