The island of Vir is situated about 25 km north-west from Zadar in North Dalmatia and is connected with the mainland by bridge. This 22,5 km large island, by the Italian name of "Punta Dura" (the stony strand), presents itself to the visitor by varigated sceneries, such as those of the rocky tracts of land interspersed with pines and vineyards, fig and olive trees. For the most part the 31 km long strand is beautified by sand and pebble beaches, making the island a paradise ideal for family vacation. The cool breeze brings down the summer temperatures and creates fine conditions for wind-surfing. With nearly 300 sunny days a year, Vir is a pleasant destination even outside the tourist season. From the island's highest peak, Bandir (112 m), those who enjoy walking can admire the beautiful panorama depicting the entire Vir, nearby islands and Mount Velebit (1750 m). The conossieurs of mountain-biking will warmly recommend this region for their sport. Due to its central position in the Croatian Adriatic, it is a perfect excursion destination wherein one can find the National Park of Paklenica with its majestic kanyons; the early Croatian town of Nin with the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, the smallest cathedral in the world; Zadar, formerly the capital of Dalmatia, whose old town center abounds with historical monuments; and Kaštelina on the island itself which was built approximately 500 years ago as defense against pirates. Vir is above all a paradise for nautical experts who can find not only safe havens and marinas there, but also a string of about 300 island ans islets, among wich is the National Park of Kornati.
KORNATI
The group of the Kornati islands (140 islands in the area of 300 km2) is situated to the south-west of the island of Murter, and they are 15 nautical miles away from Šibenik. This is one of the most beautiful part of the Mediterranean, not only due to its steep vertiginous cliffs, lonely islets and interesting forms of the karst relief, but also because the sea of the Kornati Archipelago is the bluest sea on the planet according to the words of the astronauts.