Kornati National Park
Kornati islands are a sea paradise, located in the northern part of Dalmatia, which consists of 89 islands, islets, cliffs and reefs. Their spectacular landscape is best experienced from the air, sailing between them on the crystal clear sea or from one of the island lookouts.
The view of the Kornati islands will impress you in any case, and it is worth the effort to experience them in different ways. Part of the Kornati archipelago, approximately two thirds of the mainland and waters, is today a national park.
KornatiI Archipelago
These stone pearls of the Mediterranean, as they are often described, are the largest, most indented and most attractive island group in Croatia. The Kornati archipelago was probably named after the cliffs facing the open sea, which are also called crowns (corona – kornati).
The Kornati islands are home to many species of plants and animals, including approximately 850 marine species. The presence of dry stone walls and olive groves on the islands testifies to the historical importance of agriculture for this area. They are the testament of the hard work that has been put into life on these beautiful islands.
Do you wonder why the Kornati are bare? Dense forests of holm oak and pine trees used to grow on the Kornati islands, which were cut down during the Illyrian period due to the need for pastures and arable land. The millennial exploitation of these areas has resulted in deforestation and turning the islands into rocks.
The island of Ravni Žakan
Ravni Žakan is an uninhabited island of 0.3 km2, located at the southern entrance to the Kornati National Park. It is easiest to reach it by boat from Murter, which is approximately 16 kilometers away. Žakan is the perfect starting point for exploring the Kornati and the surrounding islands.
After a full day of sailing and enjoying swimming in the perfectly clean Adriatic Sea, Žakan offers a peaceful harbor, tempting gastronomic specialties and comfortable accommodation.
It is an ideal place for a romantic dinner, hanging out with friends, business partners or team building. Whichever occasion you choose, you will be guaranteed an unforgettable time.
Kornati sea bed
The Kornati seabed is extremely clean with exceptional clearness. The light penetrates deeply, creating a specific habitat for fish and various species of beautiful corals. To date, 353 species of algae and 3 species of seagrass have been recorded in the Kornati National Park, as well as about 850 species of animals. Among them are 61 species of coral, 177 species of mollusks, 127 species of polychaetes, 61 species of decapods, 64 species of echinoderms and 185 species of fish.