Kornati National Park comprises a group of 125 islands, islets and reefs above sea level. The territory of Šibenik-Knin County is physically divided into two parts by the deeply carved canyons of the Krka and Čikola rivers, Prukljan Lake and the Šibenik Channel. The lake is part of this landscape division. The widely branching island world of Kornati National Park and the physical divisions of Šibenik-Knin County offer different perspectives on nature and water-based experiences.
Kornati: Sailing, Hiking and Swimming
Sailing among the 89 islands, islets and reefs of Kornati National Park is one of the activities available to visitors. A valid ticket is required to travel through the national park. Daily tours are organised by shipowners and boat operators who are licensed to transport passengers and have a contract with Kornati National Park for these activities in the park. Check the current ticket and tour information before your trip.
The park can also be experienced on foot: visitors can go for walks, hikes or sightseeing trips with a professional guide. Swimming and diving are also possible. This offers different ways to explore: a trip through the islands and reefs, guided trails and activities in the water. Which you focus on depends on whether you would rather see the landscape from a boat or set aside time for exercise and spending time in the water.
Fortresses and History in Šibenik
Barone Fortress presents the history of Šibenik using augmented reality technology, computer-generated images and sounds. Another way to explore the past is at St. Nicholas Fortress, at the entrance to the St. Anthony Channel in Šibenik. It is a Renaissance work of Venetian military architecture and an outstanding World Heritage monument. In 2017, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the nomination “Venetian Works of Defence between the 16th and 17th Centuries.” Barone foregrounds multimedia interpretation, while St. Nicholas Fortress brings together architecture and its stated historical context.
St. Michael’s Fortress also offers a practical point of reference in the city: its northern entrance is near the fire station. Visitors can reach the southern entrance by climbing up from the historic old town. The two entrances can therefore be distinguished by their locations—one near the fire station, the other reached by a route from the old town. Those interested in fortifications can explore a range of details, from architecture and history to finding their way between the entrances.
Nature Trails, Getting Here and Regional Cuisine
The county offers excellent opportunities for walking, hiking, cycling and scuba diving. At Krka National Park, you can enter on foot, by bicycle, by boat or on the national park bus. These options offer different ways of getting around; when planning, consider which best suits your interests. There is more than one way to explore the outdoors.
Regional road and rail connections are another practical consideration when planning your journey. The county is connected to the coastal region via the Adriatic Highway, to Knin and Bosnia and Herzegovina via a main road, and to inland Croatia via a motorway. A major railway line runs towards Zagreb and Split. If you plan to travel by train, check the current timetable for your specific journey.
The cuisine also reflects a contrast within the county: it can be divided into the cuisine of the coastal and island areas and that typical of the continental part. In the coastal area, it is based mainly on ingredients such as fish, shellfish and various types of seafood. If you are interested in regional food culture, you can take this difference into account when planning your trip, along with the choice between nature experiences, fortress history and activities around the Kornati Islands.
Discover more destinations: Municipality of Tisno, Municipality of Vodice, Municipality of Kistanje, Municipality of Šibenik, Municipality of Rogoznica, Municipality of Skradin, Municipality of Ervenik, Municipality of Biskupija, Municipality of Drniš, Municipality of Knin, Municipality of Primošten, Municipality of Ružić, Zirje, Municipality of Promina, Kornati, Municipality of Unešić, Municipality of Kijevo, Municipality of Civljane.
View the main travel overview: Croatia.
