If you want the wildest, most dramatic sailing in Croatia, point the bow towards the Kornati Islands. This national park of 89 bare, sun-bleached islands and reefs – scattered like stepping stones across the Adriatic – is one of the Mediterranean's great cruising grounds. There are almost no roads, no towns and few people; just stone, sea, and lonely anchorages where you moor beneath a cliff and dine at a family konoba. It's Croatia at its most elemental, and it can only really be seen from the water.
What makes the Kornati special?
George Bernard Shaw famously said the gods created the Kornati "from tears, stars and breath". The islands are strikingly bare – grazed smooth over centuries – which gives them an almost lunar beauty. Their seaward sides drop away in dramatic cliffs known as "crowns", plunging far below the surface. Because the archipelago is a protected national park, it stays blissfully undeveloped and the water is astonishingly clear.
Sailing the Kornati Islands
Most Kornati trips set off from Zadar, Biograd or Šibenik on the Dalmatian coast, threading out through the Pašman and Žut channels into the park. Distances are short and the sailing is varied – sheltered channels one moment, open water with a fresh breeze the next. A few highlights:
- Telaščica bay (on Dugi Otok, at the park's edge) – a huge, sheltered natural harbour with towering cliffs and a salt lake nearby.
- The "crowns" of Ključ and Maširina – sheer cliff faces on the islands' outer edge.
- Konoba anchorages – tie to a family restaurant's buoy and eat fresh fish and lamb cooked under the peka.
- Lonely coves for a swim in water so clear the anchor seems to float.
The Kornati pair beautifully with a wider Dalmatian route – see our guide to the most beautiful bays in Croatia for the islands further south.
Practical tips
The Kornati is a national park, so a daily entry ticket is required to sail and anchor within it – on a guided trip your skipper takes care of that. Facilities are minimal by design: stock up on water and provisions before you enter, as there are no supermarkets among the islands. That very remoteness is the whole appeal – this is nature, not nightlife.
Dreaming of these wild anchorages? Discover our Croatia sailing trips and set a course for the Kornati.
Best time to sail the Kornati
The season runs from May to October. June and September are ideal: warm water, steady but gentle winds and quiet anchorages. July and August bring the most reliable sunshine and swimming, but also the most boats – arrive early at popular konobas to secure a buoy for the night.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a ticket to sail in the Kornati?
Yes – the Kornati is a national park with a daily entry fee for boats. On a guided trip your skipper arranges the ticket for you.
Where do Kornati sailing trips start?
Usually from Zadar, Biograd or Šibenik on the northern Dalmatian coast, all a short sail from the park.
Are there shops and restaurants in the Kornati?
There are no towns or supermarkets, but family-run konobas in some bays serve wonderful fresh food. Provision before you enter the park.
Conclusion
Bare, beautiful and gloriously remote, the Kornati Islands are Croatia's ultimate sailing wilderness – 89 islands made for exploring under sail. Ready to drop anchor beneath the crowns? Discover our Croatia sailing trips.
