Kornati and Telašćica: prices, routes, tickets, tips
A full-day trip to Kornati and Telašćica is more than just a boat ride. It’s a short escape from civilization straight into the raw beauty of nature. Crystal-clear water, limestone cliffs, bays perfect for swimming, and a viewpoint with a postcard-worthy panorama. It’s one of those adventures that stays in your mind for a long time. If you’re looking for a place to truly relax and at the same time feel a deep sense of awe, you’ve just found it.
Table of contents:
- Why visit Kornati National Park and Telašćica
- How to get to Kornati and Telašćica and who to sail with
- Kornati and Telašćica – where to buy tickets to the National Park
- What’s included in an organized tour of Kornati and Telašćica
- What to see on the archipelago
- Summary of Kornati National Park and Telašćica + practical information
- FAQ – Kornati and Telašćica, most frequently asked questions
Why visit Kornati National Park and Telašćica
Kornati and Telašćica are two parks located in the Adriatic Sea, close to the cities of Zadar and Šibenik. What’s more, both areas are often visited together during full-day boat trips, as they form a harmonious maritime landscape.
Kornati National Park includes 89 islands. Altogether, the Kornati archipelago has as many as 140 islands and small islets, and a large marine area is also under protection. Telašćica is located on the island of Dugi Otok and covers a bay that stretches for about eight kilometers. As a result, tourists are amazed by the steep cliffs reaching up to 160 meters in height. Within Telašćica, you will also find the saltwater Lake Mir, which is one of the most frequently visited places in the region. In addition, both Kornati and Telašćica feature stone walls, small coves, and scenic viewpoints offering wide panoramic landscapes.
There is no access to drinking water on the islands. Because of this, most of them remain uninhabited. Their raw, almost lunar appearance is the result of human activity. It is said that in the past, forests were burned here to clear land for olive groves. Later on, sheep pastures were established. Today, the results of those actions can be admired from the deck of a boat, and contrary to appearances, the view is truly impressive.
The waters of Kornati and Telašćica are home to more than 850 animal species. You may encounter bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, moray eels, and octopuses. There are also more than 350 species of algae and protected meadows of seagrass. Furthermore, among the fish and corals, many rare species can be found.
The harsh and untouched character of Kornati and Telašćica makes you feel as if you have landed on the Moon. The crystal-clear water and the possibility of snorkeling allow you to admire the wonders of nature. You may come across bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles, while the old stone walls and scenic viewpoints offer breathtaking panoramas. George Bernard Shaw once said, “On the last day of creation, God desired to crown His work and so He created the Kornati Islands out of tears, stars and breath,” and it is hard to think of a more fitting description.
How to get to Kornati and Telašćica and who to sail with
You can reach the Kornati and Telašćica parks only by boat or yacht. Swimming there is not recommended. If you have your own vessel, then you can buy a ticket to Kornati National Park on the official website. The price depends on the size of the boat. Additionally, tickets can be purchased at the park’s ticket office, although they are cheaper online.
Alternatively, you can choose an organized tour. Trips to Kornati and Telašćica run throughout the summer season. They usually depart in the morning between eight and nine and return around six in the evening. The price typically includes transportation, a guide, swimming stops, and lunch on board.
In practice, most tours depart from Zadar. Moreover, you can also find offers from Vodice or Biograd. For a more intimate experience, I recommend small boats with a local captain. On the other hand, those who value comfort will prefer tours that include a guide and meals. Where to buy tickets will be covered in the next section.
Kornati and Telašćica – where to buy tickets to the National Park
If you are sailing with your own vessel, you can buy tickets on the official website of Kornati and Telašćica National Parks. The price depends on the size of the boat, and tickets bought at the park office are more expensive than those purchased online.
If you are looking for a new adventure, organized tours will be the best option. On the park’s website, you will find contact details for various tour operators, and you can reach out to them by email or phone.
In Zadar and nearby towns, local operators set up colorful booths in the ports, offering boat trips to Kornati and Telašćica. Each of them has a different offer and price, so it’s worth comparing to find what suits you best. You can buy tickets on the spot with cash.
Personally, I recommend buying tickets online and checking the price difference in advance. Moreover, the price sometimes varies by five or even ten euros. It may not seem like much, but it’s enough for coffee and dessert! Below you’ll find selected online tours I managed to find.
