Located in the northwest part of the Sibenik archipelago, Murter is a small island ideal for the Croatia island hopping tour. With an area of 18.7 square kilometers, the island is full of rocky beaches, sandy coves, and steep slopes. Even though the island’s grounds are karstic and hilly, they are also rich in vineyards, as well as almond, olive, and fig orchards. Moreover, due to its close location to the Kornati Islands, Murter makes a great starting point for exploring Kornati National Park. We’ll cover things to do, beaches to visit and where to stay on one of the best islands in Croatia, Murter.
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Best Things To Do in Murter
The main settlements are Murter village, Betina, Tisno, and Jezera. They count around 5100 inhabitants included in tourism, agriculture, fishing and even shipbuilding. The atmosphere on the island is very relaxed, which makes it perfect to get in touch with the lifestyle of the local people. If you are wondering which settlement to choose, here is a short description:
- Murter village – the main village where you can explore local restaurants, coffee bars, and shops. Head to the north of the village to see Roman houses with water cisterns or visit Raduch Mountain if you are a fan of hiking and trekking.
- Betina – a traditional fishing village with sandy beaches and a marina. It is a great place to visit if you want to rent a boat and explore the environment. Moreover, here you will find a symbolic parish church, as well as several historical monuments. A must-visit is the Blessed Virgin Mary Church on Gradina Hill.
- Tisno – a vibrant place well-known for parties and summer festivals such as Electric Elephant, Soundwave Festival, Love International, etc. On the other hand, Tisno is a picturesque village with interesting architecture, historical heritage monuments, and old churches. It also has a symbolic attraction, a narrow bridge which connects the island with the mainland.
- Jezera – a little village with a calm atmosphere, a small harbor, lovely beaches, and beautiful lakes. It is ideal for enjoying nature in a peaceful environment surrounded by pine forests. Mostly inhabited by farmers and fishermen, Jezera is a cool place to get in touch with local traditions.
Interesting fact: The first hotel on the island was opened in the 1930s.
Best Beaches in Murter
When it comes to beaches, Murter boasts various bays, rocky, and sandy beaches. The most popular one is Slanica beach, which is located on the southern side of the island. Both rocky and sandy, Slanica has shallow water perfect for families with children and non-swimmers. However, when the night falls, with its beach bars, Slanica is a popular party spot. In addition, Podvrske is a white sandy beach with a view of the Kornati Islands. On the other hand, Jazina beach is also a sandy beach but within a camp. Of course, let’s not forget to mention Cigrade beach, which is partly rocky and partly sandy. Surrounded by pine woods and with a few restaurants, it is also a great place for those who are looking for tranquility and solitude.
In addition to beach hopping and exploring cocktail offers of beach bars, popular activities include hiking, cycling, diving, kayaking and paintball.
Slanica Beach: Matije Gupca 2, 22244, Murter, Croatia
Čigrada Beach: Put Čigrade, 22244, Murter, Croatia
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What to Eat in Murter
Whichever place you choose as the main point, gastronomy offer won’t disappoint you. Traditional dishes are the main basis of the island’s gastronomy offer. That’s why Murter is full of local restaurants and taverns offering traditional, authentic Dalmatian cuisine. Trust me, it’s a heaven for the palate!
Extra tip: Don’t forget to try octopus’ salad, monkfish stew or polenta with cuttlefish.
Where to Stay in Murter
As Murter is a smaller island, you’ll find less hotels and more apartments available for overnight stays. Here are my recommendations on where to stay on one of the best islands in Croatia, Murter:
Check out my travel vlog on Island Hopping in Croatia below!
Do you have one of the best islands in Croatia, Murter on your list to visit? Let me know in the comments below!
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