Murter is a small island located in Sibenik-Knin county, about 34km up the coast from Sibenik. The island covers an area of 18.7 sq. km. and its population is just over 3,600.
The largest town on the island is also called Murter, and is located at the north-western tip; close by is the town of Betina. Perhaps the best-known town is Tisno, which is home to The Garden Tisno and many of the Festivals in Croatia that take place each summer. It is also the town where the bridge connecting the mainland to the island, so you’ll pass through it on your way to other locations! Close to Tisno is the smaller Jezera.
Getting to Murter
The island is connected to the mainland by a small drawbridge, passing through the town of Tisno, as mentioned. That means Murter is easy to reach whether you’ve got your own car or are travelling by bus. Do be aware, however, that the bridge lifts daily in the summer months between 5pm and 5.30pm, so try to avoid your journey to Murter then!
There are several local buses a day from Sibenik to Murter, run by Autotransport Sibenik. If you’re travelling by bus to Murter, we’d suggest first travelling to Sibenik from elsewhere in Croatia, and then making your way to the island.
The nearest airport to Murter is Zadar Airport (65km away), although Split Airport (92km away) is also within easy travel distance. Take a look at our Getting to North Dalmatia and Getting to Split pages for details of airlines flying to these two airports.
What to See & Do on Murter
Beaches
Podvrske Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island, located on the western part of Murter town. It is part pebble-y and part sandy, with pine trees for shade; the shallow waters make it suitable for young ones. Nearby is Slanica Beach, which is a sandy beach with good facilities and amazingly clear water.
Jazina Beach is one of the beaches to head to if you’re in Tisno. (In fact, it’s actually on the mainland part of the town.)
Museums
The fascinating Betina Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding depicts the long tradition of wooden ships built in the town of Betina. The modern space shows exhibits of shipbuilding and marine tools and fishing gear, plus traditional costumes and items from the town. There is also an open-air portion of the museum, which sees wooden boats moored in the harbour.
Churches
The Church of St Francis of Assisi in Betina was built in 1601, with the addition of a belltower in 1752.
Kornati National Park
The island of Murter is very well placed as a starting point for visiting Kornati National Park, the amazingly dense group of 89 islands and islets. Ask at a local agency (such as Tureta Tours) for an organised trip of the National Park.
Activities
Explore the sea life in the Adriatic Sea with a submarine tour. These tours are operated during the day, and even at night!
Murter is also a great location for diving. Contact an agency such as Najada Diving for diving courses at various levels – even for kids.
Eating and Drinking on Murter
Fine Food Murter (Murter) is open from early ’til late – come here for breakfast (“pirate’s breakfast”, anyone?!), lunch or dinner, with tasty and beautifully presented offerings for any time of day. There are wonderful choices amongst their pasta, grill, steak and fish dishes. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Restaurant Racic (Murter) has some simply divine fish and seafood options on their menu.
Pizzeria Riva (Betina) serves tasty pizzas; there’s something for everyone.
Konoba Kanata (Betina) offers excellent seafood dishes with the freshest of ingredients.
Stari Mlin by the harbour in Betina is absolutely the place to come to to try their calamari. There’s only a simple menu, but quality of the calamari dish makes up for that!
Beer Bar Kantun (Murter) is the place to come to for all your (craft) beer needs!
Events in Murter
Murter hosts a cultural summer every July and August, with many live music performances all the town. Earlier in the year, the town celebrates carnival in the traditional month for it – February.
Jezera’s Days of the Sea is its version of a cultural summer, with numerous entertainment and sports events taking place during the summer months.
As we’ve mentioned further up the page, there are several Festivals in Croatia taking place in Tisno each July and August – Love International, Dimensions and Outlook to name just three.
Accommodation on Murter
There are several hotels on the island, most of which are located in Tisno. If you’re after a chic stay, consider the four-star Heritage Hotel Tisno or Hotel Borovnik, both of which are in excellent locations in Tisno (as you may have guessed), close to beaches. If you’re after a hotel in Murter, take a look at the three-star Hotel Murter or the Hotel Stomorin Marina-Hramina.
For campsites, there’s the stylish glamping resort Olivia Green Camping in Tisno and several camping options in Jezera such as Mobile Homes Sea Joy, Levantara, Kamp Lunga. There is also the large-scale Jezera Village which offers camping pitches, apartments and mobile homes, with plenty of amenities in the camp.
For hostels, the Hostel Marko is well-placed in Tisno for the festival crowd!
Take a look at accommodation in all the locations on Murter using the map/search box below:
Otherwise, take a look at what apartments and villas are available in Murter, Tisno, Betina and Jezera.
More Info
You can learn more about the island on the official websites of Murter Tourist Office, Betina Tourist Office, Jezera Tourist Board and Tisno Tourist Board.