Yacht charter Murter

   By Agathe LAMIGEON

April 1, 2022

Reading time: 10 minutes

Summary

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from the port of Murter
2. What to do on the island of Murter?
3. Where to sail in the Kornati islands?
4. The most beautiful anchorages in the region
5. What activities can you enjoy on your vacation in Croatia?
6. What sailing itinerary should you follow?
7. What are the weather conditions?

"If you like sailing, you absolutely must go to the Kornati islands, it's a real treat! You'll feel like you're in a whole new world, in the heart of a magical setting. You will feel as if time has stood still: a week's vacation is worth a fortnight!", confides Hélène, who sailed in August with Filovent, on a First 47.7.

The sublime island of Murter is an excellent point of departure for discovering the paradisiacal setting of the Adriatic Sea, since it is known as the gateway to the Kornati islands.

Gael and his wife boarding the Kornati islands, hauled in alongside their Sun Odyssey 32 (photos by Gael)

1. Practical information for your yacht charter from the port of Murter

What styles of boats are available for charter?

Choose to board one of the 437 boats departing from Murter, the vast majority of which are monohulls (73%) and catamarans (19%).

"Boats with one hull and catamarans are both good options for discovering the Kornati islands! I have a slight preference for the catamaran because there is more room and it is therefore more comfortable, especially for large groups. The perfect boat for this cruise would be between 35 and 50 feet," recommends Sanja Burtina, advisor at our partner rental company, Marina and Yachting.

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You can choose to skipper your boat yourself or opt for a professional skipper. Both ways of sailing have their advantages, which I will summarize in the table below.

Average rates according to the season and the size of the boat

The table below gives you a dead reckoning of the prices of the boats, for a week's charter. These prices may change depending on the season, availability, model, age of the boat, etc.

The port of Murter

The island of Murter has two charming marinas with all the amenities sought after by boaters, with the possibility of refueling, water and electricity. They are also both extremely highly rated on Navily, between 4 and 5 stars out of 5.

Located in the northeast of the island, Marina Betina is a real meeting place for sailing enthusiasts. You can try out a wide range of water sports from this base, so don't hesitate to take the plunge. The port has 222 berths and is a 15-minute walk from the shops and markets of the town of Murter.

Located in the northwest of the island, Marina Hramina enjoys a strategic location on the protected Hramina Bay. The staff at this 370-berth marina are on hand throughout the day to help you moor up. Just a few pitches from the center of Murter, you can take full advantage of this little corner of paradise.

In order to prepare for your sailing trip, it is important to find out how you will be traveling to the base. If your plane lands at Split airport, you have the choice between taking a taxi for around 85 euros and an hour's drive, or taking a bus that will lower the journey time to 2 hours for 3 euros. For boaters landing in Zadar, prices are a little higher. A taxi ride will cost you around 120 euros, and a bus ride, 22 euros.

Our main partners on site

 Since we are committed to offering you a quality service, we have contacted the best rental companies in Croatia. All are highly appreciated by our customers and offer you boats from renowned brands such as Lagoon, Dufour and Bavaria.

• Pitter Yachting is an Austrian company with 15 bases in Croatia, including the ACI Marina in Jezera. This charter professional has a fleet of 307 boats of all types departing from Murter. It obtained a good score of 16.42/20 from our 344 customers who set off at the side of one of their boats.

• Adria Yacht Center is a small Croatian company with a presence at four bases in the country, including the Betina base. Our customers give it an average rating of 14.71/20. For a unique experience, climb aboard one of their 32 boats departing from Murter, as 46 of our boaters have already done. "Everything went very well with the rental company, they were very friendly. They checked everything thoroughly and there were no problems when it came to getting the deposit back," said Nicolas and Aurélie, who set off in November with Filovent on a Sun Odyssey 30i.

• Marina and Yachting is a Croatian company with a fleet of 18 boats based at the Betina marina in Murter. It is relatively new, as their oldest boat dates from 2013. 25 of our customers have tried the experience, and gave it a good score of 14.13/20. "They were very responsive both times we had a problem," says Gael, who sailed in August on a Sun Odyssey 32 with Filovent.

2. What to do on the island of Murter?

The island of Murter is a real Croatian gem, attracting more and more vacationers in search of a change of scenery and adventure. Sailing enthusiasts like it because it is a strategic point from which to set course for the wild islands of the Kornati.

Since 1832, it has been connected to the mainland by a 30-meter drawbridge, making it easier to access. Just after crossing it, you will find yourself in the charming little town of Tisno.

