Discover Croatia’s Kornati islands

Kornati National Park 

Whether its abundant nature, cascading waterfalls, jewel-toned waters or chic harbours you’re looking for, Croatia has some of the most beautiful and diverse cruising in Europe. With hundreds of islands scattered along its azure coastline, passages can be short and relaxed with itineraries blissfully easy to organise.

Exploring the mid Dalamatian coastline affords visitors the opportunity to island hop to their heart’s content and discover the spellbinding beauty of the Kornati National Park, the Krka River and its spectacular waterfalls all in one holiday. From quiet coves and kaleidoscopic bays to azure lagoons, ancient forts and terracotta-tiled Medieval villages, this magical stretch of the Adriatic is steeped in culture, history and jaw-dropping natural wonders.

Split 

With a wealth of excellent marine facilities and amenities, many boaters choose Split as a jumping off point for a Croatian adventure. If you have a night or afternoon to spare, this bustling harbour will not disappoint. The Old Town is characterised by the remarkable fortification of the Roman palace built for the Emperor Diocletian, which today is brimming with alfresco restaurants, white marble piazzas and thriving market stalls, while the waterfront is perfect for a balmy walk and cocktail come sunset.

Solta 

A short cruise south from the busy port of Split, the sleepy island of Solta offers secluded coves, bountiful olive groves and restful pebble beaches. With three harbours and a bloom of sheltered anchorages, it’s a blissful spot for an overnight stay. The picturesque village of Stomorska has moorings for 15 boats and the small harbour is lined with a clutch of traditional restaurants and bars.

Sibenik 

The oldest Croatian town on the Adriatic, Sibenik is located close to the River Krka and is a much-loved jumping off point for those wishing to explore the Koranti National Park and the wild beauty of Krka and its majestic waterfalls. The pretty town is a labyrinth of steep backstreets, winding alleys and honey-hued dwellings. Climb up to the ruins of the fortress and drink in the captivating views of the island-dotted bay of Sibenik. Gourmands may wish to head for Pelegrini, a restaurant which overlooks the stunning Cathedral of St. James and is regularly named the best in the region.

Krka National Park 

Around 10km inland from Sibenik, this park is one of the most popular attractions in central Dalmatia, and with good reason. The delightful town of Skradin lies around an hour upriver – stop en route and dive into the glassy waters and snorkel in the pretty inlets. With history dating back 2,000 years, the town of Skradin is a protected cultural heritage monument and is a beautiful spot to overnight. Visitors can hop abroad a National Park boat to venture further up river and to see the famous waterfalls up close – you can swim in some spots so be sure to pack your swimming gear. Returning to Skradin at night, the local restaurants are bustling and good fun – try the traditional Croatian dish of Peka, where succulent meat, fish and vegetables are cooked under a heavy iron dome lid piled high with embers.

Kornati Islands 

A pick-a-mix of treasure islands, serene bays and serene anchorages, Kornati National Park consists of 147 islands in just a 22-mile stretch of water. With most of the islands uninhabited, the Kornatis offer visiting boaters that sense of escapism and true Robinson Crusoe sailing. Long, languid days can be spent swimming in glassy waters, snorkelling, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Under the surface, keep your eyes peeled for loggerhead turtles and more than 200 species of fish. Though many of the islands are all about solitude and splendid isolation, there is a scattering of waterfront konobas dotted around the islands where meals are served with spellbinding sea views. Otok Zut, the second largest island in the Kornati archipelago is popular with visiting yachts.

Dugi Otok 

Part of the joy of exploring this stretch of the alluring Croatian coastline is simply cherry picking anchorages day by day. And with so many pretty inlets, coves, beaches and bays to discover, island hopping has never been easier. A leisurely cruise north of the Kornati, Dugi Otok is the seventh largest island in the Adriatic Sea, and makes for another relaxed cruising stop. With a past steeped in olive growing and agriculture, this island is all about taking things slow. Enjoy the restful villages, explore the tiny islets scattered off the coast, visit the rock pools at Brbinj, drop the hook Luka Telašćica and head to the sandy stretch of Sakarun beach for more rest and relaxation.