Colentum Resort Murter
Murter - Put Slanice bb
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Connected to the mainland by a characteristic movable bridge in Tisno, Murter is one of the most authentic destinations in northern Dalmatia. With its 18.6 square kilometres and around 5,000 inhabitants spread across four main villages, this island in theŠibenik archipelago retains the relaxed atmosphere of yesteryear.
The island is known as ‘the gateway to the Kornati islands‘, being the ideal starting point for exploring the Kornati archipelago. But Murter is also worth a visit for itself: its sandy and pebble beaches, centuries-old olive groves, Mediterranean pine forests and picturesque harbours create a perfect setting for those seeking an authentic holiday away from mass tourism.
The four settlements – Murter, Betina, Jezera and Tisno – each retain their own identity: Murter and Jezera boast origins dating back to the 13th century, while Betina has been famous for its shipbuilding tradition since 1740. The island’s morphology is characterised by three hills rising over 100 metres, with Mount Raduč reaching 125 metres on the north-western side.
Murter is renowned for its diversified beaches that cater to every type of visitor. The higher and rockier southern coastline opens up into numerous coves where the crystal-clear sea takes on breathtaking turquoise tones. The variety of the sea bed and the sheltered position of many bays provide ideal conditions for swimming, snorkelling and water sports.
Pine forests reaching down to the sea provide natural shade during summer days, while light sand and smooth gravel characterise most of the shorelines. During the high season, it is advisable to arrive at the busiest beaches in the morning to secure the best spots.
Located just a few steps from the Hotel Colentum, Slanica is the most famous and busiest beach on the island. Its charm lies in the combination of fine sand and smooth rocks that border a bay with a sandy seabed. The sea remains shallow for about 30 metres from the shore, making it ideal for families with children and for picigin, the typical Dalmatian water game.
The beach has showers, bars, restaurants and a play area with water slides and inflatables for children. During the summer, beach volleyball tournaments, dance evenings and other events are organised. Next to the main beach stretches a promenade with rocky platforms perfect for those who prefer sunbathing on rocks surrounded by trees providing natural shade.
Just 2 kilometres from the centre of Murter, Podvrške is often referred to as the ‘Croatian Caribbean’ for its fine white sand and turquoise-blue sea. This beach is a quieter alternative to the lively Slanica, while retaining all the essential amenities.
The sandy bottom creates a natural pool effect, while the pine forest behind it provides ample shade during the hottest hours. A footpath connects the beach to theislet of Školjić, which can be reached on foot at low tide and is perfect for exploring and diving. The beach is easily accessible on foot, by bicycle or by car, with parking available nearby and a beach bar serving cool drinks and light meals.
Nestled in a beautiful bay on the south coast near Betina, Kosirina offers a mix of sand and pebbles surrounded by a dense pine forest. Its sheltered location and relaxed atmosphere have made it particularly popular with families, campers and diving enthusiasts.
The beach is located within the camp of the same name and has two beach bars, a children’s play area and a transparent sea with a panoramic view of the Kornati islands. The pine forest offers plenty of natural shade where you can rest during the hottest hours. It is possible to rent pedal boats and SUPs to explore the coast and discover small coves hidden nearby.
This pebble and rocky beach with a sandy seabed is located at the entrance to the town of Murter and offers ideal conditions for families and picigin players. The sheltered bay protects it from the wind, ensuring calm waters perfect for swimming, while its location close to the centre makes it easily accessible on foot.
Čigrađa has parking, a beach bar and restaurant in the immediate vicinity. The spectacular view of the Kornati islands on the horizon creates memorable photo scenes, especially at sunset. It is possible to rent pedal boats and SUPs to explore the southern coast of the island.
Luke Beach, in the centre of Murter, is a comfortable pebble town beach with a sandy bottom, equipped with showers, changing rooms and a children’s playground. There are supermarkets, kiosks and various catering services in the immediate vicinity.
In Tisno it is worth visiting Jazina, a large shallow pebbly beach located 2 km west of the bridge, ideal for families. Near Jezera, Lovišća beach is located within a campsite and offers shallow waters with a water park, tennis courts and mini golf.