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Head back towards your marina to reach the town of Betina, the largest and closest to the mainland. History lovers will fall under the spell of this ancient Roman city, full of remains from the period, such as the Roman settlements of Colentum. Then visit the church of St. Francis and the oldest shipyard on the Adriatic.

"As Murter was a difficult place to access, there are not many emblematic buildings. However, it is worth visiting the 17th-century Grain Lady, the chapel of St Rocca in the old village dating from 1760 and the church of St Mihovila built in 1770," advises Sanja, a salesperson at Marina and Yachting. "You can also visit the museum of wooden shipbuilding," she adds.

Don't forget to sample some of the island's specialties, such as the famous cheese strukli, a hot dish made with cream and cheese, or the delicious sarmas, based on cabbage leaves stuffed with minced meat and rice. Sanja recommended several very good restaurants that I should try without delay: "Kezo", "Boba", "Rebac" and "Zameo ih Vjetar". "You can eat excellent fish and very good meat there, depending on your preferences!" she told me.

On the other side of the island, on its western side, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Slanica beach, just half an hour's walk from your marina, will amaze you. Swim in the transparent water in the heart of this pretty bay. You can also find various activities such as beach volleyball, tennis and picigin, a traditional Croatian game that involves trying to keep a small ball from touching the seabed. Fun for young and old alike! This beach is Sanja's favorite, along with Podvrške beach.

3. How to navigate the Kornati islands?

Nature and peace and quiet lovers, you've come to the right place! These small wild and uninhabited islands are extremely attractive to boaters who are mast-raking for solitude during a cruise. "This corner is very pleasant. It's an easy stretch of water to navigate. It was a very natural and exotic vacation," Gael tells me.

The Kornati Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, comprise a total of 150 islands and islets, 89 of which are part of the national park of the same name. as they are close to one another, the distances are relatively short, making them the perfect destination for a family cruise.

"The large number of them allows sailors to visit many different places in a very short time. If you get tired of the calm and miss the hustle and bustle, the lively marinas in the region will make your vacation unforgettable!", Sanja tells me.

"It seems to me that to make the most of this region, you need to plan a cruise of 7 to 14 days", she recommends. "14 days allow you to take the time to appreciate each stopover and get away from it all!"

Let's move on to the practical questions. As this Croatian paradise is preserved, there is an entrance fee. Make sure you buy your tickets in advance so you don't have to pay double once you're inside! You can request them from your marina, and the price varies between USD20 and USD105 depending on the size of your boat. You can also purchase them in advance on the park's website or from the park's mobile reception desks, which are boats sailing in the area.

 The Murter region is full of sublime landscapes (photo by Nicolas and Aurélie)

The Kornati National Park

If you could only visit one place during your cruise, Sanja agrees with me that it should be the Kornati National Park, made up of 89 protected islands. "We recommend that all visitors to Murter go to the Kornati National Park, which is the largest and most attractive group of islands," she advises me.

The park takes its name from the largest of the islands in the archipelago, Kornat, which is over 25 kilometers long! The majority of them are very small and only nine islands are more than a few kilometers in size. To really get an idea, just think that 66 of them are barely a hectare in size!

Aerial views of the magnificent Kornati National Park (YouTube video)

There are no iconic or historic places to visit, only a few fishermen's huts. If you're looking for a bit of hustle and bustle, some of the small ports come alive in summer!

Sanja's favorite is the island of Žut, the second largest in the archipelago after Kornat. Connected to the mainland by ferry, it is inhabited only by fishermen and farmers. I recommend you visit theHiljaca cove, which is like something out of a movie!

The Telašćica Nature Park

Located a few nautical miles north of the Kornati National Park, the Telašćica Nature Park is one of the wonders that you absolutely must discover when leaving Murter. South of the island of Dugi Otok, it will charm you!

Sail along the dizzying cliffs of Stene and hope to catch a glimpse of a group of dolphins. Who knows? Maybe they'll follow you along your journey! Dive in to discover the colorful seabed. I then recommend you go around to take refuge in the bay and set foot on land as far as the salt lake of Mir. A change of scenery guaranteed! Hikers will love getting lost in its lush nature and hauling themselves in on the side of the 160-meter-high cliffs.

"We left our boat in a bay and took the paddle to the shore, to get to the salt lake of Mir", Hélène tells me. "There were quite a few people but it was magical and we had a great time!"

