Raduč Lookout

Raduč is a hill on the island of Murter, in the Šibenik archipelago of central Dalmatia, and its summit is one of the best viewpoints on the island. Murter is a small, low island joined to the mainland by a short swing bridge at Tisno, which makes it easy to reach by car, and it is the main gateway to the Kornati islands. From the top of Raduč, the whole of that world opens before you: the blue channels of the Adriatic, the scatter of nearby islands, the coast of the mainland and the coastline of Murter itself with its coves and olive-covered slopes.

The climb is the first part of the experience. A road or track leads up toward the summit, but it is narrow and rough in places, with little room to park, so many visitors prefer to drive carefully to the end of the usable road and walk the final stretch. The walk takes only a short time but can be hot in summer, as there is little shade among the low scrub and stone walls typical of the Dalmatian landscape. Sturdy shoes, water and a hat are sensible, and the best times are early morning or late afternoon, when the light is soft and temperatures are lower.

At the top, the remains of military installations add historical interest. Like many commanding hilltops on the Adriatic, Raduč was used for defence in earlier times, and you can find stretches of old tunnels and the ruins of a fortified position that has partly collapsed. The tunnels invite a little exploration, but treat them with caution: the floors can be uneven, the openings are not lit and the structures are not maintained for visitors. A torch is helpful, and children should be supervised.

The view is the main reason to come, and photographers should plan for sunset, when the islands turn to layers of grey and gold against the sea. It also helps to understand the geography before you set out on a boat trip, since you can see the shape of the Kornati group and the channels between the islands.

Murter has plenty to see around the hill. The village of Betina has a museum of traditional wooden shipbuilding, which tells the story of the island's boatbuilders, and the island has a number of beaches, including Slanica, Kosirina, Podvrške and Čigrada, all listed in this guide. The best season is from late spring to early autumn. The lookout suits walkers, photographers and anyone who wants a wide panorama over the Dalmatian islands. Allow an hour or two, including the walk and some time at the top.