Murter Island is the largest and most established, connected to the mainland by a drawbridge. If you want peace, relaxation and to experience a very traditional way of life, visit the other five inhabited islands. Each has pristine beaches tucked away in coves, with tiny picturesque towns and no cars allowed.
Vodice is a popular tourist destination, historic and bustling with restaurants, bars and local life.
With the Krka River running through both, these areas of Sibenik contain natural beauty, they must be visited.
These fairly small towns are historical with plenty of things to see and do as well as great traditional dishes to try.
Almost untouched by tourism, these beautiful islands are best explored by boat.
Murter is the biggest and most populated island in the archipelago, with about 5000 people, and easy to access via a bridge just north of Vodice. It’s a hilly island, covered in olive groves, fruit and nut orchards and vineyards, which along with fishing form the livelihoods of many locals. The island has been settled since Roman times, and just north of Murter village you can find remnants of Roman villas. There are also some quaint old churches and historic buildings. Slanica Bay is popular for swimming and sunbathing during the day, but becomes a party haven at night with a range of pumping beachside clubs. Other areas to visit are Tisno village, Jezero, and Betina which all have pretty beaches and boat moorings. Tisno also hosts the annual Soundwave music festival - a mix of electronic, dub and reggae music on the beach.
Murter Island
Salnica Bay
Tisno music festival
Kaprije
Zirje Fort
These two little islands just south of Murter, are where traditions and ways of life have remained unchanged for decades. Discover pretty coves, bays, islets and reefs. The locals thrive on agriculture and fishing, and you can taste local olives, wine and seafood. Zirje used to be a strategic defence point for Šibenik, and you can visit ruins of a Hellenic fort.
Though it is the smallest of the inhabited islands, it is the most densely populated and still maintains a traditional way of life. As well as agriculture, the locals also harvest and sell natural sponges, diving about 40m to find them. Look out for the old Franciscan monastery, which also houses a museum.
Krapanj waterfront
Natural sponge
Zlarin and Prvić are the closest islands to Šibenik, each barely inhabited, with tiny villages and a mix of modern and old stone buildings. Zlarin is known for its coral fishing and handmade coral jewellery. Prvić is perfect for people wanting to relax in isolated, natural surroundings, but also has a 15th century church and Franciscan monastery.
Zlarin
Prvić
Local market
Octopus potato salad
Squid ink risotto
You won’t find many restaurants on these little islands, but if you come across a market you might find enough for a light picnic. If you do find a restaurant, you are likely to be served fresh vegetables and speciality seafood dishes such as grilled fish, octopus potato salad and squid ink risotto.
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