To gain some height and observe this magnificent park, I recommend climbing to the top of the Grpascak belvedere to get an overview of this enchanting natural setting.

Aerial views of the splendid Telašćica Natural Park (YouTube video)

Krka National Park

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Krka National Park stretches from Skradin to Šibenik. Before venturing there, I recommend a short tour of the town of Skradin, one of the oldest in Croatia. History lovers will find plenty to interest them here, as the town is full of historical sites, such as the Church of Our Lady, the Orthodox Church of St. Spyridon, the churches of St. Petko and St. Jerome, and Bribirska Glavica.

Then set off to discover the marvelous Krka River, either on foot or by bike. Nicole, who sailed on a Sun Odyssey 379 during a cruise with Filovent, chose the second option: "The journey is not long, about 20 minutes by bike. The bike rental companies also have electric bikes. There are several rental companies along the quay. It costs 50 kunas for 3 hours and day passes are also available!"

Stop off at the numerous waterfalls and the seven majestic cascades. The sound of the waterfall Roski Skap will relax you to the point where you will forget all your worries! Historians will want to reach the small island in the center of Visovac Lake to visit the Franciscan monastery, where you will find sumptuous rare manuscripts!

Take a trip to the Krka National Park, wonderland guaranteed! (YouTube video)

The Šibenik archipelago

" The Šibenik region is an oasis for sailors looking for a relaxing or adventurous vacation," Sanja tells me. Located south of the Kornati Islands, take the time to visit three towns in this archipelago before returning to the port of departure.

Just at the mouth of the Krka River, lose yourself in the alleys of Šibenik. The oldest Croatian city will reveal all its secrets to you through a visit to its sumptuous historical monuments. Wander through the corridors of its castles, such as St. Michael's, take a tour of St. James's Cathedral and its many small churches.

Then take a trip to the islet of Primošten, Sanja's favorite little spot. Fall under the spell of this little village with its typically Mediterranean stone houses and narrow streets. Enjoy a meal by the sea in one of the excellent restaurants offering Croatian specialties, such as"Capocesto", positioned on the rocks right at the side of the emerald water. A rather pleasant setting for lunch! History fans will no doubt want to discover its two magnificent churches, Saint-Georges and Saint-Roch.

I present to you Kaprije, ideal for a complete change of scenery, far from the pollution of the city! Vehicles are not allowed on this small island. "We loved the village of Kaprije. It was very exotic and pleasant, and a very nice place to walk around," Nicolas tells me. "We had lunch in an excellent restaurant called"Konoba Adriana". They do very good fish! The price is a bit of a stretch, but the setting is worth it. We had a magical view of the cove."

4. The most beautiful anchorages in the region

"Since the destinations are close together, you'll be able to quickly find shelter in case of bad weather. You'll love the small towns and peaceful bays, ideal for swimming and relaxing, or even spending the night", Sanja tells me.

The bay of Zapuntel

If there is one anchorage that I can recommend, it is the one in Zapuntel Bay, on the island of Molat. Located in the north of the island, it is perfectly protected from the south winds and plunges you into the heart of a typically Croatian setting, in a calm environment.

Take the opportunity to indulge in the excellent"Restaurant & Apartments Pero" on the harbor. I recommend the seafood cooked "to perfection," according to reviews left on the restaurant, served by warm and friendly staff.

Anchorage in Zapuntel Bay (YouTube video)

The bay of Telaica

During your stay in the region, it is essential to anchor at least once in Telašćica Bay. Anchor day or night, you will not find such a well-sheltered natural harbor anywhere else in the Adriatic.

I recommend that you anchor your boat in Uvala Mir. As well as being a magnificent place to spend the day, you are only a five-minute walk from the salt lake of Mir! Let me give you a little tip: moor at the end of the bay, where you will find two charming little islands.

Vodice

"We mainly had anchored boats in marinas, as the weather was sometimes uncertain and there were two of us, for safety", Nicolas and Aurélie explained. "The marina in Vodice is very large and well organized. We strolled to the charming old town. It was very pretty and very nice to visit. The difference between the large marina and the small village was striking!"

5. What activities can you enjoy on your vacation in Croatia?

Diving and snorkeling

The best place for diving that I can recommend is in the heart of the Telašćica park. You can observe the dazzling colors of the famous coral reefs, named Stene, at a depth of over 80 meters underwater!

As the Kornati National Park is protected, you cannot dive wherever you like on your own, and you must join a diving center for excursions with them. Prices are around USD20 per day, and the island of Murter is full of diving clubs, such asNajada Diving, which I highly recommend! Its experienced staff will provide you with a warm welcome.

