Planning your next sailing holiday in Croatia? Then, sailing Kornati islands will be an unforgettable holiday. Here are our top 5 reasons to do a yacht charter in the Kornati Islands.
The Kornati Islands of Croatia are often enjoyed during the typical Adriatic sailing season, which runs from late April to October. The weather in this period ranges from mild to hot, with generally calm to moderate winds – ideal for exploration of this island labyrinth. July and August offer the warmest temperatures and virtually no rain, but also attract the most visitors (and flotillas). Many seasoned sailors actually prefer May, June, or September for Kornati cruises, when the climate is very pleasant and the crowds smaller. In late spring, you’ll find the Kornati’s sparse landscapes brushed with green and the sea still comfortably cool and clear. Summer months bring steady northwesterly winds (maestral breezes) that are usually gentle (Force 3–5) and reliable in the afternoons, making for easy line-of-sight sailing between islands. Do note that in mid-summer the sun is strong – plenty of sunscreen and sun hats are a must on these largely treeless isles. By early autumn (September), the sea remains warm from summer (often above 23°C) while the weather stays settled, offering fantastic sailing conditions and serene anchorages. The Kornati National Park is generally closed to overnight stays in winter and many facilities shut down off-season, so April-October is the realistic window. Within that, spring and fall reward you with tranquility and gentle weather, whereas high summer gives you buzzing harbors and guaranteed sunshine – both scenarios are magical in their own way among the Kornati’s 140 islands.
Yes, Croatia maintains strict requirements for bareboat charters, and this applies to the Kornati Islands as well. To skipper a charter yacht in Croatian waters, you must have a valid nautical license and a VHF radio operator’s certificate as mandated by law. Accepted qualifications include various national licenses (ICC, RYA Day Skipper, ASA Bareboat, etc.) that the Croatian Ministry of Maritime Affairs has approved – it’s wise to double-check that your license is on the approved list. The VHF license (or GMDSS certificate) is equally important: at least one person on board (usually the skipper) must hold this credential to legally operate the boat’s radio. Charter companies will ask to see original documents at the base, and the local Port Authority can impose fines if you’re found without the proper certs. In practice, most charter guests provide an ICC and a short statement of experience to satisfy these rules. If you lack a required license, hiring a local skipper is the solution. Kornati yacht charters with a skipper are common and allow you to navigate the intricate island network without worrying about paperwork or sudden Bora winds. Keep in mind that even as crew or co-skipper, it’s good to have some boating experience – the Kornati area, while generally calm, is remote and has few services, so competent handling of your yacht is essential. In summary, be prepared with the correct licenses before you set sail in Croatia’s Kornati, or plan to have a professional skipper on board.
The Kornati Islands are often described as a “nautical paradise” for their natural beauty, but they also offer unique cultural and culinary encounters, albeit in a very rustic form. These islands have no permanent population – culturally, the Kornati are tied to the traditions of fishermen and shepherds from nearby Murter and Dalmatia. As you sail through the archipelago’s stark lunar landscape, you’ll notice dry-stone walls snaking over the barren hills – these were built over centuries by local shepherds and are now a characteristic cultural landscape. History buffs can find traces of past civilizations: ruins of an Illyrian fortress and a tiny medieval church on Kornat island, or the Byzantine-era Tureta lookout tower which still stands sentinel over the straits. One special cultural event is the annual pilgrimage on the first Sunday of July to the Church of Our Lady of Tarac, where islanders gather by boat – a memorable sight if your timing aligns.
Culinary highlights in the Kornati revolve around the sea. Despite the islands’ uninhabited nature, several family-run konobas (taverns) dot the Kornati National Park, accessible only by boat and famed among sailors for their simplicity and freshness. Here you can savor the freshest Adriatic seafood – think grilled scorpionfish, lobsters, and octopus salad – often caught that day and prepared over open coals. In rustic settings (sometimes just a few wooden tables on a pier under the stars), you’ll dine on local specialties like peka, a slow-cooked dish of lamb or octopus under a cast-iron bell, and taste the robust local red wine or rakija spirit. Two well-known Kornati taverns are Konoba Opat and Konoba Fešta, renowned for serving mouthwatering Dalmatian dishes in secluded bays. These dining experiences are as authentic as it gets: no frills, just the catch of the day drizzled with local olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt, enjoyed in utter tranquility. A yacht charter in the Kornati thus becomes a journey back in time to the Dalmatian fishing traditions, offering a luxurious peace and genuine flavors far removed from tourist crowds.
Navigating the Kornati Islands National Park comes with specific regulations aimed at preserving this pristine marine environment. First and foremost, all vessels entering the National Park area must purchase an entrance ticket (permit). This can be obtained at authorized points on the mainland (or via charter companies) in advance at a discounted rate, or from park rangers on site at a higher cost. The fee varies depending on the size of your yacht and the duration of your stay; for example, a one-day ticket for a 12-meter yacht is around €50 (with better rates for multi-day passes or off-season discounts). Make sure to keep the ticket or receipt on board, as rangers do patrol the Kornati waters and may request proof of payment.
