A mechanical drawbridge connects the part of Tisno on the mainland with the part on the island of Murter. Tisno lies on both sides of this connection; here, island and mainland form part of the same townscape. The municipal area also brings together varied landscapes in a relatively small space: islands and sea, a lake, freshwater springs, karst fields and peloid. This gives you different themes to explore—from the coast and nature to the town’s historic traces.
The bridge’s history and the historic town centre
The historic centre of Tisno lies on the island side, on the coast below Brošćica Hill. The original stone paving has been preserved in some places. The story of the bridge also reflects changes in the connection: the old Tisno Bridge was built in the early 18th century and replaced by a movable bridge in 1968. A small chapel was built around 1720 on Brošćica Hill above Tisno.
Churches, villas and religious tradition
The Church of the Holy Spirit in Tisno was built in 1548 and renovated in the Baroque style in 1640. The Church of St Roch stands on the coast of Tisno, in an area called Rat. It was built around 1651 and measures 13 × 8.6 metres. Eleven villas from the period when wealthy families immigrated from Italy in the 18th century have been preserved in Tisno. The garden around Villa Meštrov was transformed into a Baroque park. Together, these sites reveal different historical and architectural layers.
A vibrant religious tradition is the Feast of Our Lady of Karavaj, celebrated in Tisno every year on 26 May. Believers from the surrounding counties and beyond take part. The pilgrimage route to the shrine leads up 214 steps. The feast and the route offer different expressions of devotion: an annual date and a path leading up to the shrine.
Coast, diving and cycling routes
The natural, mostly rocky Sv. Andrija beach lies on the southeastern edge of Tisno and is surrounded by a pine forest. An educational marine trail with seven panels is also located in Sv. Andrija Bay in the Murter Channel. It can be used for both freediving and scuba diving. Professionally run dive centres in Tisno offer diving opportunities for beginners and experienced divers; if interested, check availability in advance.
Ten cycling routes of varying lengths connect the island of Murter with the mainland part of the Municipality of Tisno. They range from easy to moderate, and six run on Murter. Cycling route 211, “Staza crkve”, connects the island with the mainland hinterland of the municipality. As route conditions and numbering may change, check the current route information before setting out.
Archaeological traces in Ivinj
The archaeological site in Ivinj spans several periods. It includes a three-aisled basilica dating from the mid-5th century and an early Christian baptistery with a hexagonal basin. Nine hundred graves from the 15th century were found beside the basilica. Walls from a Roman villa rustica dating from the 2nd or 3rd century were also discovered at the archaeological site near the Church of St Martin in Ivinj. The finds thus range from Roman remains and early Christian buildings to late medieval graves.
Local tips
Tisno’s culinary traditions include salted sardines and Dalmatian pršut with cheese and olives. Above Rastovac beach, there is a children’s playground, a basketball court, a football pitch and a mini-golf course. If you plan to use these leisure facilities, check their current availability in advance.
Bus services connect Tisno to major European cities via bus stations in Zagreb, Šibenik, Zadar and Split. Check current connections before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Tisno, Betina, Jezera, Ivinj, Dazlina, Municipality of Knin, Municipality of Kistanje, Municipality of Ružić.
Return to the regional travel overview: Šibenik-Knin County.
