Island in Dalmatia – Šibenik
Murter
- Best time to go
- May, June, Sept
- Part of
- Dalmatia – Šibenik
Murter is a small island off the coast between Šibenik and Biograd, so close to the mainland that a short bridge at Tisno carries the road across.
It is the gateway to the Kornati islands: for generations Murter families have owned land there, and many boat trips to the national park start here. The island has four villages, Murter, Betina, Jezera and Tisno, each with its own harbour, along with olive groves, small coves and a long tradition of building wooden boats.
Things to do
Don't miss in Murter
- Take a full-day boat trip from Murter or Jezera to the Kornati National Park, a maze of bare islands and clear water.
- Visit the Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding in Betina to learn how the island's traditional boats are made.
- Swim at Slanica, the island's best-known beach, in a bay near Murter village.
- Wander Betina's old lanes and its harbour of traditional wooden boats.
- Explore Tisno on both sides of the bridge, and catch a summer festival if one is on.
- Kayak or rent a small boat to reach the islets and coves around the island.
Where to stay
Pick your neighbourhood
Murter village
most visitors, with restaurants, Slanica beach and boats to the Kornati
Betina
a pretty, quieter harbour full of traditional wooden boats
Jezera
families and sailors, with a marina, campsites and small beaches
Tisno
a lively spot by the bridge, known for its summer music festivals
Tours and getting around
Day trips from Murter
Murter is the main starting point for trips to the Kornati National Park, from large excursion boats to small private tours. On the mainland, Krka National Park, Šibenik and Vodice are all within about an hour's drive. Diving and sailing trips also leave from the island's harbours.
The island is small, so bikes and scooters work well between the villages. A car is useful for trips to Krka, Šibenik and the mainland. If you rent a boat to explore the Kornati yourself, you need a park ticket, which can be bought in advance or at entry points.
Getting there
How to get to Murter
Murter is joined to the mainland by a small bridge at Tisno, so you drive straight on from the coast road between Šibenik and Biograd. The bridge opens for boats at set times, which can briefly hold up traffic. Zadar and Split are the nearest airports, and buses from Šibenik serve the island's villages.