Kornati National Park

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Symphony of Sea and Stone

There are places that make you fall in love at first sight, filling you with sheer joy as you immerse yourself in the splendour of nature. This encapsulates Kornati National Park – a captivating spectacle of majestic cliffs set against the backdrop of the Šibenik archipelago, comprising 89 islands, islets, and crags spread across 217 km²named after its crown jewel, the island Kornat (with Žut Island, the second largest, lying just outside the National Park’s perimeter). Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary landscapes, pristine waters, and rich history of the most indented island group in the Mediterranean.

Venture to the Crowns, the Most Majestic Natural Wonder of the Kornati

As you navigate through the intricate maze of Kornati islets, you’ll encounter their most remarkable phenomenon – the crowns, towering cliffs of the islands overlooking the vast open sea. The tallest crown is on the island of Klobučar (over 80 m), the longest graces the shores of Mana Island (1,350 m), and Piškeri Island holds the record for the deepest (plunging more than 90 m below the sea’s surface). Be sure to visit Magazinova škrila or Vela ploča on the island of Kornat, a limestone plateau formed over two thousand years ago.

Excursion to the Most Beautiful Coves in the Kornati

Sea enthusiasts will fall in love with the stunning coves adorning the Kornati archipelago. The most popular cove is Lojena on the island of Levrnaka, where you’ll find the only sandy beach in the Kornati NP, but be sure to also explore Opat, Ravni Žakan and Vruje.

Historical Gems Amidst the Sea’s Embrace

Though often seen as unforgiving and inhospitable karst wilderness, the Kornati islands reveal a rich historical heritage for those willing to explore. Make sure to uncover the remnants of Kornati’s bygone eras:

Tureta Fortress from the 6th century on Kornat Island
A 16th-century fishing hamlet and the chapel of Our Lady of the Angels on Piškeri Island
Ruins of a Venetian fortress on Vela Panitula Island

In the hearts of the Kurnatari, the inhabitants of the island of Murter who own property on the Kornati Islands, the Church of Our Lady of Tarac on the island of Kornat holds a special place. Every first Sunday of July, a boat pilgrimage takes place here, paying homage to the Virgin Mary.

The Kornati Tragedy: The Stone Lament of Drystone Walls

The undisputed gem of the Kornati is the extensive network of over 300 kilometres of drystone walls, recognised for their masterful construction on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage List. As you stroll amidst the winding maze of rocks that meander through the Kornati islands, you’ll feel as though the very stones have stories to tell. The Dalmatian book etched in stone tells a tale of artistry in survival and sustainable architecture, embodying the harmony between humanity and the islands, a tranquillity palpable in the serene embrace of the Kornati.

The imagery of drystone walls is echoed in the memorial for the Kornati tragedy, where 12 firefighters tragically perished. The crosses dotting the island of Kornat symbolise both the sacrifice made and the unwavering hope for a better tomorrow.

The remnants of a 1959 film set on Mana Island

Snap Timeless Shots Amidst the Breathtaking Landscapes of the Kornati Islands

The dramatic backdrop of the Kornati is tailor-made for capturing picture-perfect photos. Each of these unconventional motifs will elevate your feed:

Tureta Fortress on the island of Kornat
The dreamy cove of Lojena on Levrnaka Island
The intriguing rock formations of Rašip Veli resembling human faces
The remnants of a 1959 film set on Mana Island
The enchanting Tajer Lighthouse on Sestrica Vela Island

Kornati Wildlife: Dive into the World of the Delightful Bottlenose Dolphins

In spite of their barren and inhospitable appearance, the Kornati islands are teeming with life. Beneath the waves, you’ll discover a vibrant underwater world hosting 850 species of animals and over 350 species of algae. With a bit of luck, you might catch a glimpse of a playful bottlenose dolphin or a majestic loggerhead turtle. A birdwatcher’s paradise, the park hosts species such as the yellow-legged gull, swift, peregrine falcon, and Eurasian eagle-owl, providing endless fascination for enthusiasts.

How to Spend Your Time in the Kornati Islands

Embarking on a sea cruise offers a liberating sense of freedom, and exploring the Kornati National Park by boat is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can enjoy while on holiday in Croatia.

This area is hailed by boating enthusiasts as the paradise archipelago, owing to its untamed cliffs, hidden coves offering a sense of total seclusion, and the deep azure of the sea seamlessly merging with the sky. Embrace the diverse holiday experiences that the Kornati have in store for nature lovers like yourself. Experience the thrill of sailing through an island labyrinth, dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Kornati, or spend a perfect morning on a stand-up paddleboard. Absorb the tranquillity of Kornati by lounging on the beach or taking a leisurely walk along two educational trails: Trtuša and Vela Panitula.

Exploring Underwater Kornati

This archipelago promises unparalleled diving adventures. Even a simple snorkel brings a special thrill, but if you’re looking to take it to the next level with full scuba gear, reach out to one of the licensed diving centres offering a range of experiences within the National Park.

Scenic Viewpoints in the Kornati

The scenic viewpoints in the Kornati offer mesmerising panoramas that will leave you breathless. In search of the perfect view, be sure to visit:

Metlina (237 m), the highest peak in the entire archipelago on the island of Kornat
Litnji Vrh on Vela Smokvica Island
Otočevac on Piškera Island
Veli Vrh on Levrnaka Island

Please keep in mind that the land portion of the park is privately owned, so it is important to treat it with care and respect as considerate visitors.

What you need to know before visiting Kornati National Park

While a day trip offers a glimpse of Kornati’s magic, for the full experience, set aside several days.

How to Reach the Kornati?

Visiting the Kornati National Park is only possible by sea, using either your own or rented vessel, or by opting for an organised tour, which you should ensure to book in advance in one of the many towns along the Dalmatian coast.

Admission Tickets for Kornati National Park

Tickets can be purchased at the park reception desk in Murter, at points of sale in most Dalmatian coastal towns, at park entrances near the Vrata od Opata Strait or Velika Proversa Strait, as well as the Kornati NP online store. For comprehensive ticket information, please visit: https://www.np-kornati.hr/index.php?lang=en

Accommodation on the Kornati Islands

Even though the Kornati are not permanently inhabited, private accommodation options provide an opportunity to experience the serenity of island living. For lovers of Robinson Crusoe-style tourism, spending a night in the lighthouse on Sestrica Vela Island is a must-do experience.

Restaurants on the Kornati Islands

Despite pristine nature being the primary reason for visiting the Kornati, the dining options in the restaurants promise a rich and fascinating gastronomic journey.

Make sure to savour the Kornati lamb, celebrated for its unique flavour due to its distinctive grazing methods.
When looking for a memorable keepsake, make sure to get Kornati sage honey, prized for its exclusive flavour that is truly one of a kind worldwide.

When to Visit the Kornati Islands?

While the summer sees the most visitors, spring and autumn present an opportunity to explore the Kornati Islands without the crowds. During these seasons, you’ll feel like you have the islands to yourself, and you can enjoy hiking in more pleasant temperatures.

The magic of the Kornati Islands is one of the must-see wonders in Croatia, as George Bernard Shaw, Nobel laureate in literature, so wonderfully articulated.

“On the last day of Creation, God desired to crown His work, and thus created the Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath,” are the captivating sentiments expressed by the celebrated Irish author.

When you lose yourself in the starry tapestry of the evening sky, the joie de vivre of having experienced Kornati in that special moment will linger on. You’ve found your own slice of heaven in Croatia!