Sailing in the Kornati Islands

Island World in the Heart of Dalmatia

The Kornati Islands lie off Croatia’s central Dalmatian coast, south of Zadar and northwest of Šibenik. This archipelago of over 80 islands, reefs, and rocks is a unique sailing area that reveals its full magic from the water..

A Paradise for Sailors

Crystal-clear waters, well-sheltered bays, and a sense of isolation make the Kornati Islands a dream destination for sailing. The navigation requires attention, which is part of what makes this area so rewarding.

Nature, Calm and Open Horizons

A large part of the Kornati Islands belongs to Kornati National Park – a protected area where nature, silence, and authentic sailing take center stage. Comfort ashore plays a minor role here – the real experience happens at sea.

For sailors looking to escape the crowds, the Kornati Islands offer an ideal getaway. The barren, almost lunar landscape, deep blue waters, and maze of islands make for a sailing experience quite unlike any other in Croatia. There’s minimal infrastructure, just a few rustic taverns (konobas), basic mooring fields, and the occasional dock. That’s exactly the appeal: sailing in its purest, most natural form.

The Kornati archipelago is easily accessible from Murter, Biograd na Moru, or Zadar – all of which offer modern marinas and a wide range of charter companies. Notable bases include Marina Kornati in Biograd and ACI Marina Jezera. From Šibenik, sailors can enter the southern Kornati through the area around Žirje or Kaprije.

Top sailing highlights include:

• The island of Levrnaka with Lojena Bay – turquoise waters, great shelter, ideal for anchoring
• The dramatic cliff walls on the western edge of the archipelago
• The Proversa Vela passage, a narrow sea entrance between Dugi Otok and Kornat
• The long, calm Telašćica Bay, which includes a saltwater lake and lies just outside the national park

Important note: Entry to Kornati National Park requires a valid permit, best purchased in advance online or at official sales points. On-the-spot pricing is usually higher.

Navigation requires attention – many islands feature shallow spots and unmarked rocks. It’s advisable to use reliable nautical charts and maintain a visual lookout rather than relying solely on digital plotters.

There are no traditional marinas within the Kornati, only mooring buoys and a few basic jetties – like those in Vrulje, Opat, or Lavsa bays. The park is completely car-free and offers very limited services ashore: no supermarkets, little to no mobile signal – just open sea and silence.

Regattas are rare here, though events like the Kornati Cup, held in spring just outside the national park, attract crews from across Europe for a scenic and technical sailing challenge.

If you set sail through the Kornati, come prepared: water, power, and supplies must be planned in advance. In return, the experience is unmatched – clear waters, remote anchorages, and total freedom. Ideal for sailors seeking a conscious, nature-focused escape where simplicity becomes the true luxury.

Discover More: Sailing in Croatia