The Kornati are a maze of around 150 bare, rocky islands between Zadar and Šibenik. Since 1980, 89 of them have been protected as Kornati National Park, one of the most unusual landscapes on the Adriatic.
Why visit
The islands are almost treeless: tawny grass, limestone and old dry-stone walls running over the hills. On the seaward side, cliffs drop steeply into the sea – up to about 80 m on Klobučar.
Most of the land has long belonged to families from Murter, who kept sheep and olives here. In summer a few konobas open in the coves, mostly serving sailors and boat trips.
Where to stay
There are almost no places to stay in the park. Most visitors come on a day trip from Murter, Biograd na Moru, Zadar or Šibenik; sailors anchor or moor in the park’s bays and marinas.
Getting there and around
You can only reach the Kornati by boat. Day trips run in summer from towns between Zadar and Primošten, usually leaving in the morning and returning in the early evening, often with lunch on board. If you sail yourself, buy a national park ticket in advance – for example at the park office in Murter.
Parking
Leave the car in Murter, Biograd or wherever your boat trip departs. Parking near the harbours fills up in July and August.
Day trips
Nearby destinations
Croatian Islands
Brač
The big island opposite Split – Zlatni Rat beach, Vidova Gora and white Brač stone.
Croatian Islands
Korčula Island
A green island in southern Dalmatia with a walled medieval town, white wines and quiet bays.
Croatian Islands
Mljet
Forested island near Dubrovnik with a national park, two saltwater lakes and a monastery on an…
Croatian Islands
Murter
Island joined to the mainland by a bridge, the gateway to the Kornati National Park.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit the Kornati without a boat?
No – the park is reachable only by sea, on a day trip or your own boat.
Where do Kornati boat trips leave from?
Mainly from Murter, Biograd na Moru, Zadar, Vodice and Šibenik.