Within the park, anchoring and overnight stays are allowed only in designated bays. Many sheltered coves (like Vrulje, Anica, Šipnate) have mooring buoys or quays operated by park concession restaurants, where you can tie up for the night. In fact, a network of local konobas have an agreement to provide overnight berths and they can sell you park tickets at favorable prices if you dine with them. Anchoring is generally permitted in suitable spots (sandy-bottomed bays) outside strict no-go zones, but it’s prohibited on sensitive reefs and in Zone I strict reserves. Be aware that fishing and collecting sea life are strictly forbidden in the National Park unless you possess a special permit – even recreational fishing with a rod isn’t allowed without authorization. Likewise, diving is only allowed through authorized dive centers. Boaters should also follow the park’s rules regarding waste (carry all garbage out) and speed limits – maintain slow speeds (max 10 knots) near any crowded coves or dive sites to avoid wake damage. Outside the park boundaries, normal Croatian maritime laws apply: you can anchor freely in non-protected areas (respecting the general “no anchoring in ferry lanes or cable areas” rules) and enjoy the islands, but note that some bays just outside Kornati (like Telaščica Nature Park on Dugi Otok) have their own entrance fees and rules. In summary, secure your Kornati permit, stick to designated anchoring spots, and respect the conservation rules – it’s a small trade-off for the privilege of cruising this untouched Adriatic sanctuary.
Made up of 147 islands, the Kornati Islands are the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean. With beautiful lagoons, winding channels and vast sea, sailing in Kornati is an amazing experience. On land you’ll find striking limestone eroded by nature, speckled with beautiful greenery, like wild herbs, pine, and olive trees.
So note-worthy visits are the islands of Levrnaka, Žut, and Mana. Levrnaka is known for the nice sandy Lojena beach where you can sunbathe in peace. Žut is known for its translucent waters and craggy coastline. Mana is known for the “ruins” built for the 1959 movie, “As the Sea Rages” or “Raubfischer in Hellas.”, which is situated atop it’s striking cliff.
While sailing Kornati, you can also visit the two national parks that are home to calm, clear, deep blue water and a plethora of beaches to explore. Go diving at the island of Kaprije, where you’ll find sunken shipwrecks that attract professional divers worldwide.
Also onshore, in Telascica Bay on the island of Dugi Otok, you’ll find breathtaking cliffs that soar 200m above sea level. These cliffs are home to a great variety of birds, including the Peregrine Falcon and Eleanor’s Falcon. Also on Dugi Otok, you can visit the Mir Salt Lake where the native Kajman eel lives.
One of the biggest attractions of sailing Kornati is the unparalleled serenity, The Kornati is mostly uninhabited; aside from a handful of seasonal cottages, there are no big developments, no massive crowds to contend with. Due to its remoteness, even in the middle of the sailing season, you may only encounter a few other people.
Considered one of Europe’s last wildernesses, you can be sure that you will enjoy peace and quiet during your yacht charter in Kornati. Perfect for people looking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, Kornati islands sailing allows you to disconnect from civilization and reconnect with nature and yourself.
Croatia is often hailed as a great spot for all sailors, no matter your experience level, first time sailor or not, and Kornati is certainly no exception. The Adriatic sea is known for it’s beautiful, calm and clear, blue waters. With light winds that are rarely greater than a Force 4, sailing Kornati is a very relaxing experience. In the early and late season, you may encounter the “Bora” wind, which is a bit stronger, but it is rare outside the winter months. The summer season, between April and September, will provide mostly sunny days with temperatures consistently in the 20s and 30s. With perfect weather, sailing will be a breeze!
Because of the many islands and islets in the Kornati archipelago, a Kornati Islands sailing itinerary can be planned with short cruising distances. Kornati Islands sailing also offers many protected anchorages for easy mooring.
For more experienced sailors, sailing Kornati is ideal for a bareboat charter and for those who are a little greener, perhaps consider a yacht charter in Kornati with a skipper. Yacht4Less can help you hire the perfect guide for your holidays, so you can rest easy while they sail you away.
The Kornati islands are also very conveniently situated, just about 15-30 minutes from the Zadar airport, so whether you’re traveling with young children, older folks, or a big group of friends, getting to the base will be quick and easy. Zadar is also a well connected international airport, so no matter where you start your journey you should be able to get to your yacht charter in Kornati with ease.
The sailing and the scenery may be incredible, but Kornati also has a fascinating history. While the islands are uninhabited now, they weren’t always. While sailing Kornati you’ll have the opportunity to uncover the ancient neolithic history of the archipelago. You can learn about the pirate attacks, local economies, and some prehistoric architecture.
Go ashore and explore the remains of stone walls, olive orchards, forts, churches, and sea-salt refineries. The island of Katina has ruins from a residence dating back to roman times. On Dugi island, you can walk to a lighthouse built in 1849, which is the tallest lighthouse in the Adriatic at 42m tall.
While the Kornati Islands are not habitable full time, that doesn’t mean you can’t experience Croatian Culture while sailing Kornati. You’ll enjoy discovering the little summer villages and hidden gem restaurants nestled in the islands.
On the island of Dugi, the largest Kornati island, you’ll find a fishing village called Sali. Here you’ll find a supermarket, a bakery and some restaurants to try out. You can also rent cars, bikes, and motorcycles to explore the rest of the island.
Another great place to enjoy fresh caught seafood is at the restaurants: Mare and Konoba Suha Punta on Kornat Island. Famous for authentic croatian food, the Kod Kate restaurant in Kaprije is worth a visit! Also one of Kornati’s restaurants has a Michelin rating; enjoy the modern-traditional fusion at KONOBA BOBA on the island of Murter.
Dreaming of sailing Kornati now? Learn more about a yacht charter in Kornati from our charter consultants.
Croatia’s Kornati Islands National Park is a sailor’s paradise of unspoiled islets and hidden coves. Bareboat charters are popular here, as the calm Adriatic seas and short distances between islands invite confident sailors to captain their own adventure among the Kornati’s lunar-like landscapes. If you’d rather relax and learn about the area’s secrets, skippered sailing charters provide a local captain who can guide you through the maze of islands, showing you the best swimming spots and rustic Dalmatian tavernas. For a more luxurious escape, crewed yacht charters in the Kornati region combine comfort with exploration – with a professional crew catering to your needs, you can simply enjoy a private yacht cruise through these tranquil Croatian isles.
