Murter lsland: Travel Guide & Things to Do!
Murter Island is located in the northern part of the Sibenik archipelago and is one of the most popular vacation islands in Croatia. This islet delights visitors with uniquely beautiful beaches to relax on, romantic landscapes as well as a variety of charming resorts with magnificent old towns. In addition, Murter is an excellent starting point for boat trips and excursions to the offshore island world. The mainland is also not far away and only separated by a small bridge. So many of the most beautiful attractions and destinations in Croatia can also be reached quickly by car.
In this travel guide, you will find all the important information and tips for a perfect visit to Murter Island in Croatia. We show you great pictures, the best things to do, and where to find fantastic accommodations.
Good to know!
On Murter there are 4 pretty towns spread around the island, perfect for a vacation. The main place is Murter town, and not far from it are Betina, Jezera and Tisno.
The best time for a visit to Murter Island is from May to September. At this time, you can enjoy mostly good weather, lots of sun and little rain!
Absolutely great are the stunning beaches on Murter Island, which offer the best conditions for a summer vacation. Some of them are even sandy beaches, which makes the island special in Croatia.
Getting to Murter Island is possible via the small bridge near Tisno, a drawbridge that connects the island with the mainland. Thus, a ferry could be dispensed with.
General information about Murter Island
Murter Island is located in the Dalmatian region, about 60 kilometers from Zadar and 25 kilometers from Sibenik, and is connected to the mainland by a drawbridge. With a size of only 17.57 km² and a coastline length of 42 kilometers, it is one of the smaller Croatian islands. A main road connects the 4 charming resorts of Murter town, Tisno, Jezera and Betina, and so you can quickly get from one charming coastal town to another. Known as the gateway to the Kornati Islands, a breathtakingly beautiful group of islands not far away, the island of Murter is also a great place for excursions.
The ultimate highlight, however, are the numerous beaches and hidden coves such as the sandy beach Slanica and the natural bay Podvorske, two of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia. Finally, the fabulous range of great restaurants and cafés as well as the numerous good accommodations make Murter a true vacation paradise in the Croatian Adriatic!
Things to do on Murter Island
On a vacation on Murter Island you can expect beautiful places, plenty of activities and fantastic attractions. Here we have summarized the best things to do in Murter in Croatia at a glance:
Murter Town
Murter town is located in the northeast of the vacation island and is the largest village on Murter with about 3,000 inhabitants. Beautiful and absolutely worth seeing is the picturesque old town with the stone alleys and the charming show harbor, where numerous traditional wooden boats rock in the sea. The main meeting place is the main square Trg Rudina, where many cafés, restaurants and ice cream parlors invite to enjoy and linger. Strolling through the alleys, you will also discover small stores and boutiques offering handmade souvenirs and regional delicacies.
Around the town there are stunning beaches, which are ideal for a vacation on the island of Murter. The famous sandy beach Slanica and the spectacular beach Podvorske are also not far from Murter town.
Tip: The Apartments Marti inspire with modern furnishings, great views and the central location to the beach and the old town!
Sandy Beach Slanica
The Slanica Beach is the main beach of Murter and moreover, a landmark of the popular vacation island. This breathtakingly beautiful, very shallowly sloping sandy beach is especially popular with families with children! Simply incredible are the turquoise blue sea colors, as beautiful and unique as out from the travel magazine. The water is crystal clear and truly invites to splash and swim. Directly behind the dream bay are several beach bars and restaurants that provide food and drinks. There is also a large campground with charming mobile homes just around the corner!
Tip: The Villa Paula is a brilliant tip for a beach vacation on Murter because the pretty apartments are in the best location, just a few steps to the sea!
Betina
Betina is a beautiful fishing village and an excellent choice for a quiet vacation on Murter Island. Among the most important sights are the historic old town with the romantic fishing harbor, where the traditionally crafted wooden boats together with the stone town houses conjure up an idyllic ambience. Also beautiful is the church of St. Francis from the 15th century, whose imposing steeple dominates the townscape. Around Betina there are also stunning beaches and bays, which invite you to spend relaxing days by the sea.
Tip: The modern Apartments Enida inspire not only with equipment, size and coziness, also the proximity to the beach is fabulous!
Podvorske
Podvorske beach is a real natural highlight on Murter Island, and a visit to this dream beach is truly recommended. This fascinating sandy beach is located in the north of the island, about 1 kilometer from the coastal capital Murter town. Here you can swim on a fine pebble beach, which turns into the finest sand directly in the crystal clear sea! The turquoise water colors are also beautiful, and the view of the offshore peninsula is like something out of a picture book. Those who love peace and quiet will find many secluded spots for undisturbed sunbathing at the edge of the bay.
Tip: About 5 minutes’ walk away is the beautiful vacation home Villa Roza Murter, a fantastic accommodation, which is ideal for families or small groups!
Kosrina Bay & Viewpoint
The Kosirina bay is definitely one of the most beautiful places on Murter Island. This idyllic dream bay is best reached by car, but many also come by boat. Lined with Mediterranean pine forests and with the natural bathing places, Kosrina bay is the perfect place to relax. Thanks to the intact nature, many vacationers also come here to snorkel and explore an interesting underwater world! The Kosrina Viewpoint, which is located directly on the main road, is really great and offers a spectacular view of the bay!
Tisno
The resort of Tisno is located at the beginning of the island, where the drawbridge connects Murter with the mainland. Simply beautiful in this coastal town is the panorama of colorful and partly historic townhouses, which is best enjoyed during a walk along the picturesque promenade. Fantastic restaurants and cozy cafés spoil guests there with regional island cuisine, and the view of the sea is also breathtaking. Perfect for a vacation, however, are also the numerous quiet bathing places around the village, where you can really let your soul dangle.