Dive into the waters of the Kornati islands and discover the seabed! (YouTube video)

If you prefer snorkeling, you don't even need a license and can do it anywhere! "We had a wonderful time snorkeling in the Kornati National Park," Hélène tells me. "There is a high density of fish and it's really magnificent!"

The hike

Don't panic if you're not used to long walks, it's very easy to reach the top of the islands! The only recommendation I can make is to remember to protect your mast top to avoid sunstroke, and to take a large bottle of water with you to stay hydrated.

As with diving, I can only advise you to put on your walking shoes to discover the Telašćica Natural Park. You can walk along the majestic cliffs to the west of the island and take a break on one of the small rocky beaches to the east, not forgetting to lie down on the side of the salt lake of Mir, in the center of the island. Dive in, swimming is allowed!

Kayaking and paddleboarding

The Kornati Islands are renowned as the best place for sea kayaking. You can reach more difficult-to-access sites, such as narrow coves or caves, and even go up rivers!

There are a huge number of kayak rental companies in the Kornati islands. Each one offers different prices and services, and you are sure to find one that perfectly suits your needs. Some offer guided tours, while others give you complete freedom.

If you prefer to row standing up, you can also try paddle boarding!

Do as Gael does and alternate between sailing and stand-up paddleboarding on the Adriatic Sea (photo of Gael)

Take part in a local festival!

If you like festivities, head to the island of Murter during the summer months and watch the famous "Kornati Islands Cup" regatta. One of the oldest events on the island, bringing together many enthusiasts and various pleasure boats. At the beginning of August, take part in Betina's Tomato Day and enjoy the traditional tomato-based dishes for which the village is famous in a festive atmosphere. Music fans can head to the Love International Festival in Tisno, an electronic music festival held every year in the south of the island of Murter.

6. What sailing itinerary should you follow?

"Before each cruise, we define the sailing itinerary that we will follow from the departure base, with all the points of interest that we want to discover", Hélène tells me. "We plan our route according to the wind and make sure we include a marina at least every 3 or 4 days to stock up on water and electricity."

Sailing itinerary for a week s sailing from Murter

based on my research, the sailing itineraries taken by Filovent customers, and advice from one of our partner rental companies, Marina and Yachting, I have put together a pleasant sailing itinerary starting from Murter. This island is ideally located for a cruise around the Kornati islands, as it is at the center of all the key places to discover. I have taken particular care to include the must-see places, but also to favor wild anchorages. This sailing itinerary is perfect if you want a peaceful vacation and have time to properly visit each stopover!

Total distance traveled: 94 miles

• Day 1: Murter > Uvala Hiljaca > Luka Žut (16 miles ~ 3 hours)
• Day 2: Luka Žut → Uvala Cuscica →Uvala Mir (7 miles ~ 2 hours)
• Day 3: Uvala Mir → Uvala Lojena → ACI marina Piškera (13 miles ~ 3 hours)
• Day 4: ACI marina Piškera > Kaprije south > Prvic Luka (25 miles ~ 5 hours)
• Day 5: Prvic Luka → Dvainka → Šibenik (12 miles ~ 2 hours)
• Day 6: Šibenik → Slanica → Murter (21 miles ~ 4 hours)

Sailing itinerary for a week starting from Murter (clickable map)

DAY 1: Murter → Uvala Hiljaca → Luka Žut (16 miles ~ 3 hours)

Set sail for the Kornati National Park to spend the day. Anchor at the pleasant and well-protected Uvala Hiljaca anchorage. There you will find an excellent restaurant serving fresh fish, the"Konoba Žmara". The staff will help you to moor, which is done with the ends on the ground. At the end of the afternoon, set off for your night anchorage, Luka Žut. This bay, located just before the Zut marina, is ideal for spending the night because it is much less crowded than the marina and it is wild. You can watch a magnificent sunset there. Hikers won't arrive too late to climb to the top of Mount Žut, 30 minutes from the anchorage, to discover an incredible panorama.

DAY 2: Luka Žut → Uvala Cuscica → Uvala Mir (7 miles ~ 2 hours)

The next morning, before leaving, stock up on provisions at Market Golubovac. Then set off for Uvala Mir, in the Telašćica Nature Park. Stop for lunch in the pretty, sheltered bayof Uvala Cuscica. Then don't arrive at your destination too late to enjoy a swim in this protected bay, with its widely spaced buoys. An unmissable part of your stay, I encourage you to set foot on the ground and walk to the salt lake of Mir, a few pitches away. Young and old alike will love spending the day swimming there! Walk to the majestic cliffs and observe the surrounding nature. Spend the night in this bay, in shelter from all winds, to rest, as you will have a long sail the next day!

