Kornati National Park, Croatia

© Anton Petrus/Getty Image

Kornati National Park

Enjoy swimming, snorkelling, diving or sailing? How about simply enjoying an unforgettable natural setting? Croatia's Kornati National Park meets the requirements. The 217-square-kilometre park protects 89 islands, islets and reefs off Croatia's beautiful Adriatic Coast.

Kornati, one of Croatia’s nine national parks, can be visited on a day trip from Zadar, a seaside city with a Roman forum and other historic locations. And since 2005, Zadar has had the world's first sea instrument, which plays music by way of sea waves and tubes located underneath a set of large marble steps. Many tour boat options offer quick access to the park, some that supply you with local food to enjoy on the way. But we suspect you’ll want to spend more than a day exploring the island wonders of Kornati National Park. It’s an ecotourist’s dream.