The archipelago consisting of 147 islands, islets and reefs, named after the biggest island Kornat. Mostly built of chalk lime-stone, and there are no springs or other sources of water. Most of the islands are covered with sparse grass, and the sea around them is full of fish. Many bays on the islands can serve as protection for small ships. In recent times there are no permanent settlements. Kornati were declared a national park in 1980.

The remains of the Illyric settlements, fortified castles and stone grave  hillocks are the oldest archaeological findings. On the hill Toreta are discoveries from the Roman times, and under it are the remains of the early Catholic church. On the hill itself is the square tower from the beginning of the Middle Ages, while on several spots on Kornat are traces of mostly Medieval settlements.