THE KORNATI ARCHIPELAGO THE KORNATI archipelago, the most indented island group in the Mediterranean, is situated in northern Dalmatia, not far from Šibenik. The archipelago comprises 140 uninhabited islands, islets and reefs and has an area of just 70 km2. In the immediate vicinity of the Kornati National Park is yet another jewel of Croatia’s protected nature - Telapšica Nature Park which includes the spacious and deep Telapšica Bay on the neighbouring island of Dugi otok. The Kornati archipelago is noted for its varied and unusual forms and extraordinary relief structure, especially the high cliffs. The saying goes, ”there are as many Kornati islands as there are days in the year”. Actually, they number only 140. The largest surface area comprises the main island of Kornat, from which the whole group takes its name. Because of the hazardous navigational conditions in this maze of stone and sea the Kornati islands are guarded by many old lighthouses, such as Blitvenica and Sestrice, nowadays destinations for contemporary Robinson Crusoes. The greatest fans of the Kornati are those recreational mariners who find in the Kornati that which they seek most: a sunny maze of sea and islands and the tranquillity of unspoiled nature. Yachts can find safe anchorage in any of the many protected natural bays; in the Pipkera marina the only marina in the park, and in ten other marinas in the park’s vicinity. Apart from the marinas, home-cooked seafood specialties are served in many restaurants situated in the old houses of fishermen from neighbouring islands. A special feature of both the Kornati National Park and the Telapšica Nature Park are the impressive cliffs created by the movement of the Earth’s crust and the action of waves which, on the open side of Dugi otok (Long Island) on the outer side of TelapÊica Bay, rise to 180 metres in height. A particular adornment of Telapšica Bay, one of the most beautiful and best protected bays of the Croatian islands, is the small Lake Mir. The water in this saltwater lake is much warmer than in the neighbouring clear, deep sea.