Kornati, Lojena Cove, Tarac Bay and Ugljan Boat Cruise Zadar

Zadar harbour and the cruise through the archipelago

The day starts in the heart of Zadar, at the harbour next to the pedestrian bridge that links the Old Town peninsula with the mainland. Guests staying south of the centre can also board at Draženica port. The boat leaves at 08:30, and the first two hours are a scenic cruise across the Zadar archipelago, one of the most island-studded stretches of the Adriatic.

Breakfast is served on board with a welcome refreshment while the coastlines of Ugljan, Pašman and the smaller islets slide past. Your guide shares stories about island life, fishing and the history of this coast, and points out the lighthouses and hamlets along the way. It is a gentle, comfortable way to reach Kornati National Park, which lies too far from the city for most smaller boats to visit on a short trip.

Levrnaka island and the sandy Lojena cove

Most beaches in Kornati are rocky, which makes Lojena on Levrnaka island special: a curve of fine pale sand and shallow turquoise water that looks almost tropical against the bare stone hills. You have about an hour and a half here to swim, snorkel or simply relax on the beach, making it the longest swimming stop of the day.

Keen walkers can follow the path up Levrnaka for one of the finest panoramas in the park, with the islands and islets of Kornati spread across the sea below. Bring hiking shoes for this climb, as the trail is stony and steep in places. If you are wondering how to get to Lojena beach, a boat trip from Zadar like this one is the simplest way, since Levrnaka has no ferry connection.

Tarac on Kornat island: Tureta fortress and the medieval church

Kornat is the largest island in Kornati National Park, a long, narrow ridge of limestone that gives the whole archipelago its name. At Tarac the boat ties up for about an hour. A short uphill walk brings you to Tureta, the remains of a fortress dating back to the 6th century, built in the Byzantine era to watch over the sea route along this coast.

Below the fortress stands the small Church of Our Lady of Tarac, a peaceful stone chapel with medieval origins that still welcomes an annual pilgrimage by boat. From the fortress walls the view over the bay and the surrounding islands is superb. Those who prefer the water can stay by the shore and swim or snorkel from the boat instead.

Lunch on board in Kornati National Park

Between the stops, lunch is served on deck: grilled fish or chicken fillet with salad, with vegetarian pasta in tomato sauce available for guests who ask for it when booking. Eating on board while the boat moves through the national park is one of the pleasures of the day, with the bare islands and their old dry-stone walls drifting past.

Kornati National Park was established in 1980 to protect this unique landscape of stone islands, cliffs and clear sea. Many travellers ask whether a Kornati National Park tour is worth it: for anyone who loves the sea, the combination of open-water scenery, swimming in remote coves and a little history makes it one of the most memorable day trips from Zadar. Additional drinks can be bought on board in cash.

An old fishing village on Ugljan island

After an hour and a half cruising back north, the boat stops at an old fishing village on Ugljan, the green island that faces Zadar across a narrow channel. Ugljan is known for its olive groves, stone houses and harbours still full of working fishing boats, and the village atmosphere is a lovely contrast to the wild scenery of Kornati.

You have about 40 minutes of free time to stroll the waterfront, have a last swim or simply enjoy the harbour views as the sun starts to lower. From here it is a short 30-minute cruise back to Zadar, with an optional drop-off at Draženica for those staying south of the city. You arrive back about nine and a half hours after leaving.