The island of Murter is the largest island of Sibenik archipelago and the home island of all Kornati. The island is separated from the mainland by the narrow Murter channel and is connected to land with a bridge in a place called Tisno. There are four settlements on the island: Murter, Tisno, Jezera and Betina. Here in addition to olive growing, stock breading and fishing, some of the best wooden boats are still today being built in Betina.

The mostly steep south-western coast is indented by smaller coves. The cove of Kosirina is used as a dock for smaller vessels during the bora. There is a beach, a restaurant and a campsite located in the cove of Slanica. These sandy and pebbled beaches among others, are very attractive.

The earliest inhabitants of the island were the Illyrians which can be seen today through the remains of a Illyrian settlements "Colentum" near Betina. Due to its position and the vicinity of National Park Kornati, the island of Murter has been interesting for many sailors who anchor in its bays.

The island of Murter is a starting point on the way to National Park Kornati so it is often called the "Gate of Kornati"