Murter, the island of skilled fishermen and sailors

Marko Radojević | Live the World

November 23, 2022

Somewhere halfway between Zadar and Šibenik, there is one North Dalmatian island, that is an idyllic place for a family holiday. Far from the parties of the Pag Island, or the crowded Dubrovnik, the island of Murter stands so close to the mainland, yet it gives an impression of a far and unspoiled place. Murter is a place of very friendly hosts; people who will warmly welcome you and do everything for you, making you want to return here again and again. During your stay on this island, famous for its skilled fishermen and sailors, you can enjoy delicious domestic cuisine, beautiful wines, and turquoise color of the sea. 

General information about Murter

Murter Island belongs to Šibenik-Knin County and is part of the North Dalmatian islands. It is only separated from the mainland by a little, 20m wide channel. There is still a connection to the mainland by a bridge. Murter today has about 5,000 permanent residents, and most of them live in one of the four towns: Murter, Betina, Jezera, and  Tisno. The area of the island is about 17 square kilometers, so you can explore the island by walking or on a bike. Murter is the oldest and the most significant town, and it also has dozens of smaller islands in the immediate vicinity. A small tip: while you are looking for accommodation in Murter, do not overlook its islets, as you can find excellent accommodation there, and the beach can be yours only. It sounds great, doesn't it?

Photo © Credits to iStock/xbrchx

A bit of the history

Murter has been inhabited for almost 20 centuries. There are many pieces of evidence showing that people lived here during the Roman Empire. Remains of the ancient buildings and temples, along with mosaics and frescoes, can be found all over the island. Unfortunately, none of this has been preserved in its entirety, and it's believed that the ancient city that once laid here, has sunk. The local story also tells that the island was hit by an earthquake, or some other disaster, which is another reason why there are no significant ancient remains. As life on the island is directed towards the sea and marine life, the locals have become proficient in fishing and sailing. Living on the island was not always easy, but skillful islanders still managed to survive by planting figs and grapes, fishing, and making ships. The favorable climate and beauty of the sea today attracts thousands of tourists each year.

Photo © Credits to iStock/MichalDziedziak

While on Murter...

While spending your peaceful days in Murter, do not miss out on the dolphin watching or diving in the perfectly transparent turquoise sea. Another excellent holiday option is to go sailing and visit the surrounding islands and islets. Of course, don't forget that the National Park Kornati is very close and worth visiting. Additionally, on the mainland, you can stop at the Vransko Lake, a paradise for bird watchingMurter Island mostly** **has beaches with pebbles and large stones, while a sandy seashore is a rare phenomenon here.

Photo © Credits to iStock/iascic

How to get there?

It is very easy to get to Murter because it is located only 20 meters from the mainland and well connected with the rest of Croatia. You can arrive here from ZadarŠibenik, and Split in less than an hour and a half. The turquoise sea, the dreamy beaches, and the great seafood caught and prepared by the skilled fishermen and sailors of Murter Island grant for the perfect authentic holiday by the Adriatic Sea.

Photo © Credits to iStock/The Shihan

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