National Park of Kornati Islands

Kornati National Park

The Kornati Islands, located in the southern part of the North Dalmatian islands, 7 nautical miles from Murter and 15 nautical miles from Šibenik and Zadar, are a place that impresses with its natural, untouched beauty.

This magical place is distinguished by its exceptional natural beauty, crystal clear sea, interesting geomorphology, "ragged" coastline and unique marine ecosystem.

It is a large group of islands, islets and reefs near the islands of Dugi Otok and Žut. They represent the most "ragged" archipelago of the Mediterranean. The islands look like pearls spread above the sea surface.

The National Park, which this place was declared in 1980, has an area of 220 km² and includes 89 of the 150 islands, islets and reefs. The park on the mainland makes up only a quarter of the total area, the largest part is part of the sea.

In the immediate vicinity of Dugi Otok is the Telašćica Nature Park. On the largest island of Kornat (32.5 km2) is the highest point of the archipelago - the Metlina hill (237 m).

Within the National Park there are four strictly protected areas, consisting of islands and reefs that are not accessible to tourists.

Due to the harsh conditions, the vast majority of the islands are uninhabited. However, there are some that are visited by descendants of the native islanders in the summer. This is when the old Dalmatian cottages take on colour, colour and life. The remains of fishing villages and houses adapted for tourism can still be found primarily on the coast. The islands are privately owned, and the owners are mainly residents of the islands of Murter and Sali. Individual plots are separated by stone walls and the mosaic that creates them is one of the most interesting cultural attractions of the National Park. This idyllic picture is complemented by sheep grazing freely on rocky pastures. Traditionally, olives, grapes, fruit and vegetables are grown on more fertile parts of the land. The lack of surface water is replaced here by rainwater and crushed dew.

The chain of Kornati islands was named after the largest island, Kornat. The name is associated with a well-known phenomenon occurring in the park - the crown. This is the name given to the steep cliffs on the outer side of the island, which run into the sea. All this is the result of extensive geological activity, when the African tectonic plate slid under the Eurasian one, conquering part of the Earth's surface. The longest "crown" above sea level is located on the island of Mana (1350 m above sea level), and the highest on the island of Klobučar (82 m). The deepest reef under water can be seen while diving on the island of Piskera (over 90 meters). Rock climbing or individual diving (only under the supervision of a diving center) is not allowed.

A unique and unforgettable experience is the view from the peaks of the islands. There are marked routes leading to them. The highest peak is Metlina (237 m) on the island of Kornat. In the southeastern part of this island there is a breathtaking perspective of the Opat hills and a beautiful view of the sea. The entire national park, as if at your fingertips, can be seen from the islands of Otočevac and Pišker.

An interesting and popular tourist destination is Magazinova Škrila on the island of Kornat. It is a unique piece of limestone, which long ago, after the formation of the islands, probably due to an earthquake, slid from its bedrock. In the bay of the island of Lavsa you can still see the remains of medieval salt storage.

The Kornati archipelago has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Numerous remains of rectangular objects, settlements and typical stone slopes have survived from the Illyrian period. There are also traces of other cultures such as: Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and of course Croatian. The former, main source of income was primarily animal breeding and fishing. The most interesting monument is the preserved Byzantine fortress on the island of Kornat - Tureta, probably from the 6th century, from which it was checked whether the Adriatic Sea was not too dangerous for sailing. At the foot of the fortress is the medieval church of Our Lady of Tarca (Gospa od Tarca), where every year, on the first Sunday in July, a Marian pilgrimage takes place. On this occasion, hundreds of boats bring visitors to the area.

The natural wealth of the Kornati National Park is particularly well-maintained. Although most of the islands do not have rich vegetation, the estimated number of plant species and subspecies is 700-800. Due to the lack of vegetation, the islands are home to birds, reptiles and amphibians in particular. However, it is a rich marine world with over 350 species of marine plants and countless species of marine life (approx. 2,500-3,000 species), of which 160 are fish species.

The surface of the islands is dominated by karst formations made up of limestone and dolomite - caves, depressions and valleys, which are partly underwater. They consist of bare stone, which contrasts interestingly with the rich underwater world. The climate on the islands is mild, with dry, hot summers.

Entrance to the national park is paid, and tickets can be purchased at the two receptions of the Park (higher price) or at selected marinas and tourist offices on the coast. The headquarters of the Kornati National Park is Murter, where you can get all the information, brochures, maps and souvenirs.

You can visit the park on your own boat or on an organized trip with tourist agencies from neighboring coastal towns. You can find many activities here - exploring the islands by sailboat, doing recreational fishing, diving, swimming, cycling, observing the world of plants and animals, or getting a taste of life like Robinson Crusoe.

One thing is certain - no matter how you spend your time and explore the Kornati Islands, this experience will leave a mark in your heart forever, and the unique images in your memory will never fade.

We wish you the same!