Kornati archipelago

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Revision as of 12:17, 22 November 2012

Kornati Islands, Croatia

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to the Kornati Islands in Croatia

(Click links for more information)
	44°49.56′N, 14°18.36′E
	Photo gallery
	Local chartlet

The Kornati Islands lie off the mainland coast of Croatia, 20 miles S of the city of Zadar and surrounded by the islands of Dugi Otok to the N, Murter to the E and Zirje to the S. The group consists of over 140 islands and islets of all sizes distributed on a NW/SE axis over an area of almost 85 square miles. Although tourism is allowed and even encouraged, the majority of them are still privately owned. Once generously covered with vegetation, the islands were gradually deforested over several generations to reveal bare, white limestone formations that gleam in the sunlight against the azure blue of the surrounding seas. For many visitors to Croatia, the Kornati Islands are the highlight of their trip and a visiting yacht has perhaps the best experience of all - at a price. Since the designation of the majority of the islands and the surrounding waters as a national park in 1980 the authorities have increasingly taken steps to mitigate the impact of tourism, and a typical 13 metre yacht visiting today (2012) will need to part with 250 kuna (about Euros 33) per day for a permit if purchased before arrival and 400 kuna (Euros 53) if not. Permits are purchasable at most of the marinas on the adjoining mainland coast or (at the higher cost) from the visitor centres or patrol boats in the national park itself. Mooring is only allowed in 20 designated bays, five of which are equipped with mooring buoys and several with restaurants. The only other mooring options among the islands are the ACI-operated Marina Piskera on the SW side of Otok Piskera and Marina Zut on the NE side of Otok Zut, both of which open from April to October only.

The Kornati Islands offer a unique cruising ground
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A typical Kornati anchorage
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Charts

British Admiralty 515, 2711

Croatian chart MK13

Imray M25 (Otok Rab to Sibenik)

Weather

Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)

Zadar is the nearest port of entry. In summer only, Bozava and Sali on Dugi Otok are also ports of entry.

Berthing options

There are numerous berthing options in the Kornati Islands. Most of the anchorages are on the largest of the islands, Kornat, but there are further anchorages or marinas on the islands of Zut , Levrnaka, Piskera (Marina Piskera), Lavsa, Zakan and Smokvica. For full details click on the appropriate island, or, for a zoomable summary map of all the anchorages in the Kornati Islands, click on: Map of marinas and anchorages in Kornati Islands..

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

The ACI-operated marinas of:

• Marina Piskera.
• Marina Zut.

Yacht Services and Repairs

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

No fuel in the islands; nearest fuel station is Zaglav on Dugi Otok. Water and electricity at all berths in Marina Piskera and Marina Zut (but limited hours).

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The Tureta on Kornat island
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The landscape offers poignant reminders of former days
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The islands of the archipelago are arguably best appreciated from the sea or, if you are interested in marine life, underneath it. In addition to having national park status, much of the archipelago is also a marina conservation area and sea life is abundant in many of the bays and anchorages. Snorkelling is free, but scuba diving requires a separate permit, issued only to local Croatian diving establishments. Fishing is also prohibited without a licence.

Ashore, there are no permanent settlements, the sparsely scattered houses being occupied seasonally by fishermen or other owners from the mainland or adjoining islands. A large proportion of the summer residents consists of the restaurant owners and their families and national park staff, including the wardens whose job it is to ensure the regulations are observed. Visitors stepping ashore are required to stick to designated paths on the islands as much of the land is private property, especially on the landward side. Drystone walls and the occasional straggly plantation are a reminder of the former days of sheep farming and basic agriculture on the islands. The main shore-based attractions for walkers are the high viewpoints of Metlina or Opat on Kornat island or Litnji Vrh on Smokvica island, which can be climbed by anyone reasonably fit and offer fantastic views over the archipelago.

Architecturally there are few traces of the various civilizations that inhabited the islands in former times, although there are outlines of dwellings and burial tumuli dating from pre-Roman times on several of the islands. Half way down the SW coast of Kornat island is the Tureta, the substantial remains of a squat, powerful fort believed to date to the 16th century and constructed to protect the seaways from pirate and other incursions.

Grocery & Supply Stores

Small provisions store in Vrulje on Kornat and minimarkets in Marina Piskera and Marina Zut but nothing elsewhere.

Eateries

See summary map or individual island entries.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Laundry

None.

Transportation

Excursion boats only from Zadar on mainland.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

• Croatia Sailing and Cruising Discussions on Cruisers Forum

External Links

• Kornati National Park
• List of all Croatian marinas
• List of government-owned ACI marinas
• Croatian National Tourist Board
• Find Croatia travel guide
• Wikipedia - Croatia

References & Publications

Books, Guides, etc.

• Adriatic Pilot (Imray) - Trevor & Dinah Thompson 6th edition 2012
• 777 Harbours & Anchorages - Karl-H. Bestandig 4th edition 2010-11
• Croatia Cruising Companion (Wiley Nautical) - Jane Cody and John Nash
• Adriatic Sea Pilots Volume 1 and 2 (Croatian Hydrographic Office)

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• July 2005 ----Athene of Lymington 15:04, 21 April 2012 (BST)