Kornati Islands National Park

Nacionalni park Kornati

An archipelago of 89 sparsely vegetated islands creating a dramatic seascape of limestone cliffs and azure channels, best explored by boat tour. This is one of the Mediterranean's most stunning island clusters and a UNESCO heritage site.

Things to do

• Boat Tour Through the Archipelago — Explore the 89 islands by guided speedboat, navigating dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and turquoise channels that define the park's seascape.
• Snorkeling at Purara Reef — Dive into crystal-clear waters at this underwater reef system to spot Mediterranean fish, sea urchins, and vibrant marine life in shallow depths.
• Visit Veli Žakan Island — Hike this sparsely vegetated island to discover stone shepherds' shelters (konobas) and panoramic views of the entire archipelago.
• Fishing Excursion — Join a licensed fishing tour to catch Mediterranean species like sea bream and grouper while learning traditional Adriatic fishing techniques.
• Kayaking Through Island Channels — Paddle a sea kayak through narrow passages between islands for intimate encounters with limestone formations and isolated beaches.
• Visit Lavsa Island — Explore this inhabited island with a small fishing village to experience traditional Dalmatian island life and local stone architecture.

Food to try

• Grilled Fresh Fish — Locally caught Mediterranean fish like sea bream, grouper, or dentex grilled simply with olive oil, lemon, and herbs at waterfront restaurants.
• Pašticada — A traditional Dalmatian beef stew braised in red wine with prunes and spices, representing authentic Northern Dalmatian cuisine served in island konobas.
• Octopus Salad (Salata od Hobotnice) — Tender boiled octopus dressed with olive oil, garlic, and parsley, a refreshing local specialty reflecting the region's seafaring heritage.
• Dalmatian Prosciutto (Dalmatinski Pršut) — Salt-cured and air-dried ham from the Dalmatian hinterland, served as an appetizer with local cheese and olives.
• Buzara — A light seafood stew of mussels, clams, or shrimp cooked in white wine, garlic, and herbs, traditionally eaten with crusty bread.

Local customs & good to know

• Book Tours Through Official Concessionaires — All boat tours and visits to the national park must be arranged through licensed tour operators; independent exploration is prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem.
• Respect the Sparseness — The islands have minimal infrastructure and few year-round residents; bring sufficient water and supplies, and follow strict waste disposal rules.
• Understand Konoba Culture — Traditional stone shepherds' shelters (konobas) dot the islands as cultural remnants; locals value these historical structures as symbols of centuries-old pastoral life.
• Visit in Shoulder Seasons — May–June and September–October offer ideal conditions with fewer crowds and calmer seas than peak summer, respecting the park's conservation needs.

Nearby

• Ugljan Island — 15 km
• Pasman Island — 18 km
• Biograd na Moru — 29 km
• Zadar — 40 km