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According to Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, the Kornati Islands were made by God as his final act of creation out of 'his tears, the stars, and his breath. The sublime beauty of this labyrinth of 147 islands, islets and reefs is overwhelming; dazzling white limestone cones pictured by daubs of deep green erupt like magic from the contrasting blues of sea and sky.
In the evening light, the white rock is suffused in rosy pink and orange hues, and at night there is little light pollution the infinity of stars is visible, awe-inspiring in number and intensity.
The geomorphology of the region is extraordinary. The Kornati are the 'crowns' of a tectonic rift that runs underwater from Istria partially emerging above sea level along a 35 km (22 mi) stretch of the central Croatian coast. The white limestone terrain is largely barren apart from sparse patches of aromatic shrubs and scattered vineyards or small citrus groves. The islands end abruptly at their southwest faces where jagged cliffs, indented with caves, crevices, and inlets, plunge into a sea trench, the richest fishing ground in the Adriatic.
Eighty-nine of the islands and their surrounding waters are a National Park covering an area of 220 sq km (86 sq mi). Less than a quarter of the ark island, the largest island being Kornat at 33 sq km (13 sq mi). Day excursions can be made to the islands but it is worth trying to spend at least one night. 'Robinson Crusoe' holidays can be arranged; a weekly boat drops you off to stay in a hut without electricity or running water - until the next boat passes by to 'rescue' you from this magical otherworld.
When to visit
September to January
How to reach
There are no ferries between the islands. Rent a boat, salt your won, or take an excursion from the island of Murter (headquarters of the National Park and connected to the mainland by a bridge at Tisno). The nearest sizeable town is Sibenik, within 50 km (30 mi) of both Split and Zadar airports.
Highlights:
- Island of Mana - longest 'crown', 1,350 m (4,428 ft).
- Klobucar - the islet with the highest 'crown', 82 m ( 269 ft).
- The geological phenomenon of magazine Skrilla, a peculiar limestone rockslide at Kravjacica, Striznja, or Vruje on Kornat.
- The breathtaking view of the archipelago from Otocevak on the island of Piskera.
You should know
You must buy an entrance, fishing and scuba diving pass at the National Park Office in Murter or at one of the reception centres in the Park. Camping on the islands is not allowed but you can moor your boat for an overnight stay in any of the sixteen specifically designated coves, it is also possible to rent a cottage.
