Kornati National Park is one of the finest sailing grounds in the entire Mediterranean. Those who explore Kornati National Park by yacht discover an archipelago of 89 islands, islets, and reefs spanning an area of approximately 220 square kilometres. The stark beauty of this island world with its steep cliffs, hidden coves, and crystal-clear waters makes every sailing trip an unforgettable experience.
Table of Contents:
- Why Explore Kornati National Park by Yacht
- The 89 Islands: Geography and Highlights
- Navigation and Route Planning in Kornati National Park by Yacht
- Anchorages and Overnight Options
- Fees, Regulations, and Practical Information
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why Explore Kornati National Park by Yacht
A yacht offers the best way to experience the Kornati authentically. Most islands are uninhabited and only accessible from the sea. The few konobas (traditional taverns) are exclusively supplied and served by boat. With your own or chartered yacht, you enjoy complete freedom in route planning and can reach secluded anchorages that larger excursion boats cannot access.
The sailing area is excellently suited for crews of varying experience levels. The distances between the islands are manageable, navigation is straightforward in good visibility, and numerous sheltered bays offer safe anchorages. However, navigating between the many reefs and shallows requires careful chart work and ideally modern navigation aids.
The 89 Islands: Geography and Highlights
The national park officially comprises 89 islands, of which only the two largest — Kornat and Žut — are permanently inhabited. The total area of the park is 220 square kilometres, three-quarters of which is sea. The characteristic steep cliffs on the outer sides of the islands — the so-called “crowns” — drop up to 80 metres vertically into the sea and offer spectacular views.
The Most Important Islands for Yachtsmen
The island of Kornat itself, at 25 kilometres in length, is the largest in the archipelago. Along its southwest coast, you will find the steepest cliff faces. The island of Žut in the northern part offers several good anchorages, including the sheltered bay of Hiljača. Smaller islands such as Smokvica, Levrnaka, and Piškera have konobas serving fresh fish and local specialities.
Particularly noteworthy is the island of Mana with its bizarre rock formations and the small Byzantine church from the 6th century. The island of Lavsa harbours the remains of an early Christian basilica. These historic sites are silent witnesses to a time when the Kornati were more densely populated than today.
Geological Features
The Kornati consist mainly of limestone and dolomite. The characteristic barren vegetation — predominantly maquis scrubland and scattered olive trees — resulted from centuries of sheep grazing. The islands appear grey-white and form a fascinating contrast with the deep blue sea. Over millennia, erosion created the distinctive shapes and structures that make the archipelago so unique.
Navigation and Route Planning in Kornati National Park by Yacht
Thoughtful route planning is essential for a successful cruise through the Kornati. Most sailors depart from Šibenik, where D-Marin Mandalina offers a modern marina as the ideal starting base. From there, you can reach the northern Kornati in approximately three to four hours of sailing. Alternatively, Split or the marina in Biograd na Moru also serve as suitable departure points.
The classic route leads through the Kornatski Channel, the main shipping lane between the islands. This channel runs in a north-south direction and offers spectacular views of the steep coasts. For a one-week charter, you should plan no more than 15 to 20 nautical miles per day, allowing sufficient time for anchoring, swimming, and exploring.
Navigation Aids and Hazards
Up-to-date nautical charts are indispensable. The waters around Piškera and south of Žut in particular have numerous shallow areas and reefs. In southerly winds (Jugo), wave action on the outer sides of the islands can increase significantly. The northwest sides of the islands then offer better shelter. In northerly winds (Bura), the opposite applies — you should favour the southeast sides.
GPS and chart plotters greatly facilitate navigation but do not replace visual vigilance. Many shallows are clearly visible due to the turquoise colouration of the water. Always keep a lookout and reduce speed in unfamiliar waters.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal season for a yacht cruise extends from May to October. June and September are considered the best months: pleasant temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius, moderate wind, and significantly fewer crowds than in midsummer. In July and August, anchorages can be overcrowded, and temperatures frequently exceed 30 degrees. In spring and autumn, the likelihood of bad weather is higher, but you will experience the Kornati almost entirely to yourself.
Anchorages and Overnight Options
The national park offers numerous anchorages of varying quality. While some bays are safe in any weather, others are suitable only in certain wind directions. Marina Piškera is the only marina within the national park and has approximately 120 berths with basic infrastructure.
The Most Beautiful Bays for Anchoring
The bay of Lojena on the island of Levrnaka is considered one of the most beautiful anchorages. In northerly winds, it offers perfect shelter, and the konoba of the same name serves excellent fresh fish. The bay of Vrulje on the south side of Kornat impresses with clear water and a sandy bottom that provides good holding.
