Ravni Žakan: A Culinary and Sailing Gem in the Kornati Islands

Located among the sun-drenched islets of Kornati National Park, Ravni Žakan stands out as a rare fusion of pristine nature and refined Adriatic charm. This small, uninhabited island may appear modest at first glance, but it has earned an outsized reputation among sailors for offering both secure mooring and one of the most revered culinary experiences in the entire archipelago. A visit to Ravni Žakan is a sensory retreat: the deep blue of the surrounding sea, the scent of grilled fish wafting from the waterfront kitchen, and the tranquil soundscape of lapping waves and seabirds.

Strategically positioned in the heart of the Kornati cluster, just west of Piškera Island, Ravni Žakan is a natural stopover for yachts weaving through the maze of islets between Žut, Levrnaka, and the open sea. Its well-sheltered bay on the eastern side offers safe haven from most winds, making it a convenient and comfortable anchorage point. But what truly elevates the island in the eyes of seasoned sailors is the legendary Konoba Žakan - a waterfront restaurant that blends gourmet Dalmatian flavors with authentic island ambiance.

Whether you're sailing through the Kornati on a leisurely island-hopping adventure or charting a weeklong course from Murter or Šibenik, Ravni Žakan promises a pause in pace and a deep immersion in the essence of the Adriatic: wild, beautiful, and just refined enough to feel indulgent. For those in search of peaceful moorings, spectacular views, and exceptional cuisine, Ravni Žakan is not just a waypoint - it’s a highlight.

A Small Island with a Big Reputation

Though modest in size, Ravni Žakan holds a prominent place on the Kornati sailing map. Located southeast of both Piškera and Levrnaka, it lies tucked among the central Kornati islets, making it a natural waypoint for sailors navigating between the northern and southern parts of the national park.

Despite having no permanent population, the island springs to life during the sailing season, thanks in large part to Konoba Žakan - a legendary waterfront restaurant known for its quality cuisine and warm hospitality. The island’s compact, low-lying profile contrasts beautifully with the expansive seascape around it, offering a peaceful and practical stop where nature and comfort meet.

For many, Ravni Žakan is more than just a place to moor - it’s a destination in its own right, offering calm waters, essential amenities, and one of the most memorable dining experiences in the Kornati.

The stone waterfront konoba and the restaurant dock, complete with mooring lines and shore power, attract skippers and crews from across the Adriatic who are looking for a break from the more isolated anchorages.

The island's reputation is also bolstered by the professionalism and charm of the seasonal staff, who keep the island’s tiny harbor running smoothly and the kitchen full of local specialties. Despite its remote setting, Ravni Žakan offers an elevated experience that combines the raw beauty of the Kornati wilderness with just enough comfort to feel special - without losing its authenticity. For many who return year after year, it's not just a stopover; it's a highlight of the journey.

Mooring and Anchorage at Ravni Žakan

Ravni Žakan’s eastern bay offers one of the more dependable and well-equipped mooring options within the Kornati National Park. Sheltered from the dominant Maestral (northwest wind) and largely protected from most southerlies, the bay provides calm and predictable conditions, making it an ideal spot for both short daytime stops and peaceful overnight stays.

The focal point of the bay is the restaurant dock operated by Konoba Žakan, which features several mooring spots equipped with shore power and fresh water connections - a rare and appreciated convenience in this otherwise undeveloped part of the Adriatic. The dock is well-maintained, with attentive staff ready to assist with lines and help ensure safe mooring, especially during busy afternoons when traffic is at its peak.

Use of the moorings is generally reserved for guests dining at the konoba, so it's wise to call ahead via VHF or phone if you’re planning to spend the night, particularly during the high season months of July and August, when the bay sees a steady stream of yachts.

For those who prefer to anchor instead of docking, there is limited space for anchoring to the side of the bay, but only in calm weather conditions. The seabed is a mix of sand and seagrass, so careful anchoring technique is important. Note that anchoring inside Kornati National Park is regulated, and visitors should always check the latest park guidelines or consult with local authorities to avoid fines.