The historic centre of Murter, perched on a hill above the modern town, preserves the old medieval core known as Stari Murter or Villa Magna. Narrow cobbled streets wind their way between renovated limestone houses that gather around the Church of St Michael, built in 1770. The four-storey bell tower with its octagonal stone spire offers a spectacular panoramic view of the island and the surrounding sea.
On Gradina Hill are the sunken remains of theRoman settlement of Colentum, mentioned by Pliny the Elder. This archaeological area bears witness to the ancient Roman occupation of the island and is an interesting destination for history enthusiasts. In Betina, it is worth visiting the traditional shipyard, one of the oldest on the Adriatic, where wooden boats are still built according to centuries-old methods.
The main activity is undoubtedly theexcursion to the Kornati Islands, the densest archipelago in the Mediterranean with 152 islands, 89 of which have been part of the National Park since 1980. Departing from the port of Hramina every morning at 9am, tourist boats take visitors through the spectacular Kornati reefs, with stops for swimming in Modri Bok Bay and on theisland of Levrnaka, where you can walk to the viewpoint to admire the view of the archipelago. Lunch is included on board and return is scheduled around 18:00. If you book in advance, you can get discounts of up to 15% on your ticket.
About 40 kilometres from the island is the Krka Waterfalls National Park, which can be reached by car or by organised excursions. This extraordinary natural complex includes spectacular waterfalls, lakes, old mills and wooden bridges surrounded by vegetation. The main entrance is in Skradin, from where an electric boat leads into the park.
Trekking and cycling enthusiasts can follow the numerous paths across the island, originally used by shepherds. These paths lead to the top of the hills, from where there is a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding sea and neighbouring islands. The Vrana Lake Nature Park, the largest natural lake in Croatia, is partially located in the Murter area and is home to an important ornithological reserve with numerous species of migratory birds.
The accommodation on offer in Murter focuses mainly on private flats, holiday homes and villas, which are the ideal choice for those seeking independence and direct contact with local life. These accommodations are spread across the four settlements and along the coast, many with sea views and within walking distance of the main beaches.
The village of Murter offers the greatest variety of services with restaurants, bars, supermarkets and the main port from which excursions to the Kornati islands depart. The area near Slanica beach is particularly popular with families due to its proximity to the sea and bathing facilities. Betina attracts those seeking tranquillity and an authentic seaside atmosphere, with the marina and shipbuilding tradition characterising the landscape.
Tisno, divided between the mainland and the island, is famous for the summer music festivals organised by Garden and offers accommodation with easy access to the movable bridge connecting the island to the coast. During the summer, the resort comes alive with evening events and concerts. Jezera, on the east coast, retains the atmosphere of a fishing village and is an ideal starting point for exploring the less touristy part of the island.
Zadar Airport is the nearest airport 60 kilometres away and can be reached in about 50 minutes by car. From the airport, you can take a local bus to Zadar and continue with connections to Murter, or rent a car directly at the airport from the international and local companies present.Split Airport is 105 kilometres away and is an alternative with more international connections, especially during the summer season.
From Šibenik, which is well connected to the European railway network, local buses cover the 35 kilometres to Murter in about 40 minutes. Buses also regularly connect the island with Zadar and Split. If travelling by car from Italy, you can reach the island via the ports of Zadar or Split with ferries from Ancona or Pescara operated by Jadrolinija.
From theA1 motorway, take the Pirovac exit and follow the signs for Tisno-Murter along approximately 10 kilometres of state road. The Tisno movable bridge is open to vehicular traffic for 23 hours out of 24, lifting only at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for 30 minutes to allow boats to pass. From Zagreb, the distance is 335 kilometres, which can be travelled in approximately three and a half hours by motorway.
For those wishing to explore the region more independently, car rental is highly recommended. The island has several parking areas near the main beaches and in the settlements, although during the high season they can fill up quickly in the middle of the day.
What's the weather at Murter? Below are the temperatures and the weather forecast at Murter for the next few days.
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