Lojena Beach

On the uninhabited island of Levrnaka, deep inside the Kornati National Park, lies Lojena Beach Kornati—one of the rarest treasures in the entire Adriatic. This is one of the very few naturally sandy beaches in the Kornati archipelago, a slender crescent of fine white sand lapped by water so turquoise it looks digitally enhanced. Lojena Beach has become legendary among Croatian sailors, a place where the harshness of the barren Kornati landscape suddenly gives way to an almost tropical tableau. Reaching Levrnaka island beach requires a boat, and that exclusivity is precisely what preserves its magic. If you’re planning a crewed yacht charter in Croatia and your itinerary has room for only one Kornati stop, make it this one.

How to Reach Lojena Beach by Boat

Levrnaka lies in the central section of the Kornati archipelago. From Biograd na Moru, the nearest mainland marina, the passage is approximately 16 nautical miles on a south-westerly course through the Pašman Channel and the outer Kornati islands. From Šibenik, allow around 22 NM, rounding Žirje island before entering the park from the south. From Zadar, the route via the Kornati gap is roughly 24 NM. Approach Levrnaka from the north-east—the bay containing Lojena opens up clearly on the island’s western side. A GPS waypoint of approximately 43°45.2’N, 15°18.2’E will place you 200 metres off the beach. Enter slowly: the sandy bottom rises gradually, and the shallows extend further than they appear from the deck. Cut engines well before the beach to avoid disturbing swimmers and the fragile sandy seabed.

The Beach & Water

Lojena Beach Kornati is roughly 60 metres long and 15 metres deep at its widest point, composed of fine, almost powdery sand mixed with tiny shell fragments. The seabed slopes very gently, creating a wading zone that extends 30–40 metres from shore—perfect for families with children and for anyone who simply wants to stand waist-deep in luminous water. Visibility is typically 15–25 metres, and on still mornings the clarity is breathtaking, with every ripple on the sand bottom visible from the surface. Summer water temperatures range from 23 to 26 °C. Behind the beach, a sparse line of low bushes provides slivers of shade, but the landscape is overwhelmingly Kornati karst—bare grey-white rock, scrubby sage, and an enormous sky. The best sandy beach Kornati has to offer is utterly without pretension: no sunbeds, no umbrellas, just sand, sea, and stone silence.

What to See & Do

Snorkelling around the rocky edges of Lojena bay is exceptional. The transition from sand to rock reef happens abruptly, and along those margins you will find sea bream, wrasse, moray eels in crevices, and vast colonies of fan mussels (Pinna nobilis)—a protected species unique to the Mediterranean. Underwater photographers will relish the contrast between the white sand and the dark rock walls. On land, a short scramble up Levrnaka’s spine brings you to a viewpoint overlooking the entire western Kornati chain—an unforgettable panorama of islands stretching to the horizon. Elsewhere in the park, sailing between the islands is an experience in itself: the “Kornati crowns,” sheer cliffs dropping 80 metres into the sea on the outer edge of the archipelago, are among Croatia’s most dramatic natural sights. Many visitors combine a morning at Lojena Beach Kornati with an afternoon sail past Mana island’s cliffs or a visit to the peaceful anchorage at Luka Levrnaka on the island’s eastern shore.

Anchoring & Mooring

The bay in front of Lojena offers anchoring on 3–8 metres over a sandy bottom with excellent holding once your anchor digs in. Set well and pay out sufficient scope, because the afternoon maestral can build to 15 knots and create a gentle swell at the mouth of the bay. The anchorage is protected from the south-east and east, but open to the west and north-west—if a westerly blow is forecast, relocate to one of the sheltered coves on Levrnaka’s eastern side or to nearby Lavsa island, which offers all-round protection. Swing room is limited when the bay is busy in high summer; arriving before 11:00 secures the best spot. There are no mooring buoys at Lojena, and the national park strictly prohibits anchoring on posidonia beds—look for the sandy patches and drop your hook there. Overnight stays require a valid Kornati National Park permit. Experienced charter captains from Splendid Yachting know the bay intimately and can position your yacht perfectly for safety and comfort.

Best Time to Visit

Late May through mid-June is the sweet spot for visiting the best beach Kornati National Park contains. The water is already warm enough for swimming (21–23 °C), the park’s daily visitor count is low, and the clarity of the sea is at its peak before summer boat traffic stirs sediment. July and August bring the warmest water and the most boats—expect ten to twenty yachts in the bay by midday on a fine weekend. September is superb: the sea holds its warmth at 23–24 °C, and a tranquil atmosphere returns. The park is officially open from April to October; outside those months access is technically possible but services and ranger patrols are reduced. For those exploring the wider region, nearby Dugi Otok island and Telašćica Bay offer stunning alternatives when weather conditions shift.