Whether you dock or drop anchor, Ravni Žakan offers a peaceful, well-managed setting to pause, relax, and prepare for your next Kornati adventure.

Dining at Konoba Žakan: A Kornati Classic

The heart and soul of Ravni Žakan is undoubtedly Konoba Žakan, one of the most iconic and refined dining destinations in the Kornati Islands. Celebrated among sailors and gastronomes alike, this konoba has earned its reputation not only for its picturesque location but for its unwavering commitment to high-quality, authentic Dalmatian cuisine with a gourmet twist.

At the core of the menu are daily fresh catches from the surrounding Adriatic - think grilled dentex, John Dory, and scorpionfish - alongside delicacies like Adriatic scampi, lobster, and octopus baked under the traditional peka dome. For meat lovers, slow-cooked lamb and steak grilled over open flame provide hearty alternatives. All dishes are thoughtfully prepared, placing emphasis on local ingredients, simplicity, and seasonal availability.

The wine list is among the best in the Kornati, with an impressive selection of Croatian vintages from Dalmatia, Istria, and Slavonia, as well as carefully chosen international wines to pair perfectly with the menu. The staff is knowledgeable and often happy to recommend pairings based on the day’s freshest offerings.

Dining at Konoba Žakan is more than just a meal - it’s a memorable sensory experience. Tables are set along the waterfront terrace, with uninterrupted views of the sea and neighboring islands. As the sun dips low and the evening breeze drifts in, the setting becomes utterly magical. Candlelight flickers on polished wood tables, the scent of rosemary and grilled fish fills the air, and the sound of waves lapping at the dock completes the ambiance.

Many sailors intentionally plan their sailing route around a meal here, often booking well in advance during the high season to secure a table. Whether you stop for a relaxed lunch under the midday sun or a romantic dinner under the stars, a visit to Konoba Žakan is often remembered as a highlight of any Kornati sailing journey - a perfect blend of culinary excellence and Adriatic atmosphere.

Simple Pleasures on Shore

While Ravni Žakan is best known for its dockside dining and tranquil mooring, those who take the time to step ashore will discover that the island offers a quieter, more introspective side - one shaped by the timeless beauty of the Kornati landscape. There are no marked hiking routes, visitor centers, or interpretive signs here - just pure, unfiltered nature waiting to be explored on foot.

The terrain is classic Kornati karst: a mix of low, hardy shrubs, sun-bleached grasses, and the occasional fig or olive tree growing wild. Dry-stone walls, some centuries old, still trace lines across the land - remnants of the agricultural traditions that once marked even these remote islands. With no permanent settlements, the silence on Ravni Žakan is almost complete, broken only by birdsong or the occasional bleat of a wandering goat.

A short climb from the dock leads to modest hilltops that offer sweeping, 360-degree views of the surrounding Kornati islands. From these vantage points, the seascape unfurls like a chart - a patchwork of white-stone islets floating in endless blue. In the early morning, a soft haze lingers on the horizon, and in the golden hour before sunset, the rocks seem to glow, casting long shadows across the dry terrain.

There’s no rush here, no crowds or distractions. The appeal lies in the raw simplicity of the setting - a place to breathe deeply, soak in the sun, and feel connected to the rhythms of sea and stone. Whether you're stretching your legs after a long sail or seeking a quiet spot to reflect with a view, Ravni Žakan delivers something rare: a moment of peace in a wild, beautiful world.

Tips for Visiting Ravni Žakan by Sailboat

Ravni Žakan is a rewarding destination for those exploring Kornati by yacht, but its remote charm comes with a few practical considerations. Here’s what to keep in mind for a smooth and enjoyable visit:

Park Permit Required: Ravni Žakan lies within Kornati National Park, so a valid park permit is required. Interestingly, Konoba Žakan often offers park permits at a better rate than the official purchase points. It’s wise to ask about the park ticket when making your mooring or dining reservation, as this can save both time and money.

