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Kornati Islands National Park |
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The Kornati Islands archipelago in northern Dalmatia near Sibenik and Zadar includes 147 uninhabited islands and islets with a land area of only 70 sq km. The maze of unspoiled islands scattered over 220 sq km in the Adriatic is a sailor's paradise. On the southwestern side, the coasts of the Kornati Islands are marked by steep cliffs or "crowns" that make the coastline unique and dramatic. The main island is Kornat which has holm oaks on the northeastern side and some cultivation of olives, figs, grapevines and citruses. There are remains of Illyrian settlements and Roman ruins on Toreta Hill. At the foot of the hill are the remains of an early Christian church. Remains of medieval fortifications can also be found on the islet of Panitula. On Piskera there is a 16th-century church. AccommodationThere are no hotels on the Kornati Islands but there is a smattering of private accommodation that should be reserved before you arrive. HistoryOn some hills of the Kornati islands traces have been found of settlements and fortifications from the Neolithic period. It appears that Libernians inhabited the islands during the Iron Age as well as the Romans much later. During WWII, Tito's Partisans constructed a workshop to repair boats. The Kornati Islands were once owned by Zadar but in the 16th century Venice took possession and subleased the islands to Zadar families. Now they are divided between private owners in Murter and Dugi Otok. The lack of regular ferry transport has discouraged human habitation but those who own land on the islands graze sheep there and cultivate the land. Geology and EcologyThe islands were visited by George Bernard Shaw who wrote "On the last day of the Creation God desired to crown his work, and thus created the Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath". There are now a few more materials involved. The islands are predominantly rocky and abound with karstic phenomena such as cavities, caves, gullies and crevices. Water collects in the karst cavities which provides the only source of water on the islands. Vegetation is scarce. There are no natural sources of water on the Kornati and the rainfall patterns are highly unfavorable to vegetation. The steep cliffs are home to various bird species such as peregrine falcons, common swifts and shags. Diving the Kornati IslandsThe diving is excellent around the Kornati Islands, especially around Rasip. Diving around nearby Telascica Bay Nature Park on Dugi Otok is also stunning. Here are some companies offering diving in and around the Kornati Islands: Najada
Diving Find out more about
diving in Croatia. Getting to the Kornati IslandsYachters can find shelter in a number of protected coves but the main marina is on Piskera with 120 berths. There are no ferries between the Kornati islands and the mainland. If you don't have your own boat, you'll have to book an excursion from Zadar, Sibenik or Split or you can travel to the Kornati Islands as part of an organized tour. Find out more. Tourist Information for the Kornati IslandsThe Kornati National Park office (tel 022-434 662) is in Murter at Butina 2. They sell tickets to the National Park and have more information about arranging visits to the Kornati Islands. Related PagesFurther ResourcesArticle in the Independent --with a vivid description of a visit to the Kornati Islands UNESCO tentative World Heritage Site--why the Kornati Islands should be included Nautical Map of the Kornati Islands
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