Marina Kornati

Biograd na Moru lies on the coast of northern Dalmatia, facing a screen of islands and the entrance to the Kornati archipelago, and Marina Kornati is the town's large yachting harbour. It is among the oldest nautical marinas on the Croatian coast, and it has been serving sailors since the 1970s, when yachting began to develop as a part of the country's tourism. Today it is one of the major marinas on the Adriatic, with more than 800 berths in the water and a wide range of services on land.

The location explains its popularity. Biograd sits at the centre of a sheltered stretch of sea between the mainland and the island of Pašman, and it is within easy reach of some of the best cruising grounds in the Mediterranean: the island of Kornati, with its bare limestone islets, the coves of the Zadar archipelago, the waters of the Telašćica nature park and the calm channels around Murter. A boat based here can reach a different bay each day, and many charter companies have their fleets in Marina Kornati for this reason.

For people who do not sail, the marina is also a pleasant place to walk. The quay is lined with boats of every size, from small motorboats to large sailing yachts and catamarans, and cafés and restaurants serve meals with a view of the masts. Services include repairs, supplies, chandlery, a fuel dock and winter storage, and staff are used to helping crews with moorings and local advice. In autumn the marina is the venue for the Biograd Boat Show, a large nautical fair that brings exhibitors and visitors from across Europe and displays boats, equipment and accessories.

A short walk away lie the other sights of Biograd. The Biograd Waterfront (Riva Biograd), the Biograd City Park, Soline Beach (Plaža Soline), the Church of St. Anastasia (Crkva svete Stošije) and the Church of St. Roch (Crkva svetog Roka) are all within easy reach, and the Kornati National Park can be visited by day-trip boat. Vransko Lake, the largest natural lake in Croatia, lies just inland and is good for cycling and birdwatching.

The marina suits sailors, charter guests, families and anyone who enjoys boats and harbours. Weather and wind decide many sailing plans, so ask locally for forecasts, and if you are visiting only for the day, walk the quay in the early evening when crews are returning and the lights come on across the water.