Kornati National Park

Most visitors opt to explore Kornati National Park on a full-day boat trip from Zadar. Boat tours typically visit highlights such as Fort Tureta, Murter Bay, the Salt Lake, and the landscapes of Telascica Natural Park. Most tours are either private or small-group excursions aboard a small yacht or speedboat.

• Plan to spend a full day exploring the Kornati archipelago.

• Limited visitor facilities, restaurants, and restrooms are located on Kornati Island.

• Bring comfortable shoes if you plan to hike, sun protection, your swimsuit, and plenty of water.

• The national park is a protected conservation zone and certain areas are off limits to visitors.

Kornati National Park is located in the Adriatic Sea, off the coast of central Croatia. The archipelago is roughly eight miles (13 kilometers) from Murter Island, and 17 miles (27 kilometers) from the mainland cities of Sibenik and Zadar. The park is accessible only by private boat or organized boat tours.

Kornati is open year-round. While summer is the most popular time to visit, it’s unlikely to be overcrowded even in peak season. Winter visitors can enjoy the natural landscapes free from crowds, but be aware that all visitor facilities and restaurants will be closed.

The natural beauty of Kornati National Park is undeniably photogenic. Take a sailing tour to soak up the scenery and capture some memorable photographs. Along the way, head ashore to hike around the islands, dive in the Adriatic’s clear waters to swim or snorkel, or join a scuba diving tour.

Yes, it’s worth visiting Kornati National Park—the archipelago is an incredibly beautiful area, which is home to diverse marine life. The national park covers 89 islands, dotted with tiny villages and idyllic beaches.

Yes, you can swim, snorkel, and dive from the islands of Kornati National Park. Many of the islands have beaches where you can swim, such as Lojišće Beach and Sakarun Beach. There are nine designated zones where scuba diving is permitted, but diving expeditions must be organized by an authorized agency.

Yes, boat tours, boat rentals, and boat charters are all available for exploring Kornati National Park. Zadar, the largest city nearby, is the most convenient place to rent or charter a boat. When renting a boat without a crew, you must organize your own park entrance tickets and mooring permits.

Yes, visitors will find hiking trails and viewpoints on many islands in Kornati National Park. On the island of Kornat, travelers can hike to Fort Tureta and the summit of Metlina, both of which offer wonderful panoramas. Visit Vidikovac on Dugi Otok for views across the island’s high cliffs.

Due to its protected status, there are certain rules and regulations for visiting Kornati National Park. These include no off-trail hiking, diving only with authorized organizations, and bans on littering and stacking stones. There are also four zones around specific islets where entry is prohibited.

Yes, Kornati National Park has approximately 20 restaurants and eateries, where you can sample regional Dalmatian cuisine. Most local restaurants are located around the coves on Kornati Island, but many are only open during the summer months. You’ll find more dining options on the island of Murter.