In the Telašćica bay south of the Kornati, you will find one of the best-protected natural harbours in the Adriatic. The bay is already outside the national park, but many crews use it as a starting point. Other recommended anchorages include the bay of Opat on Kornat, the bay of Statival, and the previously mentioned bay of Hiljača on Žut.
Konobas and Provisions
On several islands, local families run traditional konobas that are open during the season. These simple restaurants are exclusively supplied from the sea and offer authentic Dalmatian cuisine. Grilled lamb, fresh fish, and octopus salad are among the specialities. Reservations are recommended during peak season.
Important to know: there are no shops on the islands. All supplies must be stocked before entering the national park. The markets in Šibenik offer an excellent selection of fresh produce, bread, and local cheese.
Fees, Regulations, and Practical Information
Fees must be paid to enter the national park. The amount depends on the length of the yacht and the duration of stay. A 40-foot yacht pays approximately 105 euros for one day and around 370 euros for one week. Prices are adjusted annually. Tickets can be purchased at the entry stations near Piškera or Žut, or booked in advance online via the official national park website.
Important Rules of Conduct
Strict environmental protection regulations apply within the national park. Anchoring is only permitted at designated spots. Lighting fires on land is generally prohibited — the risk of wildfires is extremely high in summer. Rubbish must of course be taken with you. Fishing without the appropriate permit is prohibited and is subject to severe penalties.
The speed limit within the park is 12 knots. In certain zones, particularly near swimming bays, the limit is 6 knots. Park rangers carry out regular checks and impose substantial fines for violations.
Connections with Other Destinations
A cruise through the Kornati can be excellently combined with visits to other Dalmatian highlights. Hvar with its glamorous harbour lies approximately 40 nautical miles to the south. The unspoilt island of Vis, once a military restricted zone, impresses with its pristine nature. Korčula, the presumed birthplace of Marco Polo, is well worth a multi-day stay.
North of the Kornati, the historic city of Šibenik offers cultural attractions, above all the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral of St James. The region around Šibenik is also a suitable starting point for excursions to the Krka Waterfalls. Further south, after several days of sailing, you can reach Split with the imposing Diocletian’s Palace or the famous Dubrovnik.
Experience Kornati by Yacht — Charter from Šibenik
Our base at D-Marin Mandalina (Šibenik) is just 20 nautical miles from the Kornati — the ideal starting point for your Kornati cruise. Skippered or bareboat charter available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many days should you plan for the Kornati?
For a relaxed cruise through the main attractions of Kornati National Park, a minimum of four to five days is recommended. In one week, you can explore the most beautiful bays, visit several konobas, and also reach some of the smaller, more remote islands. Anyone wishing to see all 89 islands will need considerably more time and should plan for two weeks.
Do I need a boating licence?
Yes, a valid boating licence is required for operating a yacht in Croatian waters. Most international boating licences are recognised in Croatia. Additionally, you will need a VHF radio operator certificate. Charter companies also require proof of sufficient sailing experience, typically in the form of a logbook or a sailing certificate.
Is there a water supply in the national park?
Only Marina Piškera has water connections. At the anchorages and in the bays, there is no freshwater supply. Plan your water consumption carefully and fill the tanks completely before entering the park. Economical use of water is advisable throughout your entire stay.
Can beginners sail the Kornati?
With certain limitations, yes. The area is considered moderately challenging in good weather. The distances are manageable, and sheltered bays offer safe anchoring opportunities. However, the numerous shallows and reefs require attentive navigation. Beginners should ideally have an experienced skipper on board or at least possess good basic knowledge of navigation and anchoring manoeuvres.
What wind conditions prevail in the Kornati?
The most common wind is the Maestral, a thermal breeze from the northwest that typically sets in late morning and blows until evening. It brings pleasant sailing conditions with 10 to 20 knots. The Jugo (southerly wind) is often heralded by hazy weather and can persist for several days. The feared Bura (northeasterly wind) occurs mainly in winter and spring but can also appear suddenly in summer, reaching wind speeds exceeding 40 knots.
Is it worth visiting outside peak season?
Absolutely. May, June, and September offer ideal conditions with pleasant weather and significantly fewer yachts at the anchorages. Temperatures are mild, the water is already warm enough for swimming, and charter yacht prices are lower than during peak season. However, some konobas are closed outside the main season, and the weather can be more changeable.