This calm Dalmatian island has four traditional fishing villages, Mediterranean stone houses, and easy access to Kornati National Park through its main port.
Murter, an 18.7-square-kilometer island in northern Dalmatia, connects to mainland Croatia via a drawbridge at Tisno. Walk through centuries-old stone-paved streets in Betina, watch wooden boats being built by local craftsmen, or swim at Slanica Beach where the water stays shallow for 100 meters from shore. Take a boat to nearby Kornati National Park, where 89 islands rise from the Adriatic with their distinctive bare limestone cliffs.
Getting to Murter Island
The drawbridge at Tisno opens daily at 5 PM for 30 minutes during summer, so plan your arrival accordingly. Drive or take a bus from Sibenik (25 km) or Zadar (60 km). The nearest airports are in Zadar (65 km) and Split (92 km), with regular bus connections to the island.
Best Beaches on Murter
At Slanica Beach, the water stays shallow for about 100 meters from shore, making it safe for children. Pine trees grow right up to the edge of Podvrske Beach, creating natural shade over its white sand. Cigrada Bay sits in a sheltered inlet where the water stays calm even on windy days.
Towns and Villages
Walk through Murter town's narrow stone streets to reach its working harbor, where fishing boats unload their catch each morning. In Betina, stop at the Wooden Shipbuilding Museum to see how local craftsmen build traditional wooden boats. During summer, Tisno fills with music festival crowds, while in Jezera you'll see fishing boats coming and going from its small harbor throughout the day.
Day Trips to Kornati Islands
Take a boat from Murter to explore the Kornati archipelago's 89 islands. Local agencies run daily tours where you can swim in hidden coves and see the islands' distinctive bare limestone cliffs up close. The waters around the islands are home to schools of fish, sea sponges, and coral.
Swimming and Water Activities
Rent diving equipment from local centers to explore underwater sites with visibility up to 30 meters. You might spot groupers, octopuses, and colorful Mediterranean fish. Kayak along the coastline to find small coves between the main beaches - many are only accessible from the water.
Local Food
In all four towns, restaurants serve fish caught the same morning by local boats. Order grilled sea bass or sea bream, octopus salad, or black risotto colored with cuttlefish ink. Local families still produce olive oil and wine using traditional methods, and many restaurants serve these alongside their seafood dishes.
Ancient History and Culture
Near Murter town, walk among the stone walls and water cisterns of Colentum, a Roman settlement from the 1st century. Climb to the 18th-century Church of St. Roch for views across the Kornati islands. The church's hilltop location helped sailors navigate these waters for centuries.
