Things To Do
in Levrnaka

Levrnaka is a small, rocky island and popular anchorage in the central Dalmatian archipelago, lying close to the Kornati cluster and accessible mainly by private boat or charter. It is prized for sheltered bays, crystal-clear turquoise water, sun-warmed limestone coastlines and aromatic Mediterranean maquis. The island itself has minimal infrastructure — a few seasonal moorings and convivial day-boat konobas on nearby islands — making it a peaceful stop for swimmers, snorkelers and sailors. Visitors come for short stays as part of multi-day sailing trips, enjoying calm anchorages, dramatic sunsets and unspoiled coastal scenery.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Levrnaka
morning
:

Arrive at Levrnaka by boat, embraced by the serene waters of the Kornati National Park. After settling into your accommodation, enjoy a leisurely breakfast overlooking the picturesque bay. Spend some time exploring the nearby coastline, soaking in the fresh sea air.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a charming local konoba, embark on a kayak adventure around the island's pristine coves and hidden beaches. Keep your eyes peeled for vibrant marine life as you paddle through crystal-clear waters. Take a break on a secluded beach to bask in the sun and relish the tranquility of nature.

evening
:

As the sun sets, gather for a traditional Croatian dinner showcasing fresh seafood and local delicacies. Enjoy the warm ambiance of the island while sharing stories with fellow travelers. End the night with a stroll along the shoreline under a starlit sky.

day 2
Exploring Kornati National Park
morning
:

Set off early to explore the stunning landscapes of Kornati National Park by boat. The morning light illuminates the rugged cliffs and lush islands, perfect for capturing breathtaking photographs. An onboard breakfast allows for a relaxing start as you cruise through this untouched paradise.

afternoon
:

Take a guided hiking tour on one of the park's islands, witnessing stunning views and unique flora. Enjoy a packed lunch while admiring the spectacular scenery, with the sea glistening in the distance. During the hike, learn about the local wildlife and history from your knowledgeable guide.

evening
:

Return to Levrnaka in the evening and treat yourself to a delicious meal at a local restaurant, basking in the day's achievements. Engage with locals and other travelers, sharing experiences from your adventures. To wind down, find a cozy spot by the water to enjoy a nightcap as the waves gently lap the shore.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-20
Coffee (espresso)$2-3
Fuel or small boat transfer (per person short hop)$10-30
Marina/anchorage fees (overnight)$20-60
🏨Hotel in nearby town (mid-range, per night)$70-130

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Unspoiled, quiet anchorages and clear water ideal for swimming and snorkeling
  • Great base for exploring Kornati and nearby nature parks by boat
  • Minimal light pollution — excellent for stargazing and photography
  • Authentic Dalmatian coastal atmosphere and seafood
  • Very limited infrastructure and no permanent services on the island
  • Requires boat access or charter; not suitable for independent travel without a vessel
  • Can be crowded with day boats in peak summer
  • Weather and wind can make anchoring or landing tricky for inexperienced sailors
  • "Dobar dan" - Good day / Hello
  • "Hvala" - Thank you
  • "Molim" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Koliko košta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gdje je luka?" - Where is the harbor?

Places to Visit in Levrnaka

Visit one of these nice places.

Main anchorage / cove

Capture moored yachts, glassy turquoise water and dramatic limestone ledges at sunrise or golden hour; reflections and calm water make excellent shots.

Rocky headlands and small beaches

Contrast between white limestone, bright green maquis and deep blue sea creates iconic Dalmatian island images — great for wide-angle landscape shots.

Underwater scenes

Snorkel or freedive to photograph colorful fish, seagrass meadows and rocky reefs; clear visibility often allows vivid underwater photos close to shore.

Sunset silhouettes

Sunset images with anchored sailboats and silhouetted cliffs are classic — position yourself on the western shoreline for dramatic skies.

Culinary Guide

Food in Levrnaka

Levrnaka itself has almost no permanent eateries, so local cuisine is experienced through boat-side picnics and family-run konobas on nearby islands. Dalmatian food emphasizes fresh seafood, simple grilled preparations, olive oil, seasonal vegetables, local bread and dry wines. Traditional flavors are rustic, Mediterranean and driven by whatever fishermen and small farms produce that day.

Levrnaka Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Grilled Adriatic fish (Riba na žaru)

Whole fish (sea bream, sea bass) simply seasoned with salt, olive oil and lemon; best at seaside konobas on nearby islands or from a local fisherman.

Must-Try!

Black risotto (Crni rižot)

Squid ink risotto with tender squid — rich, briny and a Dalmatian staple served in coastal restaurants.

Peka (under-the-bell roast)

Meat, seafood or vegetables slow-cooked under a metal bell with coals — hearty and traditional, often available in nearby island taverns by prior arrangement.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Murter / Betina markets

Weekly markets on Murter and towns on the mainland (Biograd) offer fresh produce, cheeses and baked goods ideal for provisioning a boat; pick up olives, local cheese and cured ham for a picnic on Levrnaka.

Zadar fish market

If starting from Zadar, the fish market is a great place to buy the day’s fresh catch to bring aboard or have prepared at local konobas.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is Mediterranean: hot, dry summers with temperatures commonly 25–33°C (77–91°F) and mild, wetter winters with temperatures often 5–15°C (41–59°F). Spring and autumn are transitional with comfortable temperatures and occasional bora or jugo winds; sea temperatures peak in late summer providing long swimming season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect nature

Avoid littering, use designated waste points when returning to mainland, and do not remove shells or archaeological finds; the archipelago includes protected zones.

