Podvrske Beach

Podvrške is a beach on the island of Murter, in the Šibenik archipelago of central Dalmatia, a short distance from Murter town, and it is one of the most popular places on the island for swimming and for watching the sunset. Murter is a low, sunny island joined to the mainland by a short bridge at Tisno, and it is the main starting point for trips to the Kornati islands. The coast around the town is a succession of bays and beaches, and Podvrške is one of the easiest to reach and to enjoy.

The beach is a gentle curve of fine pebbles and small stones, with a shore that slopes gradually into clear turquoise water. This makes it suitable for families with small children and for people who prefer calm, easy swimming, and the sea warms quickly in summer. The beach is kept clean, and there is plenty of room to lay out a towel. Pine trees grow along the back of the beach, and their shade is a welcome relief in the middle of the day, when the sun is strongest and the stones are hot. Sunbeds and parasols may be offered in season, though facilities directly on the beach are limited, so it is wise to bring water, snacks and sun protection.

Restaurants and bars lie a short walk away, so you do not have to carry a full lunch. In the area around Murter, seafood restaurants are the speciality, and a meal of grilled fish, mussels or octopus, with local wine and olive oil, is the natural way to end a day at the beach. The coast faces west, which is why the sunsets here are so good: the sun goes down over the sea and the islands, and the sky changes from gold to pink and purple, while people gather on the shore and the pine trees turn into silhouettes.

For variety, the nearby beaches of Slanica, Kosirina and Čigrada, which are listed in this guide, offer different atmospheres, some more sandy and lively, others quieter. You can also hire a kayak or small boat to explore the coast, and the sea here is good for snorkelling, with small fish around the rocks. The Raduč viewpoint on the hill above is a rewarding short excursion for a wider view of the islands, and the village of Betina has a museum devoted to traditional wooden boatbuilding.

There is no entrance fee, and the beach can be visited at any time of day. Parking can be limited in July and August, so arrive early or walk from town. Water shoes are useful on the stones. The beach suits families, couples and anyone who wants a relaxed day by the sea. Allow a few hours, ideally including the sunset.