Kornati Islands Sailing: Best Spots To Visit By Boat

The Croatian Kornati Islands, a haven for sailing enthusiasts, are celebrated for their breathtaking beauty in the Mediterranean Sea. Comprising 149 islands, islets, and reefs near Sibenik and Zadar, they are easily accessible from these cities. However, as this entire expanse is within a protected National Park, a daily entry fee is required.

Kornati National Park boasts pristine nature and a history dating back to prehistoric times, best explored by boat as you hop from one island to the next. This archipelago offers a range of activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and diving in crystal-clear waters, as well as hiking and land exploration. Your holiday can be tailored to your preferences and those of your crew.

If you're considering a sailing vacation in Croatia, continue reading to discover the top destinations in the Kornati Archipelago. We're confident you'll make your decision in no time!

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Lojena Lagoon - Levrnaka Island

Also called the pearl of Kornati, it’s the only sandy beach in the whole archipelago as well as one of the most beautiful in the whole Adriatic Sea. It boasts pristine waters and a white-sanded beach that stretches along the bay. Surely a unique location for a day of snorkeling in these turquoise waters! 

Levrnaka is the fourth largest island of the archipelago and one of the few that faces the open sea. 

On the island, you can also find a konoba (tavern), which has been in business since 1994 and offers great local cuisine dishes.

Another great konoba we strongly recommend visiting is the Konoba Žakan, located in the southwestern bay on the homonym island of Ravni Žakan. The turquoise waters of the bay are the perfect background for a relaxing lunch surrounded by nature, while the little harbor facing the restaurants offers a good place to moor for the day.

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The Crown - Mana island 

Here’s where you can find the longest cliff above sea level, also known as Crowns, and called Strmac by locals. The one on Mana Island is the longest (around 1350 meters) and it’s a true spectacle to view from the boat - with favorable weather conditions, of course.  

These huge vertical cliffs are typical of the Kornati islands, and can rise up to 80m from sea level - the highest is on Klobučar island. They’ve been sculptured by the wind and the sea for centuries, and they present different features according to the island they belong to. Around the cliffs, it is also possible to spot some unique birds using the wall to build a safe nest, such as peregrine falcons.

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Lake Mir - Dugi Otok

Located on the southern side of the Nature Park Telašćica, right between Telascica Bay and the sea lays the beautiful Lake Mir (literally, Lake Peace). This lake is saltier than the sea, due to evaporation phenomena and its isolated position, and therefore very poor in biodiversity; but the turquoise color and the pristine vegetation around it, create a surreal landscape. 

The whole Nature Park is definitely worth a visit: one of the most popular trails we recommend doing is a 2km circle around the lake, with stunning views of the archipelago. Expect to encounter friendly and lovely wild donkeys along the way, this is their natural habitat! 

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Old lighthouse - Sestrica Vela

Sestrica Island is a very peculiar islet of the archipelago because it houses a huge lighthouse overseeing the Adriatic Sea. This beautiful tower is around 28 meters tall and dates back to 1876, but the best part is that it is still perfectly preserved and hosts two bedrooms that can be rented for an exclusive and unique stay!

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History and ancient buildings - various islands 

Even though it might look quite desolated, the Kornati Archipelago features ancient buildings that reflect communities' presence throughout the centuries. 

The Fortress Tureta on the island of Kornati is a defensive castle dating back to Byzantine times, used by militants to control both the lands and the sea.  

The Church of our Lady Tarac is a modest building dating back to the 17th century, erected from the ruins of an older basilica that stood in the same place. 

Ancient Romans walked these lands too. We can find a few buildings dating back to that era, such as the Villae Rusticae in Proversa. Many of these buildings are now under the sea, due to the gradual rise of the water. 

Finally, ruins of small square dwellings can be found on many islands and islets demonstrating the presence of humans during the prehistoric era, who were primarily herders and fishermen.  

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Not to miss! 

Dolphins are often spotted in the Kornati archipelago, as they populate this area to search for food and to reproduce. They are very playful and quite used to the presence of humans, so be ready with your camera! Head to the island of Pasman if you want to be sure to spot them. 

We remind you to enjoy the presence of wild animals keeping a safe distance.