Docking and Power: The restaurant provides a well-maintained dock equipped with shore power and fresh water, available to boats with dining reservations. Space is limited, especially in high season, so call ahead or use VHF to reserve a berth - preferably well in advance.

No Shops or Fuel: Like most islands in the Kornati archipelago, Ravni Žakan is uninhabited and has no provisioning facilities. Be sure to stock up on food, water, and fuel beforehand - good options include Murter, Žut, and Sali.

Restaurant Reservations: Konoba Žakan is one of the most sought-after dining spots in the region, and its moorings fill up quickly. Make a reservation not only for your table but also for your boat, and inquire about park tickets at the same time.

With a little preparation, Ravni Žakan can be one of the most memorable stops on your Kornati sailing itinerary - offering both a safe harbor and a slice of Dalmatian culinary heaven.

Part of a Perfect Kornati Route

Ravni Žakan is more than just a culinary hotspot - it’s a strategic waypoint that naturally integrates into nearly every sailing route through the Kornati archipelago. Its location in the central part of the national park makes it an effortless inclusion whether you’re navigating northward from Murter, sailing south from Žut, or exploring the midsection between Levrnaka and Piškera.

For sailors coming from Murter or Betina, Ravni Žakan provides a logical first or second overnight stop after entering the Kornati National Park, especially for those who want to ease into the wilder parts of the archipelago while still enjoying high-quality services ashore. If you're sailing from Žut or Dugi otok, the island makes a delightful lunch or dinner detour before continuing deeper into the park.

It also works beautifully for those transiting through Piškera Marina, which is located just a short sail to the northeast. A stop at Ravni Žakan allows for a change of pace: from the relative bustle of a national park marina to the tranquility of a secluded island with only the lapping waves and scent of grilled seafood in the air.

Because of its central location and well-equipped moorings, Ravni Žakan acts as a kind of soft midpoint in many Kornati routes. It provides a break between rugged anchorages like Opat or Lojena on Levrnaka, and the open passages toward Telašćica, Sali, or even farther south toward Šibenik and Vodice.

Whether you plan your stop for a long lunch, a starlit dinner, or an overnight tied to the dock, Ravni Žakan serves as both a rewarding destination and a convenient navigational anchor in your exploration of the Kornati.

Conclusion: Refined Simplicity in the Kornati Wild

Ravni Žakan is proof that even in the stark and dramatic seascape of the Kornati, you can still find a touch of refinement. With its reliable moorings, first-class dining, and authentic setting, it offers a balance of comfort and nature that appeals to every sailor seeking something special.

Ravni Žakan is proof that even in the stark, dramatic seascape of the Kornati Islands - where wind-carved limestone cliffs meet a shimmering expanse of sea - you can still discover moments of elegance and warmth. This tiny, uninhabited island delivers a unique blend of raw Adriatic nature and refined hospitality, offering sailors a rare experience: the sense of being off the grid, without sacrificing quality or comfort.

The island’s restaurant moorings and access to shore power and water provide practical conveniences that are a welcome luxury in such a remote setting. Yet it never feels overdeveloped - there are no crowds, no souvenir stalls, and no modern distractions. Just a few yachts, the scent of grilled fish in the air, and a terrace where time slows down with every glass of wine.

What sets Ravni Žakan apart is its balance. It's neither the rugged anchorage where you must rely entirely on your own provisions, nor the full-service marina where the wildness of the Kornati feels distant. Instead, it sits perfectly in between - a place where you can enjoy a gourmet meal with your feet in the sand, wake to silence and seabirds, and feel both pampered and free.

Whether you stop for a sunset dinner with friends, plan a romantic overnight on deck, or make it a highlight of a longer Kornati sailing itinerary, Ravni Žakan has a way of staying with you. It’s one of those rare places where the simplicity of nature and the pleasures of sailing come together in perfect harmony - leaving you with a memory that feels at once elevated and deeply, beautifully human.