Exploring the Croatian coast

A secluded island on which there are no cars, but everything is within easy reach, and shops and several catering establishments, churches… Dense pine forests, clean sea and affordable beaches are the main features of the only populated island of the Pakoštane Riviera.

It is not just the beaches that attract tourists throughout the year, but also a vast cultural heritage, rich history, and lush natural vistas and sights. It is the greenest of all the islands in the archipelago. The food and wine here on the island is accentuated by the foundations like freshly caught fish and the famous capers of Sali.

It seems that the number of islands is even bigger because an old saying says: “As many days in a year, as many Kornati islands”. The biggest part of the Park is in fact its main island, Kornat, and the entire archipelago was named after it. The greatest fans of the Kornati islands are the boaters who find there what they seek the most: a sunny labyrinth of sea and islands, and the peace of the untouched nature.

Past the large islands of the Bay of Kvarnar are the Kornati Islands, many of which are part of a national park. The islands are barren, with a lunarscape beauty. The crystal clear waters make swimming irresistible. Navigating among the islands can be exciting, with some passages barely wider than the yacht!

The tiny village of Skradin in Croatia is the kind of place most travelers pass through to get somewhere else (in this case Krka National Park), but once they see it, they vow to someday return and stay. The town of Skradin is built in a V shape pointing toward the waterfront on either side of a fortress-topped hill, with the west side of the V facing an attractive inlet and marina that is a popular stopping point for yachts in summer. The town is famously the favorite place in the world of Bill Gates, as reported by Forbes magazine.

The island of Zlarin is the first island of the Šibenik archipelago, practically at the entrance to the Sveti Ante canal along the mysterious walls of the Sveti Nikola fortress where the Adriatic winds rush to meet Šibenik.

Not to be missed are Zadar’s numerous churches, many of which were constructed in the medieval period. St. Donatus Church is the city’s most symbolic monument and is located near the iconic bell, which was dedicated to St. Anastasia. The western end of the Old Town offers stunning views of the Adriatic. Here you will also find the famous sea organ of Nikola Bašić, which produces music with the waves.