Posted by The Kornati Islands are islands in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia. They are known for their natural beauty and are popular with tourists seeking a peaceful retreat amidst stunning scenery.
The Kornati archipelago consists of 140 islands, islets and reefs forming an archipelago of about 300 square kilometres. The islands are located in the central part of the Adriatic Sea near the city of Zadar and are part of the Croatian Kornati National Park.
The islands are mainly made of limestone and offer unique landscapes with steep cliffs, hidden bays and crystal clear water. The island vegetation consists mainly of shrubs and bushes, but there are also some areas with pine forests and Mediterranean vegetation.
The Kornati Islands are a popular destination for boaters who want to explore the numerous bays of the archipelago. The islands are also popular with divers who want to explore the underwater world around the islands. The waters around the islands are home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles and a variety of fish.
One of the most popular attractions in Kornati is the Terascica Nature Park. The park is known for its beautiful cliffs that rise up to 160 metres above sea level and the saltwater lake known as Mir. The lake, which is connected to the sea by a narrow channel, is home to a variety of marine life, including seahorses and jellyfish.
Another popular attraction of the Kornati Islands is the Kornati National Park, which covers 220 square kilometres. The park consists of 89 islands, islets and coral reefs and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the endemic Kornati gecko.
The islands are also home to many ancient ruins, including Roman settlements and early Christian churches. These historical sites offer a glimpse into the rich history of the region and are popular destinations for travellers who want to explore the island’s cultural heritage.
In terms of tourist infrastructure, Kornati offers a wide range of options, from simple campsites and small guesthouses to luxury hotels and private villas. There are also many restaurants and cafés on the island serving traditional Croatian dishes and seafood made from locally caught fish.
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Kornati Islands: Large and well-known islands
The Kornati Islands are islands in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia. With 140 islands, islets and reefs that make up the archipelago, there is much to discover. Here are the most beautiful islands of the Kornati archipelago that you should visit.
Kornat:
The largest island in the Kornati archipelago, Kornat is named after the archipelago itself. Although the island is uninhabited, it is home to the Kornati National Park, which covers an area of about 220 square kilometres.
Mana:
Mana, located at the southern tip of the archipelago, is known for its beautiful cliffs and clear waters. Although uninhabited, it has several beaches and coves that are popular with water sports enthusiasts.
Zut:
Located at the entrance to the Kornati Islands, Zut has a marina and several restaurants. The island is also known for its olive groves, which produce Croatia’s best olive oil.
Lavsa:
Lavsa, a small island in the southern part of the archipelago, is uninhabited but has several small coves popular with swimmers and snorkellers.
Lernaka:
Lernaka is located in the central part of the archipelago and is known for its clear waters and sandy beaches. There is also a 19th century lighthouse on the island.
Svrsata Vela:
Svrsata Vela, located in the northern part of the archipelago, has several small bays and beaches popular with water sports enthusiasts and swimmers.
Katina:
Located in the central part of the archipelago, Katina island is known for its steep cliffs and hidden coves. The island is uninhabited but has several small coves popular with water sports enthusiasts.
Vrgada:
Located in the southern part of the archipelago, Vrgada is a small island with several small villages and a marina. Surgery:
Opat, located in the central part of the archipelago, is known for its rugged coastline and hidden coves. The island is uninhabited but popular with water sports enthusiasts and hikers.
Rasip Veli:
Located in the northern part of the archipelago, Rasip Veli is a small island with several small coves and beaches for swimming and snorkelling.
Sit:
Located in the central part of the archipelago, Sitt Island is known for its steep cliffs and clear waters. The island is uninhabited but has several small coves popular with water sports enthusiasts.
Vera Sestrica:
Vela Sestrica is located in the central part of the archipelago and is known for its rugged coastline and hidden coves. The island is uninhabited but popular with water sports enthusiasts and hikers.
Piskera:
Located in the southern part of the archipelago, the island of Piskera is known for its clear waters and sandy beaches. The island has a marina and several restaurants.
Lavdara:
Located in the southern part of the archipelago, Lavdara is known for its olive groves and sandy beaches. There are several small villages and a marina on the island.
Kornati National Park
Kornati National Park is a nature reserve in the central part of the Kornati archipelago off the coast of Croatia. Established in 1980, the national park covers an area of about 220 square kilometres, making it one of the largest protected areas in Croatia.
The park consists of 89 islands, islets and reefs, each with its own flora and fauna. Most of the islands are rocky and barren, with a few small patches of vegetation. However, the waters around the islands are crystal clear and are home to a variety of marine life, including fish, sea turtles, dolphins and squid. One of the main attractions of Kornati National Park is its stunning natural beauty. The islands are known for their dramatic cliffs and secluded bays that can only be reached by boat. Visitors to the park can hire boats or join guided tours to explore the islands.
Snorkelling and diving are other popular activities in the park. The waters around the island are teeming with marine life, including colourful fish, sea urchins and starfish. The park also has several underwater caves and tunnels that offer unique diving experiences.
In addition to its natural beauty, Kornati National Park also has a rich cultural history to offer. The islands have been inhabited since ancient times and the park is dotted with historical sites and ruins. One of the most famous attractions is the Tureta Fortress, built in the 6th century by the Byzantine Empire.
Terascica Nature Park
Terascica Nature Park is located on the east coast of the island of Dugi Otok off the coast of Croatia. Established in 1988, the park covers an area of about 70 square kilometres and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
The park consists of a series of bays and cliffs that offer spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. There are several small islands in the park that invite boating and snorkelling, such as Katina and Tarjulic. The park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The cliffs and rocks are home to a variety of Mediterranean plants, including pines, olive trees and junipers. The waters around the park are home to a variety of marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles and several species of fish.
One of the most popular activities in the park is hiking. The park has several well-marked hiking trails with magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. The most popular hike is the Terascica Bay Trail, which is about 4.5 kilometres long and offers views of the bay and surrounding cliffs.
Swimming and snorkelling are other popular activities in the park. The water around the park is crystal clear and great for snorkelling. The park has several small beaches for swimming and sunbathing.
