Coastal
Kornati Islands
An archipelago of over 140 mostly uninhabited islands, popular for sea kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling in some of the clearest water on the Adriatic.
Founder, from Ruma, Serbia
The Kornati are the densest island group in the Mediterranean, with around 140 islands, islets and reefs off the coast of central Dalmatia. Most of the area is protected as Kornati National Park, and the islands are almost bare of trees: a stark, beautiful landscape of white limestone, dry stone walls and deep blue water.
Sailing is the classic way to explore, and the Kornati are one of the Adriatic's top sailing areas, with sheltered anchorages and small restaurants tucked into the coves. Day trips by boat from Murter, Šibenik or Zadar visit the highlights, including the dramatic sea cliffs known as the crowns, facing the open sea, and the viewpoint above Metlina. Sea kayaking and snorkelling reveal some of the clearest water in Croatia.
Park entry fees apply, including for private boats, which can buy tickets in advance. Most islands have no fresh water or shops, so bring what you need. May, June and September are ideal, warm but far less crowded than peak summer. From Šibenik, Krka National Park makes an easy pairing on land.
When to go
May through September, with the calmest sailing conditions in June and September.
Getting there
Accessed by boat from Zadar, Murter, or Sibenik, roughly 1-1.5 hours from Zadar by car to the departure ports.
Plan your visit
What it costs, how long to allow, and where to base yourself.
Full-day boat trip from €67
Full day; days by sailboat
Murter, Šibenik or Zadar
Zadar or Split, 1-1.5 hrs
Where to stay for the Kornati Islands: Murter or Zadar
Murter is the closest base for the Kornati, with day boats and sailing trips leaving from the island. Hotel Stomorin sits inside Hramina Marina, steps from the boats, and Colentum Resort Murter adds a pool by Slanica beach. Zadar and Šibenik work if you want a bigger town, since day trips depart from both. From Šibenik, pair it with Krka National Park on land.
Hotel Stomorin
Hotel
Price Range:
Mid-range
Inside Hramina Marina, so you sleep steps from the boats heading out to the Kornati. Open all year.
In Hramina Marina
Colentum Resort Murter
Hotel
Price Range:
Upscale
Resort by Slanica beach with a seasonal outdoor pool, for easy swim days between Kornati boat trips.
2 min walk to Slanica beach
Hotel Murter
Hotel
Price Range:
Mid-range
Smaller hotel in Murter with a fitness centre, a garden and free parking, a short walk from Slanica beach.
8 min walk to Slanica beach
Who it's for
Best for: Sailors and anyone who wants the clearest water in Croatia. Sheltered anchorages, tiny cove restaurants and a stark, treeless landscape unlike anywhere else on the Adriatic.
Skip it if: You want beaches, shade or facilities. Most islands have no fresh water and no shops, and the bare limestone offers no shelter from the sun.
Nearby places
Easy to combine on the same trip.
Kornati Islands questions
How much time should I plan for the Kornati?
A full day on a boat trip covers the highlights. Sailing trips spend several days among the islands.
Is this a national park?
Yes, most of the archipelago is protected as Kornati National Park.
Is the water good for snorkeling?
Yes, the surrounding water is some of the clearest on the Adriatic, popular for snorkeling and sea kayaking.
How much does a Kornati trip cost?
A full-day boat trip from Zadar starts around €67, with breakfast, lunch and the Telašćica park ticket included. National park fees apply to every visitor, including private boats, which can buy tickets in advance at a lower rate. Bring cash for lunch or drinks, since food on day trips varies by operator.
What should I bring?
Bring water, food and sun protection. Most islands have no fresh water or shops, and there is almost no shade on the bare limestone.
Are the Kornati worth it?
Yes, if you get out on the water. Around 140 islands of white limestone and dry stone walls, the densest island group in the Mediterranean, with water clear enough to see the bottom from the deck.
Can I visit without a boat?
No. The islands are reachable only by water, either on an organised day trip or a private charter. Murter is the closest departure point.
What should I not miss?
The crowns, the dramatic sea cliffs facing the open Adriatic, and the viewpoint above Metlina. Sea kayaking and snorkelling in the coves reveal some of the clearest water in Croatia.
Ready to sail the Kornati?
A full day under sail from Zadar, max 7 guests: the Kornati archipelago, Telašćica's cliffs and salt lake, and swim stops in clear coves.
