Kornati as a tourist attraction
Today, around two thirds of the Kornati islands form a national park. Since these islands were declared a national park in 1980, many scientific research studies have been conducted, particularly concerning the cultural heritage of the area. These studies have uncovered a wealth of information about the geological, meteorological, geographical, and biological attributes as well as other characteristics about these islands. To date, 537 plant species (on land); 225 varieties of benthic algae, and approximately 850 species of sea organisms (including 579 invertebrates, 160 species of fish, one species of turtle and three species of mammal) have been registered.
In the park there are catering facilities, where you can find basic amenities for visitors, including customer service, security, tourist information and reception points. Visitors can move freely around the whole area of the national park, with the exception of the vicinity around the island of Purare and the reefs of Mala Purare and Volić, as these have been designated as conservation areas. Visitors to the Kornati National Park are asked to respect and appreciate the fact that the Kornati islands are not only private property, but protected natural heritage.
In the Kornati National Park there are eight signposted hiking paths which converge on a vantage point with a clear view of the most picturesque aspects of the Kornati islands. These routes are clearly marked under the name “Planinarski put Kornati” (or the Kornati hiking paths).
CRUISING
THROUGH KORNATI
The
National Park “Kornati” is often listed in tourist publications as “the
nautical paradise”. Namely, you will really test all of your nautical
skills and capabilities while practising a “slalom” cruise through 89
unforgettable islands, islets and cliffs, especially if the time helps
you additionally.
For cruising you only need a ticket for the National Park “Kornati”.
DIVING AND SNORKELING
To
visit the NP “Kornati” and not to dive into the undersea world would
practically be a sin. Qualified autonomous divers are in that sense in a
privileged position: they can enjoy the values because of which (among
others) this area was proclaimed a national park. For all those who
haven’t got diving qualification we recommend the usage of a mask and a
snorkel when peeking into the blue depths of clear and translucent
Kornati sea because you can see many memorable things even from the
surface.
For snorkeling (diving without the autonomous diving equipment) you don’t need a special license, while diving with the use of autonomous diving equipment must be performed only in organized and authorized groups.
SWIMMING IN THE SEA
Take a swimm in the crystal and warm Kornati sea. This is
an experience about which we don’t need to talk very much.
For swimming in Kornati you don’t need a special license.
OBSERVING WILD HERBAL AND ANIMAL WORLD
The
undersea world of the NP “Kornati” gives you an opportunity to observe a
rich herbal and animal world. The continental part of the park is full
of life, although it seems as a desert. It is confirmed that 537
herbal taxons exist in the continental part of the park, and it is
assumed that there are 700-800 vascular plant species altogether. The
animal world has been investigated poorly unfortunately. Next to
rodents, snakes, lizards, insects and other mainly "uninteresting"
residents, there is also a beast registered in the area of the national
park - the stone marten. But it is very hard to see this animal
“live”. Birds are especially interesting in the national park
“Kornati”: eagle owls, peregrine falcons, kestrels, buzzards,
cormorants, gulls, etc.
We request avoidance of any contact with animals as well as disturbing the animals, because this area is their home, too.
WALKING ON THE
KORNATI ISLANDS
Numerous Kornati belvederes offer memorable moments and impressions. Interesting geological and geomorphological phenomena, which you will most certainly see, will stay in your memory forever.
It is not so difficult to reach the belvederes. Still, you have to remember that the summer sun can be very strong and thus make the hiking horrid. Always bring your hats and other means for sun protection, because shade is very rare on the Kornati.
The continental part of Kornati is completely private property of local Murter residents. So, please, act like kind and thoughtfull guests while wlking on the islands.
RESTAURANTS AND TAVERNS
There
is approximately 20 restaurants and taverns in the area of Kornati
which, more or less successfully, offer quality local food. These are
mostly seafood specialities (fish and crabs) and local Kornati
specialities – like lamb. Still you can order “common” food for those
who don’t find the Kornati cuisine appealing.
We definitely recommend visiting some of the restaurants and/or taverns on the Kornati islands – you will not be disappointed.
SPENDING THE NIGHT IN KORNATI
Surprisingly rich starry sky above Kornati, undisturbed by
artificial lights, silence and peace of natural sea ambience, smell of
sea, clean air, light breeze, etc. make spending a night in the Kornati
quite special – different. Anyone who tries to do it will know what we
are talking about.
In the Kornati National Park anchoring and spending the night are allowed in 16 provided bays.
LIVING IN A KORNATI FAMILY
We definitely recommend “tasting” life in a Kornati family.
That includes tasting of a different, special, both simple and
complicated lifestyle that a very few people knows about, and it exists
here for centuries – so close to us. Try to feel and participate in
olive picking on Kornati, chasing domestic sheep “gone wild”,
sheepshearing, fishing your own meal, etc.,in a way the old residents
od the Kornati islands – simple and kind hosts and people - used to
do it, regardless of the tourist season.