- Šibenik: Kornati by Speedboat
- Telašćica Nature Park and Kornati National Park: Full-Day Trip from Zadar + Lunch
- Zadar: Boat Cruise to the Kornati Archipelago with Lunch and Swim Stops
- 1-Day Boat Tour from Zadar and Sukošan to Kornati National Park
- Kornati National Park and Telašćica – Full-Day Boat Trip
- From Zadar: Kornati National Park and Telašćica with Ticket Included
- From Biograd: Kornati and Telašćica – Full-Day Boat Excursion
- Mikado Kornati Tour with Snorkeling and Hiking Stops
- Preko: Lojena Beach, Kornati Islands, and Telašćica Boat Cruise
- Kornati National Park to Mana Island and Kukljica with Stop at Loje Beach
- From Sinj: 1.5-Hour Private Flight over Kornati and Šibenik
- Sukošan: 7-Day Luxury Yacht Cruise through Dalmatia, Croatia
What’s included in an organized tour of Kornati and Telašćica
Tours to Kornati and Telašćica usually include entrance tickets to both parks, a boat cruise, a guide, and a meal. Depending on the offer, you can choose a full-day or half-day option with two, three, or even four stops. This is important because it’s not always clearly stated on the ticket. I booked mine through GetYourGuide, and there was no mention of the number of stops. They put me on a boat with three, so if I paid for two… I guess I got lucky!
As for food, most tours offer partial meals. I got grilled fish, slightly oversalted chicken, salad, and potatoes, along with drinks or wine from a plastic bottle. Even so, I would definitely bring some snacks and at least one liter of water. The sun on the open sea can wear you out faster than you’d expect.
Some operators also provide snorkeling masks. In my case, there weren’t any, and I didn’t realize they weren’t included, so that was a bit of a letdown. Sometimes insurance is also included in the price, but it’s worth checking with the organizer in advance. It’s a good idea to ask about everything beforehand or simply bring your own gear. But even with that small disappointment, the whole trip was definitely worth it.
What to see on the archipelago
Kornat is the largest island in the entire Kornati archipelago. Locals call it Kurnat and treat it almost like the heart of the whole park. It is rugged, rocky, and nearly uninhabited, yet it is exactly this wildness that draws people in. It’s perfect if you are looking for peace, open space, and a true sense of doing nothing surrounded by nature.
Vrulje is the largest settlement within Kornati National Park. Nevertheless, it remains very small. It mainly consists of stone houses and pastures separated by the characteristic dry-stone walls. It’s a peaceful place where life flows to the rhythm of the sea and sun. Some consider it a must-see stop, while others treat it more as a curiosity along the way.
Church of Our Lady of Tarac (Gospa od Tarca) is a small church located on the island of Kornat, near Tarac Bay. It was built in the Romanesque style, probably on the foundations of an earlier basilica. Although it no longer serves a religious function, a pilgrimage of fishermen and local residents takes place here every year. The place has a special atmosphere. A solitary church in the middle of nowhere, with a view of the sea and the Kornati hills. It’s worth stopping by, even if just for a moment.
Tureta Fortress is an impressive 6th-century structure built during the Byzantine era. It was constructed on a hill, probably for defensive purposes, to protect sailors passing through Kornati and Telašćica. Today, it captivates not so much with its details but with the very fact that it still stands after so many centuries. It is one of the few places in the park that clearly bears historical traces.
Dugi Otok – it’s worth climbing to the viewpoint and heading as far to the right as possible. From there, you get an incredible view of Lake Mir, the cliffs, and the entire surrounding landscape. This is one of those places where you can truly feel the vastness and power of nature. Majestic and definitely worth visiting during a boat trip to Kornati and Telašćica.
Lake Mir – this is a very salty lake where you can swim. I decided to skip it, though, because the water temperature felt more like soup than a refreshing swim. There is a beach next to the lake, and the place itself is an interesting natural attraction hidden within the Telašćica Nature Park. It’s a good spot for a short walk and a moment of relaxation, especially if you enjoy warm water.