Tip: The Apartments Valentina Tisno are located in a quiet area, not far from the natural beach, and the old town of Tisno is also within walking distance.
Gradina Peninsula & Roman Town of Colentum
One of the most beautiful attractions on Murter Island is definitely the Gradina peninsula. It is a true paradise for nature lovers, fascinates with breathtaking beaches, and also the hiking trail up to the viewpoint “Vrh Gradine” is a real must-see. Especially beautiful is the beach Kolentum, where you can also find the popular Murter sea swing. In addition, there are archaeological sites to discover on the peninsula, such as the Roman city of Colentum and the ancient Villa Rustica. The church of St. Mary of Gradina is also worth visiting.
Jezera
Jezera is a picturesque, tranquil fishing village in the southeast of Murter Island and, moreover, a real insider tip for a quiet vacation. During a visit, you can expect an extremely relaxed flair. Really pretty is the picturesque waterfront with a wonderful view of the marina, where traditional konobas serve Dalmatian delicacies. In the immediate vicinity of the village, there are also many romantic natural bays, some of which are very secluded and provide a relaxed vacation atmosphere.
Tip: The Golden Haven is located in a bay away from Jezera and is the perfect place for those who love luxury and tranquility.
Coastal Path “Deptak Jezera-Tisno”.
Absolutely gorgeous is the coastal path “Deptak Jezera-Tisno” lined with pine trees. This romantic coastal path is located in the east of the island and connects the villages of Tisno and Jezera. Either by bike or on foot, you can experience the island of Murter from one of its most idyllic sides on a route of about 2 kilometers. On the way, you always have magnificent views of the turquoise sea and the offshore islands. In addition, there are numerous beautiful places and stone beaches that invite you to swim and relax in nature.
Church Crkva sv. Rok
The church Crkva sv. Rok is a real insider tip on Murter Island! It was built in the 18th century in honor of the patron saint St. Rocco and is now a popular attraction for tourists as well as locals. The church building is located on the hill Vršina, above the center between Murter and Betina, and enchants with a spectacular 360° view like from a picture book. Many hike up to the church or take a bicycle, but it is also possible to get there by car via a narrow road.
Murtarić Peninsula
An insider tip, which certainly not everyone knows, is the peninsula Murtaric. Here you can experience a breathtakingly beautiful natural bay in an incredibly picturesque setting. Even in high season, this secluded stretch of coastline is rather uncrowded, perfect if you’re looking for undisturbed beach fun far from the typical resorts. Also, if you like snorkeling, Murtaric beach is the right place for you because in the crystal clear sea you can discover an interesting underwater world with numerous fish.
Tip: If you love peace and seclusion, Holliday Home Robinson Tourism Maria accommodation is a great choice!
Cigrada Bay
Cigrada Bay is definitely one of the most beautiful places on the vacation island. This romantic natural bay is a bit secluded from the larger resorts and is particularly attractive because of its unique idyll. The sea shines in fantastic turquoise blue water colors, and the fine pebble beach in the middle of the bay is ideal for swimming. Moreover, the excellent restaurant and pizzeria right on the beach are fabulous, where you can enjoy a delicious meal and a cool drink while enjoying a magnificent view of the sea.
Tip: The Sea Side Apartment is located only 5 minutes’ walk from the bay and is a perfect choice for a quiet beach vacation!
Excursions and Day Trips from Murter
When staying on Murter, you have the possibility to go on some really great excursions. Thanks to the bridge, you have the opportunity to explore both the island of Murter and many other attractions on the mainland quite comfortably. The offshore island world is also a real highlight and just perfect for boat trips.
One of the most popular excursions from Murter Island is a boat trip to the offshore Kornati Islands, a national park with numerous small island pearls.
A boat trip to the Telascica Nature Park on Dugi Otok Island is also great, where you can marvel at spectacular cliffs and the salt lake Mir.
Probably the most beautiful destinations on the mainland are the UNESCO Old Town of Sibenik, the coastal town of Zadar, and the famous Krka National Park near Skradin.
Some vacationers who stay longer on the island also love to take tours to the UNESCO city of Trogir and the enchanting Primosten.
Where to stay on Murter Island
On Murter Island, you’ll find a great range of phenomenal accommodations. Most of the places to stay are privately run apartments, guesthouses, but there are also small hotels and nice campsites. If you are looking for a recommended place to stay on the island of Murter, then we can give you these tips along the way…It’s worth a look!
- Vacation home with pool: The beautiful vacation home Villa Roza Murter is a great accommodation, which is perfect for families or small groups!
- Mobile Homes: The Vegros Mobile Homes Slanica scores with great facilities, cleanliness and a fabulous location not far from the famous Slanica beach.
- Glamping: The Golden Haven is the perfect place to relax! Here you can choose between different luxurious glamping tents in a wonderful location.
- Apartments: The Villa Lantina is located in a restored stone cottage and delights guests with great vacation apartments and lots of flair!
Find the best accommodation on Murter Island:
More about Croatia:
-
Krk Island, Croatia: The Golden Island Travel Guide
-
15 Best Places to Visit in Istria, Croatia
-
Rab Island: The Happy Island in Croatia!
-
15 Unique Things to Do in Dubrovnik, Croatia
-
Korcula Island, Croatia: Ultimate Travel Guide!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning that if you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.