Island of Murter

The island of Murter is located in the northwest part of the Šibenik archipelago, separated from the mainland by narrow sea canal at Tisno which is spanned by a 12 meter draw-bridge. Asphalted road (6 km long) connects Murter with Adriatic tourist road, and distance from the city of Šibenik is 29 km.

The limestone part of the island is covered by sparse vegetation. On the northwest, there are fertile quaternary layers (loess). The highest point is the peak of Raduč at 125 meters above sea level.

Located at the entrance to the Kornati Islands (Murter inhabitants own most of the land), Murter is an attractive spot for yachtsmen, and all lovers of quiet relaxation. The beginnings of tourism in Murter date back to the 1930’s, when Czech Villa was built in Slanica cove.

The economy is based on agriculture, olive growing, fruit growing, gardening, cattle raising, fishing and tourism.

Murter offers various accommodation (hotels, condominiums, marinas), nice and quiet beaches, numerous restaurants and taverns, but any visitor to Murter will be especially thrilled if they choose to visit the islands of Kornati in one of the organized tours. There are many sports courts in town (tennis, basketball, five-a-side football), water sports are also an option. During the summer, there are various sports events, preceded by the April regatta Murter – Kornati as an introduction to the season.

Traditional celebrations are: St. Roko (August 16); Murter Festivities, Nativity of Virgin Mary (September 8).

Except Murter, the biggest and oldest settlement, there are three other settlements on the island: Betina, Jezera and Tisno.

Betina

Thanks to its location and well- kept architecture, Betina is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the Adriatic. The central historical part of Betina was built on the eastern slopes of Cape Artić, located on the northern gate to the Murter passage. Over time the settlement has spread to the Zdrače bay where nowadays a marina and shipyard “Betina”, as well as the local beach, are situated. There are nearly 100 small family shipyards in Betina, where skilled shipbuilders use hand tools to build strong and lasting traditional wooden boats.

Jezera

Jezera is the smallest town on the island of Murter. Jezera have spread around the sheltered bay on the northeast side of the island. The town centre is on the north side of the bay, while the ACI marina “Jezera” is situated on the south side. In recent times, Jezera have developed into one of the strongest fishing centres in central Dalmatia.
Apart from fishing, the people of Jezera work in tourism as well. The main advantages of Jezera, apart from the nautical tourism, are also the holiday village and camp “Lovišća”, situated in the bay of the same name northwest of Jezera.

Tisno

Tisno is the youngest town on the island. It is situated at the point where the island of Murter almost touches the land with which it was connected by a bascule bridge in 1832.
The town is known for its spacious shops, green vegetation and long quay.
Due to the large votive pilgrimage to Our Lady of Caravaggio, frequented by believers from all over the Šibenik and Zadar dioceses, Tisno has become an important religious centre.