Kornati National Park | National Parks Association

Kornati Overview

Kornati National Park, known as Nacionalni park Kornati in Croatian, is a mesmerizing archipelago located in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Croatia. Covering an area of approximately 89 square miles (230 square kilometers), the park is composed of 89 stunning islands, islets, and reefs, making it one of the most densely clustered archipelagos in the Mediterranean.

Situated in northern Dalmatia, the park stretches across the Šibenik-Knin County, offering visitors unparalleled natural beauty, striking geology, and a sense of serenity that feels worlds away from the mainland.

The terrain of Kornati National Park is marked by its rugged, karst limestone formations, steep cliffs, and barren landscapes, which are a testament to millennia of geological and human activity. The islands are largely devoid of significant vegetation, giving them an otherworldly, lunar-like appearance. However, pockets of Mediterranean flora such as olive trees, juniper, and wild herbs dot the terrain, hinting at the park’s ancient agricultural history.

The cliffs, locally known as crown (or krune), are some of the park’s most dramatic features, with some plunging directly into the sea. Telašćica Bay, though technically outside the park boundary, is a nearby natural wonder with saltwater lakes and stunning vistas.

The wildlife of Kornati is as rich as its landscapes are stark. The waters surrounding the islands teem with marine life, including dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, and a diverse array of fish species. The park is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, as it provides a habitat for numerous seabird species like the peregrine falcon, common tern, and shag.

On land, although wildlife is less abundant due to the arid conditions, visitors may spot lizards and small mammals that have adapted to the harsh environment. The marine ecosystem, protected by the park, is among the most vibrant in the Adriatic and includes rich coral reefs, sponges, and other underwater treasures.

Visitors flock to Kornati National Park for its unique charm and the opportunities it offers for adventure and relaxation. Popular activities include sailing, as the park is considered a nautical paradise, and diving, with many sites revealing ancient shipwrecks and spectacular underwater landscapes.

Snorkeling is equally rewarding, thanks to the pristine waters and thriving aquatic life. For those who prefer to stay above water, hiking trails on the islands provide breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic. The lack of permanent human settlements in the park adds to its allure, allowing visitors to experience its natural tranquility.

Despite its beauty, Kornati National Park faces conservation challenges, particularly from overfishing and tourism pressures. Efforts by park management have focused on preserving marine biodiversity through strict fishing regulations and promoting sustainable tourism practices. These initiatives have met with success, as the park remains one of the most well-preserved natural areas in the Mediterranean.

Park Map

Kornati National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The islands and rocky cliffs of Kornati National Park provide sanctuary to many bird species, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts and conservationists. These birds contribute to the park’s diverse avian life and natural beauty.

Eleonora’s Falcon
This rare and elegant falcon nests on Kornati’s cliffs, hunting insects and small birds. It is a migratory species, spending summers in the park and winters in Africa.

Audouin’s Gull
A rare Mediterranean gull, Audouin’s gull breeds along the rocky islands of Kornati. Known for its striking white body and red beak, it symbolizes the park’s pristine marine environment.

Shag (European)
The European shag is a striking black seabird found along the rocky shores. Known for its diving prowess, it feeds primarily on fish and is a common sight in the park.

Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon, the world’s fastest bird, nests on Kornati’s cliffs. Its sharp vision and speed make it a highly effective predator of smaller birds.

Yellow-legged Gull
This large gull is a frequent presence along the islands, known for its adaptability and omnivorous diet. Its pale gray wings and yellow legs make it easily recognizable.

Little Egret
The little egret is a graceful white heron often seen wading in the shallow waters around the islands. It feeds on small fish and crustaceans and adds a touch of elegance to the park.

Common Tern
A sleek seabird with a black cap and forked tail, the common tern can often be spotted diving into the waters to catch fish. It is a seasonal visitor to Kornati.

Great Cormorant
The great cormorant is a large, dark waterbird that thrives along the coasts and rocky cliffs. It is known for its impressive diving abilities and social nesting habits.

Eurasian Kestrel
A small bird of prey, the Eurasian kestrel hovers over open areas of the park, searching for insects and small mammals. Its distinct reddish-brown plumage makes it a beautiful sight.

