National Park Kornati

National Park Kornati, In the central part of Croatian Adriatic Sea, about 15 Nm to the west from Sibenik town, 7 Nm to the southwest from Murter, or 15 Nm to the south from Zadar town, there is amazing group of islands named Kornati archipelago.

Beauty and singularity of the archipelago moved authorities in 1980 to proclaim a bigger part of that area national park. Since then certain modifications of its borders were made, so that nowadays this National Park occupies the area of about 220 km2 (54.000 acres). There are 89 islands, islets and reefs within the area of National Park (238 km of the coastline), what makes it the most indented group of islands in the Mediterranean.

The land part of National Park covers less than 1/4 of its total area, but the values of its landscapes, the "crowns" (cliffs) on the islands facing the open sea, and interesting relief structures, make this part of Kornati National Park unique. Besides, the submarine area, whose biocenosis are considered to be the richest in the Adriatic Sea, and also the magnificent geomorphology of the sea bed attracts divers from all over Europe to come and enjoy in unforgettable submarine adventures.


In tourist publications, National Park is often referred to as “a nautical paradise”. By taking a slalom-like cruise through 89 unforgettable islands, islets and reefs, you will have a chance to test your nautical skills and abilities especially if the weather “helps” you at it.To take the cruise, you only need to have a valid entrance ticket to the Park.

To visit the Kornati National Park and not dive into the fascinating undersea world is almost a sin. Qualified autonomous divers are in an advantageous position: they can enjoy those undersea natural values because of which (among other things) the area was designated a national park. To those who are not in possession of a diver’s certification, we recommend they use a mask and a snorkel to take a peak at the deep blue of the crystal clear sea area, as there is an abundance of unforgettable natural beauties that can be seen from the sea surface as well.

Or just take a swim in the crystal clear and warm sea of the Kornati area. It’s an experience that speaks for itself!No special permit is required for swimming within the Kornati National Park.

The undersea world offers you the pleasure of exploring the exceptionally rich flora and fauna. The land section of the Park, although it often gives an impression of a “half-desert”, also abounds in plant and animal life. The Park includes an interesting variety of birds: Eurasian eagle owl, peregrine falcon, kestrel, common buzzard, shag, and seagull.

There are app. 20 restaurants and taverns within the Kornati National Park. They offer quality domestic cuisine that mostly includes seafood specialties (fish and crabs) and domestic lamb from the Kornati area. Some restaurants also offer “ordinary” food for those who are not very fond of the Kornati cuisine.
An amazingly rich starry sky that spreads over the Kornati National Park unspoiled by artificial lights, the quietness and serenity of the natural sea ambiance, the smell of the sea, the fresh air and the soft cooling breeze make the night in the National Park Kornati an outstanding experience, a unique experience! If you try it, you will know what we are talking about.

Anchoring and overnight stay in the Kornati National Park are allowed. There are 16 bays set aside for this purpose.

To have a taste of the life in on the Kornati Islands, contact one of the tourist offices in Murter. They will gladly help you make the necessary arrangements.
For more info visit official website of Kornati National Park.

How to reach

The park can be reached by any sea-going vessel, either your own boat or using the transport service of some local boatman or touristic agency in Murter or some other place on the Adriatic coast. Information about boatmen and tourist agencies which have permission for doing business within the park area, can be obtained in Kornati National Park Office in Murter. Location of the park is seven nautical miles from Murter and approximately 15 nautical miles from Sibenik or Zadar(North Dalmatia).

Map of National Park Kornati

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