Murter - the Island in the heart of Dalmatia

Murter Info

Where Is Murter Island? Location, Access, and Nearby Historic Cities

The island is situated between the historic towns of Zadar (60 km northwest) and Šibenik (30 km southeast). Both Zadar and Šibenik are renowned for their well-preserved medieval architecture, ancient Roman ruins, and rich cultural heritage. Zadar is famous for its Roman Forum, the unique Sea Organ, and its stunning sunsets, while Šibenik is home to the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of St. James and the impressive fortress of St. Nicholas. One of the unique features of Murter Island is its connection to the mainland via a bridge in Tisno, a charming town that serves as the island’s main gateway. The Tisno Bridge spans a narrow sea channel and provides easy access for both visitors and locals. The bridge is raised twice a day — from 09:00 to 09:30 and from 17:30 to 18:00 — to allow boats to pass, making it not only practical but also a small daily attraction.

The villages on Murter Island include Jezera, Betina, Tisno, and Murter Village

Murter Village, the largest and most central settlement on Murter Island known for its delicious local cuisine and famous restaurants, best sandy beaches, and as the main gateway to Kornati National Park, it offers visitors a mix of culture, history, and stunning natural beauty.

Jezera is known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful bay, making it a popular spot for relaxation and water activities.

Betina, with its rich maritime tradition, is famous for its boat-building heritage, which has been passed down through generations.

Tisno, a lively town on the island's southern shore, is connected to the mainland by the Tisno Bridge. Tisno has become a hotspot for music lovers, especially during the summer months. Tisno is renowned for hosting festivals like Garden Festival, Love International, and Dimensions Festival, which attract young visitors from all over Europe, particularly from the United Kingdom. These festivals, known for their vibrant atmospheres and world-class music line-ups, make Tisno an exciting destination for young people seeking an unforgettable summer experience.

The island Murter population

The total population of the island is approximately 5,192 inhabitants. The largest and most central settlement on the island is Murter Village, which has around 2,100 inhabitants, Betina with approximately 1,200 inhabitants, Jezera with 1000 inhabitants, and Tisno with 1,200 inhabitants.

Essential Services and Attractions in Murter village

In Murter, you will find a variety of essential services and facilities that make it a convenient and comfortable place to stay. The island is home to a local ambulance and a pharmacy, a post office and several ATMs, gas-station... For daily needs, there are several supermarkets, local markets selling fresh produce, butchers offering high-quality meats... Additionally, Murter has a fish market where visitors can purchase fresh local seafood directly from the source. One of the island’s key features is the Marina Hramina, a modern marina that provides excellent facilities for yachts and boats, making it a popular stop for sailors. There are several nautic shops and services like Volvo, Mercury and Yanmar services, rent-a-boat services and much more.

Luxurious accommodations

In recent years, Murter has become home to luxurious accommodations such as Villa Lojena, an exclusive haven offering elegant studio apartments for two—perfect for couples seeking an intimate, serene retreat. For guests looking to indulge in extra luxury, Villa Lojena offers apartments with private jacuzzis, where you can unwind in style. Located just steps away from the pristine Slanica Beach, these accommodations provide the ultimate blend of comfort and privacy.

Best restaurants in Murter

Murter is also known for its exceptional dining scene. Tic Tac, a beloved seafood restaurant since 1971, is renowned for its fresh and exquisite seafood. Other top-tier seafood restaurants include Boba (Michelin-recommended), Fabro, Cigrada, Rebac... Additionally, there are numerous excellent pizzerias and spaghetterias, offering delicious dishes for those seeking a more casual dining experience.

Murter beaches – best beaches in Murter

Murter is known for its beautiful beaches, including Slanica, Podvrske, Čigrađa, and Kosirina. These beaches offer crystal-clear water, natural shade, and plenty of facilities, making them ideal for family-friendly holidays and visitors looking to relax in untouched nature. If you’re searching for family-friendly beaches in Murter or want to discover the best places to swim, Murter offers a wide variety of beaches to suit every preference – from sandy coves to quiet rocky spots perfect for snorkeling.
Visit and explore the most popular Murter beaches

Murter Beaches Map – Explore the Best Beaches on the Island

The old part of Murter

The old part called "Selo" is located near the hill Raduc and closer to the island interior. Medieval settlement: Stari Murter — today known as Selo — was the island’s main settlement for centuries. According to historical sources, in the year 1298 it had around 203 inhabitants. The newer part of Murter was built on the coast of the large bay Hramina. At the bottom of the Gradina hill, in the Hramina bay and elsewhere there are some remnants of Roman buildings which are remains of the antique settlement Collentum. At the Gradina cope there is a local graveyard where some old Croatian graves were discovered. On the graveyard there is the church of Gospa in Gradina from the 17th ct. The parish St. Mihovil`s church (St. Michael`s church) has a baroque alter, the work of Pio and Vick dall`Acqua, and it also has one icon of Crete-Venetian school. In the vestry there is a Gothic-Reneissance procession cross and some valuable pictures. Above the village, on the Vršina hill, there is the St. Rock`s church from 1760. overlooks Murter and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.

Summer Events & Traditions in Murter

Experience the best of summer in Murter with a variety of cultural and maritime events. The season begins with traditional Easter breakfasts, featuring local delicacies and food exhibitions that showcase Murter’s culinary heritage.

In early June, don’t miss the Murterska Promenada 2026. on 5th & 6th June — a festival of nautical displays, boats, gastronomy, and live entertainment. This event combines modern nautical exhibitions with Murter’s maritime traditions, offering unforgettable experiences for families and tourists alike.

Throughout the summer, Murter hosts other local celebrations and seaside events, celebrating its connection to the Adriatic Sea.

In September, the Latinsko Idro regatta is the highlight of the year, honoring St. Michael, Murter’s patron saint, with classic wooden boats, races, workshops, and a lively festival atmosphere.