A Zadar-area itinerary combining Kornati and Krka

This is a more ambitious week than the Dugi Otok route. It starts at D-Marin Dalmacija in Sukošan and reaches both Kornati National Park and Skradin, the yacht gateway for visiting Krka National Park. The route uses 6 knots for indicative times and aims for a morning leg, lunch stop and afternoon leg where possible, but two days are longer and the skipper must shorten the plan when wind or harbour conditions require it.

Saturday — Sukošan to Kukljica, Ždrelac or a nearby Pašman bay | about 5–9 nm

Leave only after the yacht and crew are ready. Kukljica offers a village first night; Ždrelac is the passage-side alternative; a nearby Pašman anchorage may suit an earlier dinner aboard. The objective is not distance but a calm first manoeuvre and an easy start on Sunday. Stay in Sukošan if departure after 5 p.m. would be rushed.

Sunday — Pašman to Vrgada and Murter | about 20–27 nm

Sail south along Pašman and stop around Vrgada for lunch when conditions permit. The island is known for sandy shallows and a small settlement, but depths and local traffic need attention. Continue to Betina, Jezera, Hramina or another Murter-area overnight. Betina has a traditional boatbuilding atmosphere; Jezera and Hramina provide marina services and a practical launch point for Kornati.

Monday — Murter to Žut | about 16–23 nm

Enter the Kornati archipelago gradually. A lunch stop around the northern Kornati or Sit group can divide the day, subject to park boundaries and current rules. On Žut, compare ACI Marina Žut in Podražanj with restaurant moorings and anchorages around Hiljača, Bizikovica, Strunac or another suitable inlet. The correct bay depends on wind, depth, facilities and whether the group wants a marina or a quieter night.

Tuesday — Žut to Levrnaka and Vrulje | about 14–22 nm

Use the morning to move through Kornati’s island channels. Levrnaka and Lojena can provide a memorable lunch or swim, but approach and anchoring must follow current park guidance. Continue to Vrulje on Kornat for the overnight, or select an authorized nearby bay or restaurant mooring. Vrulje gives access ashore and a classic Kornati setting; crowding and wind may make another cove preferable.

Wednesday — Vrulje to Kaprije or Zlarin | about 22–30 nm

Leave the park with an early start. Kaprije, Kakan or a suitable bay can divide the passage before continuing to Zlarin. Kaprije is the quieter island-village choice. Zlarin sits closer to the Šibenik channel and creates the simplest approach to Skradin the next day. Do not add both as full overnight stops unless the route is extended.

Thursday — Zlarin to Šibenik and Skradin | about 12–17 nm

Pass the St Anthony Channel and continue up the Krka River under the navigation rules that apply to the yacht. Šibenik can be a lunch and sightseeing stop if berthing works; otherwise continue directly. Skradin is the normal yacht base for visiting the waterfalls by park boat or local excursion. ACI Marina Skradin, the town waterfront and nearby alternatives have different booking and mooring arrangements, so confirm them before committing.

Friday — Skradin to Sukošan before 5 p.m. | about 34–42 nm

This is the route’s compromise: the return is longer than the preferred four-hour day and should start early. If conditions are not favourable, shorten Thursday’s park visit and reposition to Vodice, Murter or Vrgada for the night. From Skradin, allow roughly six to seven hours at a 6-knot planning speed before adding fuel and return procedures. The yacht must be back at Sukošan before the contractual deadline.

A more relaxed Friday alternative

To protect the final day, visit Skradin on Wednesday afternoon, return downriver on Thursday and sleep around Vodice, Murter or Vrgada. Friday then becomes a moderate 18–25 nm return to Sukošan with time for a lunch stop. This is usually the better choice for families, first-time crews or uncertain forecasts.

Which Kornati stops should you choose?

Žut: marina, restaurant mooring or anchorage

ACI Marina Žut provides the clearest marina structure. Hiljača and other inlets offer different restaurant, buoy or anchoring possibilities. Services, depths and charges vary, so compare the exact bay rather than selecting “Žut” as if it were one harbour.

Levrnaka and Lojena

Levrnaka is the island; Lojena is the well-known bay on its southwest side. It is best treated as a daytime highlight unless the skipper has confirmed a suitable overnight plan under current conditions and park rules.

Vrulje and nearby Kornat bays

Vrulje combines a settlement, restaurant access and a dramatic island backdrop. Nearby bays can be quieter but offer fewer services. Strong wind can funnel through exposed areas, making local shelter more important than the most famous name.

Kaprije versus Zlarin

Kaprije gives a quieter island evening and a natural break after Kornati. Zlarin is closer to Šibenik and makes the next day’s river passage easier. Choose atmosphere or logistics; trying to maximize both usually adds unnecessary miles.

The main trade-off

Combining Kornati and Krka adds variety but creates more transit and a demanding return if Skradin is left until Thursday night. The route works best with an early-week forecast check and permission to reposition on Thursday. If the group values slow swimming days above sightseeing range, choose Kornati without Krka or the Dugi Otok itinerary instead.