Murter Island

MURTER is an island in the north-western part of the Sibenik archipelago with an area of 18.6 sq km (length 11 km, width up to 2.8 km) and the population 5,192. The island is separated from the mainland by the Murter channel. It is an attractive destination both for families and for boaters as it is the best starting point for cruises in the Kornati National Park.

The limestone part of the island is covered with sparse vegetation. The mostly steep south-western coast is indented by smaller coves. The cove of Kosirina is used as a dock for smaller vessels during the bora wind. A beach, a restaurant and a campsite are located in the cove of Slanica. On the north-eastern coast are favourable docks for larger vessels (the cove of Jezera and the port of Tisno). The villages of Murter (with Hramina) and Betina developed in the north-west of the island, around a sandy field with numerous wells. Tisno lies in the narrowest part of the Murter channel. There is a 37.5-m long drawbridge over the strait. Main occupations of the locals are farming, growing of olives, fruit and vegetables, livestock breeding and fishing.

The earliest inhabitants of the island were the Illyrians In the Middle Ages the island was called Srimac; the name Insula Mortarii was also mentioned. In the 13th century there were two villages on the island, Veliko Selo (Big Village) (today's Murter) and Jezera (Lakes); Betina and Tisno developed most probably during the Turkish invasions.

Participation in the Murter-Kornati Regatta held in April is highly recommended. Other cultural and entertainment events include the Celebration of Sv. Roko (August 16), Murter celebration of Mala Gospa (September 8), as well as the Amateur Drama Festival (May).

Murter is within easy reach from directions of Zadar and Split via the draw-bridge of Tisno. In the summer months there are also daily ferry lines from Zadar and Split.