Kornati National Park

The Kornati island chain was named after the largest island, Kornati. This name is related to a well-known phenomenon occurring in the park - the crown. This is the name of the steep cliffs on the outer side of the island that run deep into the sea. All of this is the result of extensive geological activity as the African tectonic plate slid beneath the Eurasian plate to conquer part of the Earth's surface. The longest "crown" above sea level is located on the island of Mana (1,350 m above sea level), and the highest on the island of Klobučar (82 m). The deepest underwater reef can be seen when diving on Piskera Island (over 90 meters). Rock climbing or individual diving (only under the supervision of the diving center) is not allowed.

A unique and unforgettable experience are the views from the tops of the islands. Already marked routes lead to them. The highest peak is Metlina (237 m) on the island of Kornat. In the south-eastern part of this island there is a breathtaking perspective of the Opat hills and a beautiful view of the sea. The entire national park can be seen at your fingertips from the islands of Otočevac and Piškera.

An interesting and frequently visited tourist destination is Magazinova Škrila on the island of Kornat. It is a unique piece of limestone that slipped from its base long ago, after the formation of the islands, probably due to an earthquake. 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 structures, 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 there is the medieval church of Our Lady of Tarca, where a Marian pilgrimage takes place every year on the first Sunday of July. On this occasion, guests come to the area in hundreds of boats.

The natural wealth of the Kornati National Park is particularly well cared for. 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 in particular are home to birds, reptiles and amphibians. It is a rich marine world with over 350 species of marine plants and countless species of marine life (approximately 2,500-3,000 species), of which 160 are fish species.

The surface of the islands is dominated by karst formations composed 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 subject to a fee, and tickets can be purchased at two reception desks 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 by your own boat or on an organized trip with tourist agencies from neighboring coastal cities. You can find many activities here - explore the islands by sailboat, engage in recreational fishing, dive, swim, ride a bike, observe the world of plants and animals, or experience life like Robinson Crusoe.

One thing is certain - whatever form of spending time and visiting the Kornati Islands you choose, this experience will leave a mark on your hearts forever, and the unique images in your memory will never fade.

This is what we wish you!