Jezera lies on the southeastern side of the island of Murter, beside a horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by gentle hills. The sheltered bay serves as a harbor. Southeast of the village are also two large bodies of water, the Jezera Lakes. Here, the maritime history of the village meets a landscape of bays and lakes.
Cultural Heritage and Maritime Tradition
Jezera is known as a place with a seafaring, fishing and diving tradition dating back to the 13th century. A notable historical landmark is the parish church of Gospe od Zdravlja, built in 1722. Beside the church stands a 32-meter-high bell tower, the oldest bell tower on the island of Murter.
The local heritage collection of Koledišće is housed in the Church of Sv. Ivan Trogirski. The folklore association KUD “Koledišće” also keeps local handicraft traditions alive in Jezera, including embroidered items and traditional utilitarian and decorative objects. The traditional dance “Jezerski mornarski bal” is also part of the cultural heritage. It commemorates the farewell to a young sailor setting off on his first voyage.
Another stone landmark is Pudarica, near Murtar Bay. In the past, local farmers used the structure to keep watch over the surrounding fields. Scientists believe it is possible that, in the distant past, Pudarica also served as a watchtower and beacon overlooking the bay. This therefore remains a possible historical interpretation.
The “Jezerska lantina” regatta, featuring wooden sailing boats, adds a specific event to this maritime connection.
Landscape, Trails and Activities
There are many trails and paths around Jezera that wind through olive groves, pine forests and maquis, making them suitable for hiking and cycling. Organized Nordic walking is also offered around Jezera. A developed section of a cycling route that runs through the island of Murter also passes through the Jezera area.
Petrov vrt, a sports and theme park, is located in the center of Jezera. It includes a community area, public restrooms, tennis, basketball, soccer and futsal courts, as well as an outdoor street-workout fitness area. This means that trails through the landscape and a range of sports facilities in the village center offer different ways to stay active.
Jezera is also in the immediate vicinity of Kornati National Park. This regional location adds to the local landscape attractions; on its own, it does not indicate any particular route or travel time.
Local Cuisine and Events
Traditional dishes from Jezera include Zelenjak cake with Swiss chard, apples and walnuts, and the yeast-dough dessert Prispalji. Other local dishes include stew made with dried hake and potatoes, and dried octopus with eggs. The selection thus includes both sweet pastries and dishes featuring fish and seafood.
Local olive oil is made from olives hand-picked by residents in the village area. The “The Sea Days of Jezera” event series, which runs from mid-July to early September, is also part of the visitor experience. Jezera also hosts numerous sporting, cultural, entertainment and traditional events throughout the year, accompanied by a varied gastronomic offering. If you plan to travel for a particular event, check the latest dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Ivinj, Dazlina, Betina and Tisno.
Go to the wider travel guide: Općina Tisno.