Tajer Lighthouse (Sestrice) dates back to the 19th century and is located on one of the islands in the Kornati archipelago. Although I haven’t been there myself, I know it’s one of the most photogenic places in the area. The lighthouse is surrounded by turquoise water and often appears in promotional brochures. Apparently, it looks best from above or from a boat. If your route includes it, it’s definitely worth keeping your camera ready.
Kukljica – a small village with a marina, where we made our last stop, probably just to watch the stray cats and wait for the sunset. There was nothing particularly special there, but maybe that “nothing” was meant to be the perfect end to the day.
Summary of Kornati National Park and Telašćica + practical information
A full-day trip to Kornati and Telašćica was one of the best days of my three-week journey through the Balkans. On the boat, I met a lovely Polish family who made the entire ride more enjoyable. The National Park is truly stunning. Its raw, almost otherworldly landscape is something you simply have to see with your own eyes.
Crystal-clear, turquoise, and warm water amazes you from the very first glance. It’s full of marine wonders, although I didn’t get to see them myself because I missed the note that snorkeling masks were not included in the price. Even so, the ferry ride, viewing the white cliffs from the open sea, exploring the islands, and stopping at scenic viewpoints made it a day truly well spent.
This is not just an adventure but also a great investment in yourself and your rest. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it… yes. It absolutely is. Sometimes, a single view of endless blue and limestone cliffs brings more peace than a whole week at a spa.
Practical information:
- If you have your own watercraft, you only need to purchase a ticket on the official website of Kornati National Park.
- The cost of an organized tour starts at around 45 euros.
- Kornati is a national park, while Telašćica holds the status of a nature park.
- A full-day trip usually lasts around 10 hours.
- Admission to the park is required – regardless of whether you arrive on your own or with a group.
- All land within Kornati National Park is privately owned.
- Swimming and sailing are allowed throughout the park, except in strictly protected zones.
- There are four strictly protected zones within the park:
- Purara islet, Klint and Volić reefs
- Mrtenjak islet
- Kolobučar islet
- Small and large Obručan islets
- Twelve crosses placed on the island commemorate the twelve firefighters who died in a fire in 2007.
- During the summer season, it’s worth booking your tour in advance – the best options can disappear in the blink of an eye.
- Some of the islands have no infrastructure at all, so make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and something to eat.
- It is forbidden to collect plants, rocks, or other “natural souvenirs” in the park – doing so may result in a hefty fine.
FAQ – Kornati and Telašćica, most frequently asked questions
Is it worth visiting Kornati and Telašćica on a single trip?
Yes — both parks are connected by a coherent route and landscape. Kornati is a national park with untouched islets, while Telašćica is a nature park featuring the salty Lake Mir and impressive cliffs. Together, they offer a fuller picture of this part of the Adriatic.
How long does the tour last?
Usually around 10 hours from departure to return. This includes the cruise through Kornati, a visit to Telašćica, and breaks for swimming or sightseeing.
How much does the boat trip and entrance tickets cost?
Group tours start at around €45. Entrance to the park is required regardless of how you arrive. If you come with your own boat, you can buy the ticket online for less than at the ticket office.
Is it worth having your own boat or yacht?
If you have your own water transport, just buy a ticket online and follow your own itinerary. Sailing independently gives you more flexibility, although you should remember about the strictly protected zones where sailing is not allowed.zabronione.
Can you swim and dive?
Yes, swimming and sailing are allowed almost everywhere, except in the four strictly protected zones: Purara, Mrtenjak, Kolobučar, and Obručan. Snorkeling is not always included in the tour price — it’s a good idea to bring your own mask.
Do you need to book in advance?
Absolutely. During the high season, offers sell out quickly, and the best tours from Zadar, Vodice, or Biograd should be booked ahead of time.
Are there any restrictions on equipment or behavior?
The parks follow conservation rules — littering, collecting plants or stones, and lighting fires are prohibited. You must respect the strictly protected zones. The land is privately owned but accessible to sailors.
Can I bring children and pets?
Yes, children are welcome, although the terrain is uneven. Pets are allowed if kept under control, but it’s best to check the specific rules of your tour operator.
When is the best time to visit Kornati and Telašćica?
The best time is late spring and early autumn — it’s less crowded, the weather is stable, and prices are often lower than during peak summer.
If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!