Polite greetings

A friendly 'Dobar dan' (good day) and simple thank-you goes a long way; locals appreciate basic phrases and courtesy.

Dress and behavior

Beachwear is fine at coves, but wear clothes when visiting villages or restaurants; keep noise down at night and respect other boats when anchoring close by.

Safety Guide

Safety

Levrnaka is generally safe, but limited infrastructure means you should bring supplies, sunscreen, a first-aid kit and sufficient drinking water. Boating safety is paramount: check forecasts, watch for sudden winds (bora), carry navigation aids, and ensure your anchor and fenders are secure. In emergencies the coast guard covers the area — have emergency numbers and know your position. Watch for slippery rocks and sharp limestone when swimming from shore; marine stings are possible but uncommon.

Tipping in Levrnaka

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Croatia — in restaurants leave about 5–10% for good service; round up taxi fares and tip a few euros for helpful marina staff. Small tips for konoba staff and boat crews are common if service is personal.

Payment Methods

Croatia uses the euro; cards are widely accepted in towns, marinas and larger restaurants, but small konobas and market stalls often prefer cash — carry some euros for mooring fees, snacks and remote purchases.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

High season (June–August) brings warm, dry weather, crowded anchorages and frequent day boats; book moorings and plan early arrivals for best spots, and expect lively boating traffic.

Autumn

September–October has warm sea temperatures, fewer crowds and pleasant sailing conditions — a great time for swimming, photography and calmer anchorages.

Winter

November–March is off-season: the island is quiet, many services closed, and weather can be windy and rainy; only experienced sailors should visit as facilities are minimal.

Spring

April–May brings blossoming maquis, cooler nights and improving sea conditions; it’s an ideal shoulder season for peaceful visits and wildlife watching.

Nightlife Guide

Levrnaka at Night

Levrnaka itself has virtually no nightlife beyond quiet evenings aboard boats or small gatherings at nearby seasonal konobas. For lively bars, live music and clubs, return to Murter, Biograd, or Zadar where harborside bars and summer festivals run late into the night.

Hiking in Levrnaka

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Telašćica Nature Park (Dugi Otok)

A short boat ride away, Telašćica offers cliffs, salt lake Mir and well-marked trails with dramatic viewpoints and relatively easy hikes.

Kornati National Park (walking on accessible islets)

While most exploration is by boat, some Kornati islets have short walking paths and viewpoints — join a guided stop to hike modest trails and learn about the unique karst environment.

Dugi Otok coastline trails

Trails and paths near the lighthouse and small villages on Dugi Otok provide coastal hikes with panoramic sea views and botanical interest.

Airports

How to reach Levrnaka by plane.

Zadar Airport (ZAD)

Closest international airport for central Dalmatia — roughly 50–90 km (depending on route) and a common gateway for transfers by car and boat to the Murter/Biograd area.

Split Airport (SPU)

Major international airport further south with good connections; transfers to the northern islands require longer road and boat journeys but are feasible for organized charters.

Getting Around

Walkability

Levrnaka is small and walkable around its main coves and rocky shores, but there are no formal roads or long trails. Expect uneven limestone terrain and short coastal paths; comfortable shoes are recommended for exploring the shorelines.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local islanders and fishermen (nearby islands)

Permanent populations are found on larger nearby islands and coastal towns — often older residents involved in fishing, olive growing and tourism services.

Seasonal visitors and sailors

During summer the area fills with domestic and international sailors, charter guests and day-trippers seeking swimming spots and quiet bays.

Tourism service providers

Skippers, konoba families, marina staff and diving guides operate seasonally and provide the bulk of visitor services.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing

Sailing and yachting dominate the region — charter boats and regattas are common in the warmer months.

Diving and snorkeling

The clear waters and underwater topography attract recreational diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

Kayaking and SUP

Sea kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are popular for exploring small coves and nearby islets.

Transportation

Traffic

There are virtually no roads or vehicular traffic on Levrnaka; movement is by foot along the shore and by boat at sea. In summer, maritime traffic increases significantly — expect many day boats, charter yachts and private skippers in anchorages. Ferries operate between larger islands and the mainland but not to Levrnaka itself; most visitors arrive via private or chartered boats.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Levrnaka.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but are limited on small island konobas — expect salads, grilled vegetables, cheese, and peka with vegetables if requested. Stock up on supplies in Murter, Biograd or Zadar before setting out.

Vegan

Vegan choices are scarcer; ask for vegetable-based dishes, salads without cheese and olive oil-based preparations, and consider self-catering from markets.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free diets can be managed (seafood, grilled meats, salads) but cross-contamination is possible; bring staples if you have strict needs and communicate clearly in Croatian or use a translation card.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are no medical facilities on Levrnaka; the nearest clinics and hospitals are on larger islands or the mainland (Murter, Biograd, Zadar). For serious emergencies the coast guard and ambulance boats/heli-rescue can be dispatched, but response times vary. Bring necessary medications, a basic first-aid kit, and travel insurance covering sea rescue if you plan independent boating.

Discover Croatia

Read more in our Croatia 2025 Travel Guide.

Croatia Travel Guide