The Kornati archipelago
The Kornati are a dense cluster of bare limestone islands off the coast of northern Dalmatia, between Zadar and Šibenik. The archipelago stretches about 35 km, and the southern part has been a national park since 1980. The park protects both the islands and the surrounding sea. Kornat, the largest island, makes up about two-thirds of the park's land.
The islands are almost treeless, with dry-stone walls running over grey and ochre hills and very clear water around them. On the seaward side, the islands end in tall cliffs, known locally as krune (crowns). Nobody lives here permanently. Most of the land is privately owned, much of it by families from Murter and Dugi Otok, who bought the islands in the 19th century. Some of them still keep stone cottages, olive groves and sheep on the islands.
The Kornati are best seen from a boat. Most visitors come either on a day excursion or as part of a sailing week.
Where charters start
The nearest bases are:
- Murter, home to the national park administration. Jezera and Betina, on the same island, are nearby.
- Biograd na Moru and Sukošan, which have large charter fleets south of Zadar.
- Šibenik and Vodice, to the south-east.
Most bareboat and skippered charters run Saturday to Saturday. A week in the area typically combines the Kornati with Telašćica Nature Park on Dugi Otok, the islands of the Šibenik archipelago (Žirje, Kaprije, Zlarin) and Krka National Park via the Šibenik channel.
To hire a yacht without a skipper in Croatia, at least one person on board needs a recognised skipper licence and another a VHF radio certificate. Otherwise, a skipper can be booked through the charter company.
Park fees for 2026
Entry is charged per vessel, by length and season. Tickets bought before entering the park, at sales points or online, are much cheaper than those bought from rangers inside. According to the park's 2026 price list, a one-day ticket costs:
- Up to 6.99 m: €25 (Oct–May) / €45 (Jun–Sep) bought outside; €45 / €90 bought inside the park
- 7–10.99 m: €30 / €65 outside; €65 / €130 inside
- 11–17.99 m, the size of most charter yachts: €50 / €95 outside; €95 / €190 inside
Three-day and five-day tickets are also available. A three-day joint ticket for the Kornati and Telašćica must be bought online through the mySea portal. For an 11–17.99 m boat, it costs €150 out of season and €300 in summer. Fishing permits are sold separately, and diving is allowed only with an authorised dive centre.
Moorings, anchoring and rules
The park has designated mooring buoys and anchoring zones in its bays, and there are rules about where you can anchor. Some areas are strictly protected, with no entry, fishing or diving allowed. The park publishes current zoning and rules, and the charter company will usually brief you on them.
Several bays have small konobas (taverns) with their own moorings, which are typically free if you eat there. These are seasonal family businesses, so check whether they are open before relying on them for dinner.
There are no shops, fuel stations or fresh water supplies within the park. Fill your tanks and buy provisions in Murter, Sali or your base marina before you go.
Winds and conditions
Summer weather is usually settled, with a light breeze in the morning and the maestral, a north-westerly sea breeze, building in the afternoon. The two winds to watch are:
- Bura (bora): a cold north-easterly that can arrive suddenly and blow hard for a day or more, especially outside high summer.
- Jugo: a south-easterly that builds over several days, bringing waves and rain.
Many Kornati bays are exposed in one direction or another. Check the Croatian Meteorological Service's marine forecast, which is broadcast on VHF, every morning, and pick your overnight anchorage to suit the wind.
Things to see from the water
- The cliffs on the islands facing the open sea, best seen in calm weather and from a safe distance.
- Tureta, a small tower on Kornat, probably from the 6th century, above the church of Our Lady of Tarac.
- Telašćica, a long, sheltered bay on Dugi Otok, with a salt lake (Mir) and high cliffs on the outer side. It is a nature park with its own fees.
- Sali, the main village on Dugi Otok, with a harbour and supplies.
Day trips instead of a charter
If a week on a yacht isn't practical, excursion boats run day trips to the Kornati and Telašćica from Murter, Biograd, Zadar, Šibenik and Vodice in season. The park entry is normally included in the price. A day trip gives you a good look at the islands, though you will spend much of the day travelling and won't see the quieter bays in the morning and evening.