Blue Rock Thrush
The blue rock thrush is a songbird that inhabits the cliffs and rocky terrains of Kornati. Its melodious call and striking blue feathers make it a favorite among bird watchers.

Popular

Kornati National Park, located in the Adriatic Sea of Croatia, is a stunning marine park encompassing numerous islands, reefs, and rich underwater ecosystems. Its crystal-clear waters and rugged terrain support a variety of fascinating marine and terrestrial wildlife.

Common Bottlenose Dolphin
The common bottlenose dolphin is frequently seen in the waters of Kornati. These highly social and intelligent marine mammals are known for their playful behavior and acrobatics, often riding the waves created by boats.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle
A regular visitor to Kornati’s waters, the loggerhead sea turtle is a marine reptile that can grow quite large. They are recognized by their strong jaws and reddish-brown shells and are often spotted near seagrass meadows.

European Conger
The European conger is a large, eel-like fish that inhabits the deep underwater caves and rocky seabeds of the park. It can grow up to 3 meters long and plays a crucial role in the marine food chain.

Mediterranean Monk Seal
Once more prevalent, the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal is occasionally sighted in secluded coves of Kornati. They are shy animals, known for their round faces and silky fur, and are a rare treasure to encounter.

Moray Eel
The moray eel, with its slender, snake-like body, is a common inhabitant of the rocky seabeds and coral reefs in the park. It is known for its sharp teeth and striking patterns, often hiding in crevices during the day.

Dusky Grouper
The dusky grouper is a robust, territorial fish found among the park’s underwater cliffs and caves. It is an important predator in the ecosystem and is recognizable by its brownish coloration and large mouth.

Mediterranean Shag (Marine Fish)
This cormorant-like fish species thrives in the coastal waters, using its streamlined body to dive deep in search of prey such as small fish and crustaceans. They are agile swimmers and crucial to the marine biodiversity.

Gilt-head Bream
The gilt-head bream is a prized species among Kornati’s marine fauna. With its distinctive golden stripe between the eyes, it is a common inhabitant of the shallow waters and seagrass beds.

Octopus Vulgaris
The common octopus, known for its intelligence and adaptability, is a frequent resident of the park’s underwater habitats. It can camouflage itself seamlessly into its surroundings and is fascinating to observe.

Scorpionfish
This camouflaged predator blends into the rocky reefs and sandy bottoms of Kornati. Its venomous spines serve as a defense mechanism, making it both a striking and formidable presence in the marine ecosystem.

Birds

The islands and rocky cliffs of Kornati National Park provide sanctuary to many bird species, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts and conservationists. These birds contribute to the park’s diverse avian life and natural beauty.

Eleonora’s Falcon
This rare and elegant falcon nests on Kornati’s cliffs, hunting insects and small birds. It is a migratory species, spending summers in the park and winters in Africa.

Audouin’s Gull
A rare Mediterranean gull, Audouin’s gull breeds along the rocky islands of Kornati. Known for its striking white body and red beak, it symbolizes the park’s pristine marine environment.

Shag (European)
The European shag is a striking black seabird found along the rocky shores. Known for its diving prowess, it feeds primarily on fish and is a common sight in the park.

Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon, the world’s fastest bird, nests on Kornati’s cliffs. Its sharp vision and speed make it a highly effective predator of smaller birds.

Yellow-legged Gull
This large gull is a frequent presence along the islands, known for its adaptability and omnivorous diet. Its pale gray wings and yellow legs make it easily recognizable.

Little Egret
The little egret is a graceful white heron often seen wading in the shallow waters around the islands. It feeds on small fish and crustaceans and adds a touch of elegance to the park.

Common Tern
A sleek seabird with a black cap and forked tail, the common tern can often be spotted diving into the waters to catch fish. It is a seasonal visitor to Kornati.

Great Cormorant
The great cormorant is a large, dark waterbird that thrives along the coasts and rocky cliffs. It is known for its impressive diving abilities and social nesting habits.

Eurasian Kestrel
A small bird of prey, the Eurasian kestrel hovers over open areas of the park, searching for insects and small mammals. Its distinct reddish-brown plumage makes it a beautiful sight.

Blue Rock Thrush
The blue rock thrush is a songbird that inhabits the cliffs and rocky terrains of Kornati. Its melodious call and striking blue feathers make it a favorite among bird watchers.

