Some of the geological events from the history of this land are clearly visible in the well-known Kornati “crowns”. The vertical cliffs of the Kornati islands that face towards the open sea are one of the most impressive natural phenomena of this national park.

The “crowns” are the surface of a large tectonic fault stretching from Istria all the way to central Dalmatia (maybe even further south), caused by the global movement of Africa towards the north and its “ramming” into Europe. Subsequent erosion processes caused by wind and sea currents facilitated the formation of cliffs protecting the islands from the open sea. The longest “crown” above sea level is on the Mana island (1,350m), while the tallest one is on the Klobučar island (82m). Of course, the “crowns” stretch under the sea as well. The deepest “crown” is located on the Piškera island (over 90m).

Geographical position

The crowns start with the island of Pulara in the south-east, and continue on the islands and under the sea on the islands of Kasela, Kolobučar, Lavsa, Veliki Škanj, Mali Škanj, Velika Panitula, Mala Panitula, Piškera, Veliki Rašip, Mali Rašip, Mana, Borovnik, Balun, Mrtvač, Veliki Obručan, Mali Obručan, and it ends on the south west side of the island of Dugi otok at the point Lopata. The inhabitants of Dugi otok refer to this configuration as stjene (rocks). The length of all "crowns" in the Kornat part of the archipelago is seven kilometres; the "rocks" on Dugi otok are approximately as long. The Kornat shoreline is about 307 km long. There are many shallows, points and coves on such a long shoreline. Garme attract especial attention. These are deeply cut coves, eroded by the action of the sea. For some larger ones it can be presumed that they were handy stone quarries (petrale), and the others were excellent shelters for fishermen, boats, and sheep.

Flora and fauna

The Kornati "crowns" are not interesting only because of their beauty, but also because of the particular life forms that inhabit them. On the part of the "crowns" that rises above the sea level there live special and rare types of organisms adjusted to extreme life conditions such as strong blasts of the sea and wind, high concentration of salt, washouts, lack of soil and water, and strong sun. On the other hand, the submerged part of the "crowns" is biologically very diverse and rich with organisms that have adjusted to life conditions on this underwater wall.

Climbing the “crowns” is strictly forbidden!