How can I get to Vrulje Beach in the Kornati Islands?

Reaching Vrulje Beach requires a boat, as the Kornati Islands have no public ferry service or road access. Options include joining an organized day trip from Zadar, Šibenik, or Murter, which often include Kornati in their itineraries. Alternatively, charter a private boat or skippered yacht, or join a sailing flotilla. If you're an experienced sailor, you can rent a bareboat, though you'll need to purchase a Kornati National Park ticket and follow park regulations. The journey from the mainland takes approximately 1-2 hours depending on departure point and vessel speed.

Where can I find food and facilities near Vrulje Beach?

Vrulje Beach itself has no facilities, but it's located near Vrulje settlement, which has a handful of traditional konobas (taverns) serving fresh seafood to visiting sailors during the season. These family-run restaurants typically require reservations and offer limited menus based on daily catch and availability. There are no shops or accommodations—visitors arrive and depart by boat the same day or sleep on their vessels. Bring cash, as card payments may not be accepted. The nearest full services are on the mainland. Remember you're in a national park with strict environmental protections, so pack out all waste.

What makes Vrulje Beach special within the Kornati archipelago?

Vrulje Beach stands out as one of the few beaches in the Kornati National Park near a settlement, offering a rare combination of wilderness and minimal infrastructure. While most Kornati anchorages are completely uninhabited, Vrulje provides access to traditional konobas without sacrificing the archipelago's wild character. The snorkeling here reveals the distinctive underwater landscape that makes Kornati famous—crystal-clear waters with excellent visibility and diverse marine life. The beach serves as a cultural touchpoint in an otherwise uninhabited park, where you can meet local restaurant families who maintain seasonal presence in this remote paradise.

Kornati Islands · Šibenik-Knin County · Croatia

Vrulje Beach

You'll anchor in the bay off Vrulje, a cluster of stone houses and one of the few signs of settlement in this bare, beautiful national park. The beach is a narrow ribbon of wave-polished stones, shadeless and bracingly real after a morning of postcard coves.

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Kornati Islands·Šibenik-Knin County·Croatia

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8 captures from Vrulje Beach

About this beach

The Kornati Islands rise from the Adriatic like the vertebrae of some ancient creature, all pale limestone and sparse maquis, striped with drystone walls built by farmers who abandoned them decades ago. Vrulje clings to a protected inlet on Kornat, the largest island in the chain. As you approach by boat, you'll see a handful of stone cottages—some restored…

Where it is

Vrulje Beach

Kornati Islands, Šibenik-Knin County, Croatia

43.8286°, 15.2615°

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Top things to do

At Vrulje Beach

Dive the dropoffs

Grouper hide in deeper crevices

Lunch at konoba

Grilled fish under grape arbors

Capture the ruin

Stone walls against blue sky

Paddle neighboring bays

Explore hidden coves nearby

Near this beach

Places, rentals, tours and events within walking and driving distance of Vrulje Beach.

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Good to know

Questions people actually ask about Vrulje Beach.

Is swimming and snorkeling safe at Vrulje Beach?

Swimming at Vrulje Beach is generally safe in calm conditions, with clear visibility ideal for snorkeling. The pebble beach provides easier entry than sharp rocks found elsewhere in Kornati. Underwater, you'll find typical Adriatic marine life and interesting rock formations. However, there are no lifeguards or rescue services in this remote location. Water shoes are advisable due to pebbles and occasional sea urchins. Check weather forecasts before visiting, as conditions can deteriorate quickly. Stay close to shore and be aware of boat traffic, as this is a popular anchorage for sailors exploring the national park.

When is the best time to visit Vrulje Beach in Kornati?

The optimal time to visit Vrulje Beach is from late May through early October, when weather is settled and the Kornati National Park is most accessible. July and August offer the warmest water and best snorkeling visibility but bring more sailing yachts to the anchorage. June and September provide excellent conditions with fewer visitors and better value on boat charters. Avoid periods of strong maestral (northwesterly wind) or bura winds, which can make the journey uncomfortable. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for those less focused on swimming, though services are more limited outside peak summer months.