Kornati
Kornati, Travel Guide with travel tips for holidays in Kornati, Croatia
The heart of Croatia’s Adriatic coastline is the Kornati archipelago, a collection of cracked and pitted karst islands, rocks and reefs. Of the 150 islands and rocks, 89 have been protected as the National Park Kornati since 1980. The natural beauty and diversity of marine life that the Kornati islands offer led them to be declared a Mediterranean World Heritage Site in 2007. Scuba divers from all over the world come to the islands, drawn by the thrill of exploring underwater cavities and grottoes formed by the erosion of the limestone bedrock. Above sea level, the limestone forms sheer, imposing cliffs which drop from as high as 80 meters to 100 meters beneath the water’s surface. The cliffs, formed by the subduction of the African tectonic plate beneath the Eurasian plate, are referred to locally as the "crowns" of the islands. The park is also popular with boaters, and features a modern marina, Piskera ACI marina.
While the highlight of the Kornati islands is natural scenery rather than history, the islands have been inhabited by humans for millennia and bear the marks of several cultures. Visitors can trace the history of the place by exploring the remains of Illyrian settlements and grave mounds thousands of years old, Roman remains, the Byzantine-era Tureta Fortress, and a church from the Renaissance period. Due to the long history of human presence, the historic flora and fauna are largely gone, but wildlife watchers can still see about 80 species of birds - the islands have been designated an official Important Bird Area by BirdLife International. Also, if they're willing to dive for them, wildlife lovers can see marine animals including bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, and a variety of fish.
Like all National Parks, there are regulations in place to protect the beauty and resources of the Kornati archipelago. Visitors need a permit to fish or scuba dive, and certain areas are especially protected by restricted access. Park staff will be able to show you where fishing, boating, and swimming in the clear blue water is allowed. There are no longer any permanent residents on the Kornati islands, and the adventurous can choose to rent a simple stone cottage for a pleasant experience as castaways. Some of the islands are still privately owned, and are used to grow olives and figs or to raise sheep.
Because the entire park is a group of islands, visiting requires a boat. Private outfitters provide day and overnight tours of the islands by kayak or sailboat, or you can command your own vessel and pay the entrance fee (80 HRK / $15.00 USD per person.) Visitors to the National Park Kornati may also want to explore the Telašćica Nature Park, which is located in the same area and features similar scenery and recreational opportunities.