Essential Tips for Visitors

National Park entry fees are mandatory and checked by rangers who patrol by boat. In 2024 the daily fee was approximately 40–50 EUR for a vessel under 15 metres, with discounts for multi-day passes. Purchase tickets online in advance through the Kornati National Park website or at designated offices in Murter and Biograd—this saves time and guarantees entry on busy days. Bring everything you need: there are no shops, no restaurants, and no fresh water on Levrnaka. Pack sufficient drinking water (at least 2 litres per person), sun cream, a hat, and a shade solution such as a beach umbrella if you plan to stay for hours. All rubbish must leave with you—the park enforces a strict leave-no-trace policy. Spearfishing and collecting any marine life, including shells, is strictly forbidden inside the national park. If you need provisions or a meal, the nearest konoba is on Žut island, about 4 NM north-east of Levrnaka. For a more comprehensive understanding of what to pack and expect on a Croatian sailing adventure, consult our complete guide to yacht charter in Croatia.

Other Kornati Anchorages & Beaches

While Lojena is undoubtedly the star sandy beach of the Kornati archipelago, several other anchorages deserve a place on your sailing itinerary. Ravni Žakan, on the island of the same name, offers sheltered mooring in a picturesque bay surrounded by traditional stone konobas serving fresh fish and lamb under the vine—perfect for a leisurely lunch ashore. To the west, Smokva Bay on the island of Kornat provides a deeper, rockier alternative with dramatic underwater topography ideal for diving and spearfishing (outside park boundaries). For those seeking seclusion, the tiny cove of Opat on the southern tip of Kornat island is rarely crowded and offers crystal-clear snorkelling among rocky reefs. Further south, the secluded Skrivena Luka on Lastovo island provides a pristine alternative for those extending their charter beyond Kornati. Each of these spots complements the Lojena experience, allowing you to explore the full diversity of the Kornati seascape during a multi-day charter—consider exploring our Kornati Archipelago Deep Dive itinerary for a comprehensive route.

Where to Provision & Refuel

The Kornati archipelago is uninhabited and contains no fuel stations, supermarkets, or water taps, so provisioning before you enter the park is essential. Murter island is the traditional gateway to Kornati and home to several well-stocked marinas—Marina Hramina and ACI Marina Jezera both offer fuel, water, ice, and chandlery services. The towns of Murter and Betina have excellent supermarkets (Konzum, Tommy) where you can stock up on fresh produce, meat, and Croatian wines. Alternatively, Biograd na Moru has a large marina complex (Marina Kornati) with comprehensive facilities including a fuel dock, pump-out station, and waterfront shops. If departing from the south, Šibenik’s marinas (ACI Šibenik, D-Marin Mandalina) provide similar services. Plan to carry at least 50 litres of drinking water per person for a multi-day Kornati cruise, and remember that waste disposal is your responsibility—bag and store all rubbish until you return to a marina with proper facilities.

Location & Map

Lojena Beach is located on the western shore of Levrnaka island in the central Kornati archipelago at coordinates 43°45.2’N, 15°18.2’E. The bay is approximately 16 nautical miles southwest of Biograd na Moru, 22 NM from Šibenik, and 24 NM from Zadar. Use the map below to plan your approach and explore nearby anchorages and destinations within Kornati National Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lojena Beach accessible without a boat?

No. Lojena Beach is located on the uninhabited island of Levrnaka inside Kornati National Park, which has no ferry service or public transport. The only way to reach the beach is by private boat, chartered yacht, or organized excursion from marinas on Murter, Biograd, or Šibenik. This remoteness is precisely what keeps Lojena pristine and crowd-free.

Do I need a permit to visit Lojena Beach in Kornati National Park?

Yes. All vessels entering Kornati National Park must purchase a daily or multi-day ticket. Park rangers patrol regularly and check permits. Tickets can be purchased online at the official Kornati National Park website or at offices in Murter and Biograd na Moru. Prices vary by vessel length and season; expect to pay 40–50 EUR per day for a yacht under 15 metres in 2024.

Can I anchor overnight at Lojena Beach?

Yes, overnight anchoring is permitted in the bay at Lojena Beach provided you hold a valid national park ticket. The anchorage offers good holding on sand in 3–8 metres of depth and is sheltered from easterly and south-easterly winds. However, the bay is exposed to westerlies—if a westerly wind is forecast, relocate to a more protected anchorage such as Luka Levrnaka on the island’s eastern side.

Are there any facilities or restaurants on Levrnaka island?

No. Levrnaka is completely uninhabited and has no facilities, no fresh water, no restaurants, and no shops. You must bring all provisions, drinking water, and supplies with you. The nearest konoba is on Žut island, approximately 4 nautical miles north-east of Levrnaka. Plan accordingly and carry out all waste when you leave.

What is the best time of year to visit Lojena Beach?

Late May to mid-June and September are ideal. Water temperatures are comfortable (21–24 °C), the park is less crowded than in July-August, and sea clarity is exceptional. High summer (July-August) offers the warmest water (24–26 °C) but attracts the most boats—expect 10–20 yachts in the bay on busy weekends. The park is officially open April to October.

How can I plan a yacht charter to Lojena Beach?

The most comfortable way to experience Lojena Beach Kornati is aboard a crewed motor yacht charter with Splendid Yachting. With an experienced captain who knows the Kornati archipelago intimately, you can enjoy perfectly timed arrivals, safe anchoring, and insider knowledge of the best spots—all while relaxing with full catering and service. Request a custom itinerary that includes Lojena Beach alongside other Croatian highlights.