Discover Croatia's Kornati Islands
Scattered across a deep-blue Adriatic, the Kornati Islands offer one of Croatia's most extraordinary yacht charter experiences. This protected national park spans more than 220 square kilometers and encompasses 89 islands, islets, and reefs between Zadar and Šibenik.
With no permanent residents and very little development, the archipelago feels otherworldly. And a yacht is the best way to explore the wild and silent landscapes. Here is why and where you should visit within Croatia's Kornati Islands:
The Unspoiled Islands
What makes the Kornati Islands so alluring is the sense of untouched wilderness. The water is famously clear - so unspoiled that it has been labelled one of the brightest blues visible from space. And with no traffic, nightlife, or light pollution, nights unfold beneath skies thick with starlight. The only sound is the gentle movement of the water against the yacht's hull. Perfect for both charter guests craving a slower rhythm and those looking for adventure.
Top Places To Visit In The Kornati Islands
From sheltered natural harbours and traditional konobas to panoramic viewpoints and historic sites, the Kornati Islands offer a diverse range of stops that reward slow exploration by yacht. The following locations highlight the archipelago’s most compelling anchorages, landscapes, and cultural touchpoints, each offering a distinct experience within this protected national park.
Levrnaka Island
Levrnaka is a favourite among yachts for a straightforward reason: Konoba Levrnaka. This traditional tavern, with a jetty for easy mooring, serves some of the region's best peka - slow-cooked meat or seafood prepared under an iron dome. A short 15-minute walk across the island leads to a beautiful sandy bay - something of a rarity in Croatia. The water here has a Caribbean feel, and many yachts choose to anchor overnight for the serenity.
The Maritime Pilgrimage on Kornat
If your charter coincides with the first Sunday in July, the annual Marian pilgrimage is a moving glimpse into local tradition. Boats from across the region sail to the Church of Our Lady of Tarac on Kornat Island, with many pilgrims still wearing regional dress. It's considered one of the most striking cultural events on the Adriatic.
Picturesque Lavsa
Lavsa is known for offering one of the safest natural harbours in the Kornati chain. It's sheltered from most winds (except the Bora) and framed by sculpted cliffs that turn golden at sunset. With limited space, reservations are wise in unsettled weather. Come for the calm anchorage; stay for the cinematic surroundings.
Uvala Opat On Kornat
A classic Kornati stop, Uvala Opat pairs exceptional dining with one of the best hikes in the national park. The tavern here is excellent, but many visitors come specifically for the walk up Opat Hill. It's a short, sometimes steep climb - best tackled in the early morning or late afternoon - but the view from the top stretches across the entire archipelago. In peak season, reserve a spot on the jetty ahead of time.
Ravni Žakan
Ravni Žakan is ideal for a day of easy luxury. Its restaurant is known for warm hospitality and superb seafood, and the staff can arrange access to the small outdoor gym tucked away nearby. The bay itself is excellent for snorkelling, with bright fish gathering in the shallows. Mooring buoys are available in the next bay.
The Movie-Set Ruins of Mana
Mana's clifftop ruins are perhaps the most photographed landmark in the Kornati Islands - despite being an abandoned film set from a mid-20th-century German production. The drama of their position, perched above the sea, makes them irresistible. Anchor in Mana Bay and follow the path straight up.
Klobučar Cliffs
Klobučar is a protected nature reserve famous for its immense, sheer cliffs, some rising 80 metres from the sea. These "crowns" are said to have inspired the name Kornati. They're especially impressive at sunrise when the limestone glows pale gold.
A View from Žut
If your itinerary doesn't include the whole national park, the island of Žut offers an excellent vantage point. A climb up Tvrdomešnjak peak provides a sweeping bird's-eye view of the archipelago. For the most atmospheric experience, go at sunset. Žut is also home to an ACI marina and known locally for excellent olive oil.
Top Things To Do In Kornati Islands
Life in the Kornati Islands revolves around nature, simplicity, and immersion in the landscape. Activities here are unstructured and deeply connected to the environment, from coastal hikes and open-sea swimming to exploring the rich marine life below the surface. These experiences define the rhythm of a Kornati yacht charter and are best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.
Hiking
The Kornati landscape is stark, bright, and beautiful, ideal for those who want to enjoy panoramic coastal hikes. There is almost no shade, so start early or wait until the evening. The highest point in the archipelago is Metlina on Kornat Island (237m), offering views that make the climb worthwhile. Nearby, the smooth stone slope of Vela Ploča is another striking geological formation caused by ancient landslides.
Diving & Snorkelling
Because the national park is a protected area, the underwater world here is exceptionally vibrant. Individual diving isn't permitted, but local centres organise group dives—especially around Rasip Island—where you may see red coral, gorgonian sea fans, sponges and bright algae. Snorkelling, on the other hand, can be enjoyed almost anywhere the water is sheltered and calm.
Book Your Croatian Charter Today
A charter through the Kornati Islands isn't about grand cities or bustling marinas; it's about the freedom to drift from picturesque bay to bay without rushing. For those looking for an ideal combination of nature, culture, and pure tranquillity, the Kornati archipelago offers one of the Adriatic's most unforgettable yachting experiences. Contact the IYC team today to discuss your next yacht charter to Croatia for the next Mediterranean summer.
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