Kornati & Telascica Boat Tour: A must-do Day Trip Review

Thinking about visiting Kornati National Park and Telascica Nature Park in Croatia on a boat tour? It’s a wildly popular day trip, and for good reason! You get to see some just beautiful scenery, including the famed Lojena Beach. This review will tell you just about everything you’ll need to know so you can decide if this trip is something that matches what you want out of a vacation.

What to Anticipate on the Boat Ride

First things first, these boat tours typically depart from various towns along the Dalmatian Coast. It’s almost always Zadar, but other towns like Biograd na Moru can sometimes be departure points, too. Many boats are on the bigger side, offering both indoor and outdoor seating. If that’s the case, try to snag a spot outside; you came for the views, after all!

That boat ride to Kornati itself is nearly half the fun. The islands start appearing on the horizon, and they’re pretty dramatic – rugged, mostly barren, and dotted with old stone walls. These walls are, at least in part, what makes Kornati so unique; they are basically stone fences built over centuries by landowners to separate properties. They even run down into the sea!

One thing is that many tours also come with lunch, which is normally grilled fish or meat, served with a side salad and bread. Don’t get your hopes up too much about a five-star culinary experience; it’s tasty and fills you up, yet that’s just about all it is.

Discovering Telascica Nature Park

After the Kornati islands, boats tend to head to Telascica Nature Park, situated on the island of Dugi Otok. That park is known for its striking cliffs overlooking the sea, plus a saltwater lake known as Mir (which is the Croatian word for peace) which is claimed to have therapeutic qualities because of the high salt content.

Most boat tours provide a chunk of time for you to explore Telascica, sometimes two or three hours. It’s seemingly enough time to visit the lake, walk along the cliffs for some snapshots, and, naturally, relax at Lojena Beach.

There’s usually an open-air “train” available too it’s almost a golf cart to help you get around the park faster. That could be helpful if you wish to see everything in the allotted time, yet the walk to the lake is definitely manageable and not overly challenging, unless maybe it is blazing hot that day.

The Charm of Lojena Beach

Lojena Beach might be, just maybe, the most iconic beach in the Kornati area, with good reason. The water is incredibly clear, displaying the colors of some gem, while the beach is made up of smooth pebbles. That does mean bringing water shoes, as walking on the pebbles isn’t exactly the most comfortable thing, at least for some people. Just be careful while swimming because the sea urchins appear quickly in the water near the rocks.

The bay where Lojena Beach sits is shielded, which makes it super calm for swimming. You do not usually have big waves here. That does mean it can get quite crowded during peak season. Finding a spot to drop your towel might be a little challenge, yet the view absolutely makes it all worth it. You also won’t find much shade on the beach itself, so that’s another good thing to keep in mind and pack accordingly!

One consideration: that area has only the most rudimentary amenities. There’s a single, small snack bar, and very little else. Pack water and other necessities. Also, bring some money in cash with you.

Is the Kornati & Telascica Boat Tour Really Worth It?

Alright, here’s the question you really would want answered: should you spend a day – and money – on a Kornati and Telascica boat tour? The truth is that the answer isn’t completely straightforward; it’s dependent upon your preferences. If you treasure nature, crystal-clear water, and some magnificent scenery, then it’s surely a fantastic day out.

That being stated, manage your expectations somewhat. The lunch won’t be gourmet, the boat will probably be packed, and Lojena Beach will have many other sunbathers with you. Even so, if you can accept the crowds and somewhat average food, you’ll still have a seriously unforgettable day.

There might be times when that tour will appeal a bit less. If you suffer from seasickness, a full day on a boat might not be ideal, unless maybe you load up on meds beforehand. Similarly, if you are someone who craves peace and quiet and avoiding throngs of tourists, perhaps find a quieter cove elsewhere. Still, if you go into it understanding what to expect, you might feel it is absolutely a fantastic excursion. Many previous guests can report to have said that!

Practical Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Trip

Before you book your tour, here are some things to consider. That sun in Croatia may be very intense, especially on the water, so bring lots of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. And carry a towel and swimwear; you’ll definitely have to take a dip in that clear Adriatic. Also, as previously said, water shoes might make walking on pebble beaches more comfortable. Oh, and bring Kuna, the local currency, for any smaller purchases. Remember, always confirm what’s included in the tour price before you book, so there’s no last-minute shocks.

One more very useful thing to know is the best time to go on that tour, as it could affect the whole feel of your time spent there. Going in the shoulder season which is May-June or September might just give you a good balance. The weather could potentially still be great, yet with fewer crowds than the crazy months of July and August. Now, bear in mind that boat tours may be weather dependent; if that forecast says some serious winds, your tour may just get canceled. It would be very good to be mindful and to see about any cancelation policies at the time of booking, just in case something like that was to occur!

Another thought to put in the works is maybe compare tour operators and what is specifically offered. Some tours include extras like snorkeling equipment or drinks, or visit even more spots than others. See those reviews to get other travelers’ experiences, or to avoid certain things on the tours that seem not very amusing for most people. These factors could make a significant impact to how much you enjoy the tour.

You might just enjoy the experience by having the right equipment, weather awareness and having booked the right tour for you and your guests.

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