The Kornati National Park is a unique place in Croatia that attracts sailors and nature lovers from all over the world. Located in the Adriatic Sea, the archipelago is made up of more than 140 islands and islets that will captivate you with their untouched nature and unique landscape. What else is worth knowing about the popular nature park when planning a cruise around this unique archipelago? Read the article below to find out.
Kornati National Park – a few words about the nature park
In 1980, by a decision of the Croatian authorities, the Kornati National Park was established, covering mainly the sea area around the islands. The purpose of establishing the park was to preserve biodiversity, protect cultural heritage and promote sustainable development of tourism. Thanks to nature conservation measures, the Kornati National Park has preserved its uniqueness and wild nature and has become an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. Today, the park is managed by state and local institutions that take care of the ecological balance and maintain high quality tourist services for visitors.
Kornati National Park – overview
The Kornati archipelago, located in the central Adriatic Sea, is the largest group of islands in Croatia. It consists of more than 140 islands and rocks with a total area of approximately 69 km². The Kornati islands are mainly rocky, with numerous cliffs and peninsulas, which gives them an unusual rugged character. The landscape of the archipelago has been shaped by geological processes and erosion, and the composition of the rocks is mainly limestone and dolomite. There are numerous bays and charming pebble beaches on the islands, inviting visitors to swim in the crystal-clear sea.
The climate in Kornati is typically Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. During the summer season, tourists can count on many sunny days. Undoubtedly, such weather is suitable for sailing and yachting holidays. The prevailing winds are the maestral (north-westerly) and the bura (northeasterly), which affect sailing conditions.
Flora and fauna
The flora on the Kornati is primarily Mediterranean and well adapted to the dry climate and poor soil. The islands are dominated by low shrubs and grasses such as macchia and turf. Olive trees, fig trees or cypresses are also found among the vegetation. There are also numerous herbs such as rosemary, thyme or lavender, the scent of which wafts throughout the park.
Several species of animals can be found in the Kornati, such as lizards, snakes, turtles or insects. In addition, birds such as seagulls, cormorants and falcons use the islands as a nesting site, and observing their life is an attraction for many tourists.
The waters surrounding the Kornati archipelago are rich in biodiversity. The sea is home to numerous species of fish, such as sardines and tuna. Crustaceans such as shrimps, rock lobsters or crabs are also found here, as well as molluscs including mussels and octopuses. The underwater cliffs and caves are home to unique species of sponges, corals and sea urchins, making diving in these waters a real adventure.
Tourist attractions and historical monuments
There are many tourist attractions and sights to discover in the Kornati National Park. Below we listed the most important ones.
- The Fortress of Tureta – dates back to the 6th century. It was once used for defence and observation purposes. Today, it is an excellent place to learn about the history of the region.
- Church of Our Lady of Tarac – from the 17th century.
- A sailing paradise – the Kornati archipelago is an ideal place for sailing and exploring bays and islets. Crystal clear waters, numerous bays, picturesque beaches and fascinating rock formations provide an unforgettable experience.
- Hiking and trekking – there are many hiking trails through which you can discover the wildlife of the islands. Walking around the islands is a great opportunity to observe birds, plants or visit historical sites.
Summary
The Kornati islands delight tourists with their unique landscape – rocky cliffs, crystal clear waters, green hills and numerous bays. Each island has its own unique charm. Kornati is also an area of high natural value. There you can admire the diversity of flora and fauna, both on land and in the sea. There are many tourist attractions on and around the islands, such as picturesque bays, beaches, underwater caves or sunken shipwrecks. So when planning an Adriatic cruise, dock your yacht near the Kornati National Park – learn about its history, see the sights and relax on one of the many beaches.
