Kornati Islands National Park: A Croatian Archipelago Wonderland

• HelloBok
  [Bohk]
• GoodbyeDoviđenja
  [Doh-vee-jen-ya]
• YesDa
  [Dah]
• NoNe
  [Neh]
• Please/You're welcomeMolim
  [Moh-leem]
• Thank youHvala
  [Hvah-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryOprostite
  [Oh-pros-tee-teh]
• How are you?Kako si?
  [Kah-koh see?]
• Fine. And you?Dobro. A ti?
  [Doh-bro. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Govorite li engleski?
  [Goh-voh-ree-teh lee eng-lehs-kee?]
• I don't understandNe razumijem
  [Neh rah-zoo-mee-yem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMogu li vidjeti jelovnik, molim?
  [Moh-goo lee vee-dyeh-tee yeh-lohv-neek, moh-leem?]
• I don't eat meatNe jedem meso
  [Neh yeh-dehm meh-so]
• Cheers!Živjeli!
  [Zhee-vyeh-lee!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseŽelim platiti, molim
  [Zheh-leem plah-tee-tee, moh-leem]

• Help!Pomoć!
  [Poh-mohch!]
• Go away!Idi dalje!
  [Ee-dee dah-l-yeh!]
• Call the Police!Zovite policiju!
  [Zoh-vee-teh poh-lee-tsee-yoo!]
• Call a doctor!Zovite doktora!
  [Zoh-vee-teh dohk-toh-rah!]
• I'm lostIzgubljen sam
  [Eez-goob-lyen sahm]
• I'm illBolestan sam
  [Boh-leh-stahn sahm]

• I'd like to buy...Želim kupiti...
  [Zheh-leem koo-pee-tee...]
• I'm just lookingSamo gledam
  [Sah-moh gleh-dahm]
• How much is it?Koliko košta?
  [Koh-lee-koh koh-shta?]
• That's too expensiveTo je preskupo
  [Toh yeh prehs-koo-poh]
• Can you lower the price?Možete li spustiti cijenu?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee spoos-tee-tee tsee-yeh-noo?]

• What time is it?Koliko je sati?
  [Koh-lee-koh yeh sah-tee?]
• It's one o'clockJedan je sat
  [Yeh-dahn yeh saht]
• Half past (10)Pola (deset)
  [Poh-lah (deh-seht)]
• MorningJutro
  [Yoo-troh]
• AfternoonPopodne
  [Poh-pohd-neh]
• EveningVečer
  [Veh-chehr]
• YesterdayJučer
  [Yoo-chehr]
• TodayDanas
  [Dah-nahs]
• TomorrowSutra
  [Soo-trah]
• 1Jedan
  [Yeh-dahn]
• 2Dva
  [Dvah]
• 3Tri
  [Tree]
• 4Četiri
  [Cheh-tee-ree]
• 5Pet
  [Peh-t]
• 6Šest
  [Shehst]
• 7Sedam
  [Seh-dahm]
• 8Osam
  [Oh-sahm]
• 9Devet
  [Deh-veht]
• 10Deset
  [Deh-seht]

• Where's a/the...?Gdje je...
  [Gdyeh yeh...]
• What's the address?Koja je adresa?
  [Koh-yah yeh ah-deh-sah?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Možete li mi pokazati (na karti)?
  [Moh-zheh-teh lee mee poh-kah-zah-tee (nah kahr-tee)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kada je sljedeći (autobus)?
  [Kah-dah yeh sleh-deh-chee (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Jednu kartu (do ...)
  [Yeh-dnoo kahr-too (doh ...)]

The Kornati Islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the numerous archaeological finds scattered across the archipelago. Remnants of ancient Illyrian settlements can still be found, providing a glimpse into the lives of the early inhabitants who utilized the islands for their strategic position and rich marine resources.

During the Roman period, the Kornati Islands became an important part of the Roman Empire's maritime network. The islands were used for agriculture, particularly the cultivation of olives and grapes, and served as a strategic point for maritime trade and military operations. Ruins of Roman villas and agricultural terraces are still visible today, highlighting the islands' significance during this era.

In the Middle Ages, the Kornati Islands were part of the Byzantine Empire before falling under the rule of the Republic of Venice. The Venetians fortified the islands and established a system of land tenure that affected the local population. This period also saw the construction of numerous churches and chapels, some of which remain as historical landmarks.

The strategic location of the Kornati Islands made them a target for Ottoman incursions and pirate attacks during the 16th and 17th centuries. The local population built defensive structures and watchtowers to protect themselves from these threats. The remains of these fortifications can still be seen on some of the islands, bearing witness to this turbulent period in their history.

Throughout history, the Kornati Islands have been closely linked to agriculture and maritime activities. The local inhabitants engaged in olive growing, fishing, and sheep farming, adapting to the harsh conditions of the archipelago. The dry-stone walls, shepherds' huts, and olive groves found on the islands are a testament to their enduring agricultural and maritime heritage.

In 1980, the Kornati Islands were designated as a national park to preserve their unique natural and cultural heritage. This decision recognized the importance of the islands' diverse ecosystems, rich history, and traditional way of life. The national park status has helped protect the islands from overdevelopment and ensured the conservation of their pristine landscapes and historical sites.

Kornati Islands National Park is located off the coast of Croatia, in the Adriatic Sea. The nearest major cities are Zadar and Šibenik. From these cities, you can take a boat tour directly to the islands. Both cities are accessible by road, rail, and air, with Zadar having its own international airport (Zadar Airport). Once in Zadar or Šibenik, you can book a boat transfer or join a guided tour to reach the Kornati Islands.

The primary mode of transportation within Kornati Islands National Park is by boat. There are numerous boat tours and private charters available from nearby coastal cities. Once on the islands, walking is the main way to explore since the terrain is rugged and vehicles are not permitted. If you're an experienced sailor, you can also rent a sailboat or yacht to explore the islands at your own pace.

The currency in Croatia is the Croatian Kuna (HRK). Credit cards are widely accepted in larger cities and for booking tours, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting the islands. ATMs are available in Zadar and Šibenik, but you should withdraw enough cash before heading to the islands, as there are no ATMs in Kornati Islands National Park.

Kornati Islands National Park is generally very safe for tourists. However, it's essential to take standard precautions. Always keep an eye on your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended. There are no specific areas with high crime rates targeting tourists, but it's always wise to stay vigilant. When exploring the islands, be cautious of the rugged terrain to prevent injuries.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services throughout Croatia. While on the islands, first aid kits are available on most tour boats. For medical emergencies, the nearest hospitals are in Zadar and Šibenik. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and sturdy footwear for walking on rugged terrain. Don’t wear high heels or flip-flops when exploring the islands. Religion: Do be respectful when visiting any religious sites on the islands. Public Transport: Do be punctual for boat tours, as they operate on strict schedules. Don’t expect public transport options like buses or taxis within the park. Greetings: Do greet locals and fellow tourists with a friendly 'Dobar dan' (Good day). Eating & Drinking: Do try the local seafood and traditional Croatian dishes available at restaurants on some of the islands. Don’t litter; always dispose of your trash properly to keep the park clean.

To experience Kornati Islands National Park like a local, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (May-June or September-October) when the weather is pleasant, and the islands are less crowded. Engage with local tour operators who can provide insider knowledge and unique experiences, such as hidden coves and lesser-known snorkeling spots. Don’t miss trying 'Peka,' a traditional Croatian dish cooked under a bell-like lid covered with embers, available at some local restaurants.