In short
- Kornati features 89 rocky islands and islets.
- Telašćica is known for steep cliffs and a salt lake.
- Boat tours often combine both parks into an 8 to 10-hour trip.
In this article
Kornati National Park and Telašćica Nature Park sit right next to each other on the Adriatic coast. While they share the same marine environment, they offer different experiences. Kornati is a vast archipelago of bare islands, while Telašćica centers around a deep bay on Dugi Otok with unique natural features.
What is the difference between Kornati and Telašćica?
Kornati is a large group of 89 rocky islands, while Telašćica is a deep bay featuring a salt lake and high cliffs.
Kornati National Park covers 218 square kilometers of highly indented marine environment. The islands are mostly barren karst landscapes. Telašćica Nature Park is located on the southern part of neighboring Dugi Otok. It is famous for its steep coastal cliffs and the "Mir" salt lake.
Which park is better for sailing?
Kornati offers a vast labyrinth of 89 islands, making it a larger area to explore by boat.
Sailing through Kornati lets you navigate between dozens of small islands and reefs. The park has 16 designated bays where anchoring and overnight stays are permitted. Telašćica is an excellent natural harbor, but it is focused on one large, deep bay rather than an extensive archipelago.
Can you swim in both parks?
Yes, swimming is allowed in designated areas of both Kornati and Telašćica.
In Kornati, Lojena Beach on Levrnaka Island is a popular spot with turquoise waters. In Telašćica, many visitors swim in the "Mir" salt lake, which is often warmer than the surrounding sea. Always respect protection zones where entry is prohibited.
Do you need separate tickets for each park?
Yes, they are managed separately and require different entry tickets.
If you sail your own vessel, you must purchase a ticket for each park you enter. Buying tickets online in advance is significantly cheaper than buying them from rangers on the water. Many organized excursions include the entry fees for both parks in their total price.
Which park is better for hiking?
Telašćica offers more straightforward walking paths to its cliffs and salt lake.
In Telašćica, you can easily walk to the coastal cliffs and around Lake Mir. In Kornati, hiking is restricted to marked trails because almost all land is privately owned. The terrain in Kornati is very rocky, and you can hike to viewpoints like Metlina Peak (237 meters) on Kornat Island.
Should I visit Kornati National Park or Telašćica Nature Park?
Visit both if you can. Many full-day boat tours from Zadar cover both parks in one itinerary.
If you only have one day, booking a combined boat tour is the most efficient way to see the highlights. You will see the barren islands of Kornati and the cliffs of Telašćica. These tours typically last 8 to 10 hours and include lunch and swimming stops.
Questions travellers ask
How far apart are Kornati and Telašćica?
They are located right next to each other. Telašćica is on the southern end of Dugi Otok, which borders the northern part of the Kornati archipelago.
Are there sandy beaches in these parks?
Kornati has Lojena Beach on Levrnaka Island, which features a mix of sand and pebbles. Telašćica does not have sandy beaches, but people swim in the salt lake and rocky bays.
When is the best time to visit?
May, June, and September offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than July and August. The parks are accessible year-round.