DAY 3: Uvala Mir → Uvala Lojena → ACI marina Piškera (13 miles ~ 3 hours)

Take a short break in the bayof Uvala Lojena for lunch. The water is very shallow here and therefore boasts a sublime turquoise color. Put on your mask and snorkel, the marine flora and fauna are very rich here! Then leave this little paradise-like bay and head forthe ACI marina Piškera. You can take the opportunity to stock up on water and electricity, but also to buy some food. Get a good night's sleep in the shelter of the marina, as a rather long swim awaits you the next day.

DAY 4 : ACI marina Piškera → Kaprijesud → Prvic Luka (25 miles ~ 5 hours)

The next morning, set a course for Kaprije. Your 4-hour trip will pass very quickly as you sail along the majestic cliffs of the nature park! Once you have arrived at your destination, take the opportunity to stroll around this peaceful island where cars are not allowed. Also take a trip to the Market Shop to stock up on fresh produce. Before going to sleep, take a dip in the turquoise water of this bay, which is quiet at night. Then anchor your boat for the night at Prvic Luka, a magnificent port where you can stock up on supplies at the harbor market. Take the time to stroll along the quays, it's very pleasant! 

DAY 5: Prvic Luka → Dvainka →                                                         &nbsp

Anchored boat at Dvainka for lunch, and bathe in its translucent waters. Then waste no time and head for Skradin, where you will leave your boat to set off to explore Krka National Park. You can follow the famous Krka River by foot or by bike, thanks to a wild trail, and stop off at its majestic waterfalls. At lunchtime, have a picnic at the side of Lake Visovac. Try to reach the small island in the center of the lake to visit the Franciscan monastery, where you can observe sumptuous rare manuscripts! In the evening, return to Skradin and have dinner at the " Restoran Skala", where you can enjoy good Croatian cuisine in a pleasant setting. Then, head to Šibenik for the night. I recommend that you end this day of discovery with a drink at the cocktail bar, theVintage Bar.

DAY 6: Šibenik → Slanica → Murter (21 miles ~ 4 hours)

Lose yourself in the streets of Šibenik, the oldest Croatian city, founded in the 10th century, and visit its sumptuous historical monuments such as the St. Michael's Castle. Have lunch at the"Pub&wine Bar Scala", where you will be welcomed by friendly staff who will serve you good Mediterranean dishes for prices ranging from 10 USD to 20 USD. It's time to return to the marina! Before returning your boat, make one last stop at the most beautiful beach on the island of Murter, Slanica. Bathe in its swimming pool-like turquoise waters and veer off to various activities such as beach volleyball, tennis and picigin. Picigin is a traditional Croatian game in which the aim is to pitch a small ball so that it does not touch the seabed. Great fun for young and old alike! Don't forget to fill up with petrol before returning your boat. The two marinas in Murter have petrol pumps, but don't go there too late, there's a queue!

7. What are the weather conditions?

Don't forget your sunglasses! Temperatures are around 20°C and can even reach 27°C, with the water over 20°C.

I recommend going in April or September. I think that this is the best compromise between a warm, dry climate and the tranquility of the off-season.

"The best time to sail is between May, June, September and October. Why? Because the weather is nice, there is a little wind, but above all there are long sunny days to enjoy from morning to night!", Sanja from Marina and Yachting recommends.

"The sailing conditions are not always favorable in November, but we were alone on the water, and there was no one in the small villages. It was really very pleasant and exotic, we only came across 3 or 4 boats in the whole day!", Nicolas and Aurélie, who went on a Filovent cruise in November, tell me.

Admire the magnificent Croatian sunsets! (photo by Gael)

Your vacation will go off without a hitch because sailing there is very easy! The winds in Croatia blow little, and rarely above force 3. The most common wind is the Mistral, coming from the northwest. Thanks to it, you will feel less heat. The Bura, coming from the northeast, is an extremely strong and unpredictable wind. You are unlikely to encounter it, or if you do, it will be very briefly. If this is the case, I advise you to take shelter between the numerous islands!

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Aurélie and Nicolas, Hélène and Gaël for their testimonies, which have helped to give authenticity to the article. Many thanks also to Sanja for her valuable professional advice.