Murter (village)

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Murter Town, Croatia

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43°49.56′N, 15°35.22′E
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Local chartlet

The port of Murter Town lies at the head of a wide bay on the N coast of the island of Murter in Croatia, separated from the mainland by the mile wide channel of Pirovacki Zaljev. Sheltered from N by a chain of small islets, Murter Town is the largest settlement on the island and has a history dating back before the Roman era. The ruins of the Roman town of Colentum, dating back to the 1st century AD, can still be seen NE of the town. The town offers good facilities for visiting yachts in the shape of the 370-berth Marina Hramina on the NE side of the bay, a series of jetties on the S side where a yacht may find space alongside and a good anchorage off the town in the bay itself. Shelter in the bay is good except in very strong N/NE winds and in the marina excellent. In the town is an office of the Kornati National Park Authority, where permits to visit the park can be purchased at a discount to the price charged on arrival.

The bay of Murter Town from S (Marina Hramina on right)
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Yachts anchored in Murter bay
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Charts

British Admiralty
2711
Croatian charts
MK13
MK15
Imray
M25 (Otok Rab to Sibenik)

Local Weather

Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Approach and Navigation

The approach to Murter from N or W, which is the direction from which most cruising yachts arrive, is difficult and should not be attempted without an up to date chart or in extreme weather conditions. None of the passages between the islands can be described as safe in heavy weather. For a map showing the options for approaching Murter from this direction, click on Approaches to Murter harbour.

The approach from S, between Murter Island and the mainland, presents no special difficulties other than the numerous islets to be avoided. Note, however, that the channel under the lifting bridge at Tisno has least depths of just under 2.0 metres, so is unsuitable for yachts of moderate to deep draft. A strong current of up to 3.0 - 4.0 knots runs through the passage at certain states of tide. The bridge opens daily from May to the end of August at 0900 and 1700 and at other times on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays only at 0900.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Sibenik is the nearest all-year port of entry. During the summer, Primosten is also a port of entry.

Berthing options

The S end of the bay of Murter is lined with a number of jetties, depths alongside which vary from 3.5 metres to less than 1.0 metres. It is possible with care for a yacht to tie up alongside one of these if there is space available. Shelter here is good in all but strong N/NE winds, which create a chop in the bay.

A safer alternative, especially in unsettled weather, is Marina Hramina on the NE side of the bay, which offers 370 berths in depths of up to 3.0 metres. Click on link for details.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

Marina Hramina

Anchorages

In settled weather the bay of Murter is an excellent anchorage, giving easy access by tender to all the facilities of the town. Anchor in 4.0 - 5.0 metres wherever there is space. The holding is good in sand and mud. The anchorage becomes uncomfortable in strong winds with anything N in them and it is best to head for the marinas of Marina Hramina or Marina Betina or the anchorages on the SW side of the island.

Yacht Repairs and Services

Most repairs can be undertaken in Marina Hramina.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel berth SE of Marina Hramina. Water and electricity in the marina.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Murter Town has a long history, dating back to Illyrian times. Visible traces of subsequent Roman occupation can be seen in the ruins of the town of Colentum at the NE end of Murter bay, which flourished during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD.

Ruins of Colentum
Click for larger view

Grocery & Supply Stores

Supermarkets and several provisions shops in the town.

Eateries

Numerous restaurants ashore. Also in Marina Hramina.

Internet/WiFi

In marina.

Laundry

In marina.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Outlets in the town.

Garbage Disposal

Near the waterfront and in the Marina Hramina.

Transport

  • Daily buses to Sibenik, Zadar, Rijeka and Zagreb.
  • Buses to local destinations.
  • Airport at Zadar (43 kms)

Routes/Passages To/From

List popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

Also see Croatia.

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:


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SailorSmiley.gifContributors to this page

Names: Athene of Lymington


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