Popular

Kornati National Park, located in the Adriatic Sea of Croatia, is a stunning marine park encompassing numerous islands, reefs, and rich underwater ecosystems. Its crystal-clear waters and rugged terrain support a variety of fascinating marine and terrestrial wildlife.

Common Bottlenose Dolphin
The common bottlenose dolphin is frequently seen in the waters of Kornati. These highly social and intelligent marine mammals are known for their playful behavior and acrobatics, often riding the waves created by boats.

Loggerhead Sea Turtle
A regular visitor to Kornati’s waters, the loggerhead sea turtle is a marine reptile that can grow quite large. They are recognized by their strong jaws and reddish-brown shells and are often spotted near seagrass meadows.

European Conger
The European conger is a large, eel-like fish that inhabits the deep underwater caves and rocky seabeds of the park. It can grow up to 3 meters long and plays a crucial role in the marine food chain.

Mediterranean Monk Seal
Once more prevalent, the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seal is occasionally sighted in secluded coves of Kornati. They are shy animals, known for their round faces and silky fur, and are a rare treasure to encounter.

Moray Eel
The moray eel, with its slender, snake-like body, is a common inhabitant of the rocky seabeds and coral reefs in the park. It is known for its sharp teeth and striking patterns, often hiding in crevices during the day.

Dusky Grouper
The dusky grouper is a robust, territorial fish found among the park’s underwater cliffs and caves. It is an important predator in the ecosystem and is recognizable by its brownish coloration and large mouth.

Mediterranean Shag (Marine Fish)
This cormorant-like fish species thrives in the coastal waters, using its streamlined body to dive deep in search of prey such as small fish and crustaceans. They are agile swimmers and crucial to the marine biodiversity.

Gilt-head Bream
The gilt-head bream is a prized species among Kornati’s marine fauna. With its distinctive golden stripe between the eyes, it is a common inhabitant of the shallow waters and seagrass beds.

Octopus Vulgaris
The common octopus, known for its intelligence and adaptability, is a frequent resident of the park’s underwater habitats. It can camouflage itself seamlessly into its surroundings and is fascinating to observe.

Scorpionfish
This camouflaged predator blends into the rocky reefs and sandy bottoms of Kornati. Its venomous spines serve as a defense mechanism, making it both a striking and formidable presence in the marine ecosystem.

Birds

The islands and rocky cliffs of Kornati National Park provide sanctuary to many bird species, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts and conservationists. These birds contribute to the park’s diverse avian life and natural beauty.

Eleonora’s Falcon
This rare and elegant falcon nests on Kornati’s cliffs, hunting insects and small birds. It is a migratory species, spending summers in the park and winters in Africa.

Audouin’s Gull
A rare Mediterranean gull, Audouin’s gull breeds along the rocky islands of Kornati. Known for its striking white body and red beak, it symbolizes the park’s pristine marine environment.

Shag (European)
The European shag is a striking black seabird found along the rocky shores. Known for its diving prowess, it feeds primarily on fish and is a common sight in the park.

Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon, the world’s fastest bird, nests on Kornati’s cliffs. Its sharp vision and speed make it a highly effective predator of smaller birds.

Yellow-legged Gull
This large gull is a frequent presence along the islands, known for its adaptability and omnivorous diet. Its pale gray wings and yellow legs make it easily recognizable.

Little Egret
The little egret is a graceful white heron often seen wading in the shallow waters around the islands. It feeds on small fish and crustaceans and adds a touch of elegance to the park.

Common Tern
A sleek seabird with a black cap and forked tail, the common tern can often be spotted diving into the waters to catch fish. It is a seasonal visitor to Kornati.

Great Cormorant
The great cormorant is a large, dark waterbird that thrives along the coasts and rocky cliffs. It is known for its impressive diving abilities and social nesting habits.

Eurasian Kestrel
A small bird of prey, the Eurasian kestrel hovers over open areas of the park, searching for insects and small mammals. Its distinct reddish-brown plumage makes it a beautiful sight.

Blue Rock Thrush
The blue rock thrush is a songbird that inhabits the cliffs and rocky terrains of Kornati. Its melodious call and striking blue feathers make it a favorite among bird watchers.

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