Plizio Visual Lab

Kornati Islands

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Kornati Archipelago is the densest island group in the Mediterranean, consisting of 89 islands, islets, and reefs. The Kornati National Park was established in 1980 and covers an area of approximately 217 square kilometers in the central part of the Croatian Adriatic. The islands are predominantly made of karst limestone and are famous for their barren, moon-like landscape and the striking vertical cliffs known as crowns. These cliffs can rise up to 80 meters above sea level and extend deep underwater. Despite the apparent aridity, the islands host over 850 species of flora and fauna, while the underwater world is renowned for its immense biodiversity. Historically, the Kornati islands have been used since the Neolithic period, as evidenced by the remains of Illyrian forts and Roman villas. The absence of permanent settlements and modern light sources makes the park a convenient location for astronomical observations and nautical tourism. The park's management prioritizes the protection of marine ecosystems and the preservation of traditional dry-stone wall architecture.

Location: Croatia
Nearby: Tkon (14 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	5	6	9	13	17	22	25	25	20	15	11	7
Rain mm	90	89	75	68	66	55	40	50	102	96	129	110

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

Access to this memorable archipelago is exclusively by sea, typically via organized boat excursions departing from coastal towns like Murter or Zadar. Independent sailors can enter but must purchase a nautical park ticket in advance.

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Best season

The optimal season for visiting is between late spring and early autumn when the Adriatic is calm enough for smooth boat travel. Mid-summer is peak season, offering first-rate conditions for swimming, though the landscape will be sun-scorched.

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Terrain & paths

The terrain of the islands is incredibly arid, featuring sparse vegetation, sharp karst rocks, and dramatic high cliffs known as 'crowns'. Ashore, there are few formal trails, so walking involves navigating loose, rocky, and uneven ground.

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What to bring

If planning to step ashore, sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes are necessary to handle the sharp, loose rocks. Essential gear includes abundant drinking water, high-factor sunscreen, and a hat, as there is virtually no shade on the islands.

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Parking

For typical visitors taking excursion boats, parking is handled at the marinas or designated lots in the mainland departure towns. Independent boaters will find designated, safe mooring buoys and anchorages within the national park limits.

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Safety

Navigation requires extreme care due to the numerous reefs, shallow waters, and unpredictable winds characteristic of the archipelago. When walking ashore, stay well away from the edges of the high vertical cliffs facing the open sea.

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Time needed

Organized boat tours generally take a full day, spanning about eight to ten hours including travel time from the mainland. Independent sailors often spend several days navigating between the various protected bays and reefs.