Kornati Islands National park is one of the most indented archipelagos on the Mediterranean, a unique cluster of 150 islands, islets and cliffs spread over the central part of the Adriatic Sea. It is the bluest corner of the Adriatic.
The Kornati Islands National Park (Cro. Nacionalni Park Kornati) is a unique cluster of 89 islands, islets, reefs, and cliffs scattered over the Adriatic Sea's central part like jewels. It’s often regarded as the Adriatic's bluest corner and the prettiest part of the Croatian Adriatic Sea with stunning landscapes, breathtaking views, romantic bays, exciting hiking trails, and a remarkable underwater world.
It’s especially popular among boaters who wish to set sail on a different type of adventure, under different rules. To them, Kornati is like a labyrinth spread across the turquoise sea made out of glistening islands and the very definition of a nautical paradise.
The Kornati Islands are divided into two main groups: the Lower Kornati (Cro. Donji Kornati) and the Upper Kornati (Cro. Gornji Kornati)
The Lower Kornati mostly face the open sea in the southwest, while the Upper Kornati are closer to the mainland, consisting of the Sit and Žut island chains. Žut is the most intended of the islands, the biggest being Kornat, having the whole archipelago named after it.
The Kornati National Park has a handful of natural phenomena on each corner, one of them is the ancient cliffs that used to be called crowns (Cro. kruna). Some assume that it’s the etymology of the name “Kornati”. The miraculous cliffs tear the sky with their height - the highest being 161m in height, and the deepest 90m in depth. The view on top of the cliffs is as majestic as it gets, with the wonderous archipelago in your palm.
Other must-see highlights of the Kornati National Park include the shallow channel Mala Proversa, Špinuta Bay, the majestic Stiniva Bay, Lavsa Bay, Island Levrnaka, Mana island, Piškera island, Panitula Vela island, Vrgada island, the resort island Ravni Žakan, the Opat peninsula, Samograd island, and the Purara reserve.
There are no inhabitants on the islands, and the vast bulk of the land is owned by Murter Island residents who come to tend the olive groves, vineyards, and orchards. During the agricultural season, they stay in cottages on the Kornati islands.
Where are the Kornati islands?
The Kornati archipelago is a peace of heaven located in the northern part of Dalmatia, in the vicinity of majestic and historical Dalmatian towns, Zadar and Šibenik. It’s spread across 224 square kilometers of the most beautiful part of the Adriatic Sea.
How can I go to Kornati National Park?
Getting to Kornati Islands National Park is only possible by a sea-going vessel.
If you have your own vessel, keep in mind that there are two marinas in the archipelago: Marina Piškera (in the Kornati Islands National Park), and Marina Žut, other on the island of Žut.
However, the best way to experience Kornati Islands National Park is by booking a private tour, accompanied by a professional guide.
Luckily for you, we’ve got you covered with our Kornati Islands National Park Full Day Tour from Zadar.
With the best price-to-quality ratio, you’ll get to absorb the wonders of the Kornati Islands National Park while staying on a budget.
Enjoy the peace of untouched nature and book your tickets right away!
Why is Kornati a National Park?
The Kornati archipelago's 89 islands, islets, and reefs were declared a national park in 1980, to protect the islands and their precious surroundings from external influences.
The Kornati Islands National Park is a piece of paradise on the Adriatic Sea of immeasurable value that had to be protected to preserve its beauty.
Can you stay at Kornati Islands?
Absolutely! Kornati Islands are a trendy tourist destination to spend the night. There are many apartments and homes to rent, mostly in Vrulje on Kornat island.
It’s possible to spend a Robinson Crusoe-style vacation staying in a house with no running water or electricity. This is the perfect getaway where you can spend some time with all that matters: your thoughts loved ones and nature.
And for those who want an out-of-the-box vacation, it’s even possible to stay in a lighthouse.
Where can you eat at Kornati Islands?
In addition to natural beauty, the Kornati Islands can boast a diverse gastronomic offer that pleases the crowds.
So, when in Kornati, take the opportunity to eat like a Dalmatian and try top fish specialties and high-quality wines in konobas (taverns) and restaurants.
There are many cozy konobas and restaurants to choose from, which will further connect you with the culture, tradition, and way of life in Dalmatia through delicious dishes.
Some of those are Restaurant Opat, Restaurant Jadra, Konoba Levranka, and Konoba Smokvica.
Give them a go and try some of the best fish and seafood specials that are a true delight for your tastebuds.
Kornati National Park tickets
The first thing you should know is that tickets are charged only for vessels, no matter the amount of people on board.
The tickets can be bought at multiple places, including the online sphere.
They can be bought at the Reception desk in Murter (Phone: +385 (0)22 434 077), the Reception desk in Luka Zakan on the island of Ravni Zakan (NP Kornati), or the Reception desk in Uvala Vruje on the island of Kornat (NP Kornati).
However, we recommend you buy them on their webshop, as the tickets bought online are cheaper.
The ticket prices vary depending on the length of the vessel, the number of days you plan on spending there, and the time of the year. You can check their detailed price list for more information on that topic.
The best way to fully absorb everything that Kornati Islands National Park has to offer and enjoy it to the maximum is by booking a private tour, accompanied by a professional guide.
You’ll get to experience the wonders of Kornati at its finest, cruise into the Park, swim and sunbathe in Lake Mir, and get away from the city to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.
The Kornati Islands National Park is as good as a vacation gets.
We know that, and we want you to experience the same.