The island of Murter is the largest and nearest to the mainland in the Šibenik archipelago and belongs to the North Dalmatian islands group. It's connected to the mainland by a bridge in the village of Tisno.
Murter covers a surface of 18.7 km2 and has over 5000 inhabitants. Their main occupations are tourism, fishing, agriculture, and shipbuilding.
Betina
The island's symbol is wooden shipbuilding with a shipyard in Betina village. Betina has an outstanding reputation and is specifically known for its 400 years long tradition in wooden shipbuilding and is famous for its excellent shipbuilders. Betina nowadays is one of few remaining centers of small wooden shipbuilding on the Croatian Adriatic. The highlight of Betina's shipbuilders' shipbuilding skills is the Betina gajeta. Gajeta s a stable gravity boat with a Latin sail that residents sailed to the distant lands of Kornati, Modrava, Prosika, and Vrana Lake.
Each year, in honor of the Betina gajeta, the Regatta is held for the soul and the field. If you find yourself in Betina, pay a visit to the Museum of Wooden Shipbuilding, one of the exceptional places to be found along the Dalmatian coast.
With 190 berths, safe and well-equipped marina Betina is a safe harbor for all yachtsmen and their vessels.
Besides Betina, the more significant settlements on the island are Murter, Tisno, and Jezera.
Murter
The village of Murter is the largest settlement on the island, located on the island's northwest coast. The Murter settlement has more than 2000 inhabitants, while the Kornati has 27 inhabitants. The locals of Murter are the owners of almost all Kornati islands and neighboring islands.
Three hills surround the village. On Gradina hill, there are remains of Roman buildings, including the ancient Colentum settlement.
Jezera
Jezera village is located immediately after Tisno, nestled in a well-protected horseshoe bay, surrounded by smaller hills. The place of fishermen and seafarers boasts a crystal-clear sea, authentic customs, quiet stone-paved streets, and a rich past dating back to antiquity. Jezera is known as a place of sailors, divers, and fishermen.
The village got the name because the rainfall stops in the impenetrable soil areas and creates large pits or ponds. So, Jezera means Lakes.
Jezera is a favorite sailing destination of North Dalmatia due to excellent sailing conditions: numerous small islands and islets in the area, friendly and well-equipped marinas, and of course, the vicinity of National Parks Kornati and Krka Waterfalls.
From ACI Marina Jezera – one of the most awarded and eco-friendliest nautical centers in northern Dalmatia, you can charter a sailboat, catamaran, or motorboat.
Tisno
Tisno is the first place you come to Murter from the coastal side, situated half on the mainland and half on Murter.
Tisno is a peculiar Dalmatian settlement built with stone houses and chalks, spacious squares, and lush Mediterranean vegetation. Tisno also boasts a long waterfront enriched with catering facilities such as cafes, taverns, and restaurants.
These unique places characterize beautiful beaches in the surroundings, stone houses and streets, and wide squares that become centers of social gatherings and events in the summer months.
Due to a very indented coastline, Murter abounds with bays and lovely beaches. The most famous beaches are on the southern side of the island, well protected from Bora. There are diving and sailing schools for active holiday lovers. Hiking on the surrounding hills and a romantic sunset view of the surrounding island is a real hit for the romantics.
With its excellent position, pleasant Mediterranean climate, crystal clear sea, pebbly and sandy beaches, vicinity to the National Parks of Kornati and Krka, and highway connections, Murter island is a favorite sailing destination.
