Sailing the Kornati Islands

Lojena Lagoon – Levrnaka Island

AKA the pearl of Kornati, it’s the only sandy beach in the whole area as well as one of the most beautiful in the entire Adriatic Sea. Immerse in its pristine waters and a white-sanded beach that unwinds along the bay. A unique location to spend a day of snorkeling, enjoy the sunset and have dinner onboard in a very peaceful place! 

Levrnaka is the 4th largest island of the archipelago and one of the few on the windward side of the marine park. 
A konoba (tavern) awaits for you on the island, a nice place that older sailors may remember operating since 1994 and which still offers tasteful dishes.
Another great konoba we can mention as place equally worth visiting is the Konoba Zakan, located in the southwestern bay on the (smaller) island of Ravni Zakan. The emerald waters of the bay are the ideal background for a relaxing light-lunch where the sense of pure nature still dominates the scene, and a place with the option to get to the little port facing the restaurants – a good place if you don’t want to stay on the anchor during the day.

The Crown – Mana island 

Called Strmac by locals, this is the longest cliff above sea level, also known as Crowns. The one on Mana Island is the longest (around 1350 meters) and it’s a true spectacle to view from the boat, when weather conditions are good.  
These steep vertical cliffs are typical of the Kornati islands, and can high up to 70m or 80m above the sea level. The highest cliffs are found in Klobucar island. Modeled through centuries by rains, winds and the sea waves, they are said to host different kinds of wildlife depending on the island they belong to. Not rarely you can spot groups of “birdwatching” groups around the cliffs, looking for unique birds such as the peregrine falcons and their well protected nests.

Lake Mir – Dugi Otok

 Lake Mir lies on the southern side of the Nature Park Telascica, right between Telascica Bay and the open sea (it translates “Lake Peace”). This lake is saltier than the sea, due to water evaporation, its small depth and its isolated position. For a place like this you can’t expect rich biodiversity around but the emerald color of the waters and the pristine vegetation around it, creates a hyper-real landscape. 
The entirety of the Telascica Nature Park is undoubtedly worth a visit because it one of the most popular hike trails recommended, in fact a 2km circle around the lake, with stunning views of the archipelago, a completely different experience than you think, and you will make friends there: the local peaceful wild donkeys live here long time ago. 

Old lighthouse – Sestrica Vela

Sestrica Island is a small strange-shaped islet of the archipelago because it houses a rather big (for the size of the islet) lighthouse overseeing the Adriatic Sea. This beautiful tower is 28 meters tall and it’s construction started in 1876, and surprisingly it is still perfectly preserved. Sure you ‘ve secured your accommodation on your sailing yacht, but if you feel like you can rent two bedrooms of the lighthouse for an exclusive and unique stay!

Ancient buildings and Historical sites in various KORNATI islands 

One can say that nowadays the islands in the Kornati Archipelago may be looking abandoned or neglected, but it was not always the case. Many old buildings in the area tell us that smaller or bigger vibrant communities lived here throughout the centuries. 

An example is the Tureta Fortress 

 on the island of Kornati (yes, there is also an island named Kornati), a structure made for clearly defensive purposes, a castle that dates to the 13th century and was used by Byzantine militants to observe and control both the lands and the sea.  

Another one is the Church of Lady Tarac 

 
is a modest small and charming building dating back to the 17th century, constructed with the stones of an older ruined christian basilica church that stood in the same place. 
Among others, ancient Romans dominated and lived in these islands for certain periods and we can today still see a few buildings they left behind them, such as the Villae Rusticae in Proversa. Many of these buildings are now under the sea, due to the gradual rise of the water. 

Also, ruins of small square remnants of settlements you can see on many islands and islets witnessing the presence of humans during the ancient, historic and prehistoric era, primarily being herders and fishermen at that time. The absence of big cities and crowded places with very little or no permanent inhabitants is the biggest asset of these islands and we often hear from our clients that it is exactly what they like most. And it also is why they go back home after a week or two very relaxed and refreshed, as if they were out for a long vacation time of 4 or 6 weeks. 

Not to miss! 

Like in other places in the Mediterranean sea, in Kornati archipelago  Dolphins are often spotted playing on the bow of the sailboat. It is one of their favorite places with lots of food for them and the right conditions to reproduce. They like “playing” and have become familiar with sailing yachts and catamarans and with humans of course. So have your camera ready anytime. Around the island of Pasman is where you have most chance to meet dolphins.

Pasman Island

Pasman island is the spot where you can start getting back to normal and social life (a little bit), right after you have spent a 2-3 days in the most unspoiled parts of the Kornati natinal park.

Sibenik

is the oldest Croatian town on the Adriatic coast with a unique location in a picturesque bay at the mouth of the river Krka.

is a bigger place in the area, a bigger city where you can find everything in fact. Worth taking a walk in the old town with stone built houses closely built one to another with narrow tiny streets and winding (lots of steps – beware) and vaults. Can’t miss the small squares and numerous cultural and historical monuments, part of Sibenik’s rich history or Sibenik’s magnificent cathedral – an impressive monument of the European sacral architecture, recently named one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Numerous restaurants, bars too and cultural and entertainment events are often held.

Skradin

town is located on the right bank of the river Krka . Skradin is the entrance to the Krka National Park where there is a marina (ACI) with 220 berths and the city of traditional meetings of Dalmatian folk songs, festivities and bowlers Carnival celebrations, and certainly the culinary delights that provide restaurants and taverns with Dalmatian prosciutto, bread baked, fresh fish and seafood, barbecue and excellent wines. Local marina is one of the most beautiful and most visited on the Croatian coast.

Watefalls in the Krka national park

Worth visiting are one of the watefalls in the Krka national park (Roski waterfall,  Manojlovac waterfall) and  the settlement of Burnum with the old roman amphitheater), as well as some of the wonderful trails in the park.

Zlarin

Zut

Murter

Vodice