Zirje

• Ferry line 532 connects Šibenik, Zlarin, Obonjan, Kaprije and Žirje.
• Landscape features include fields, olive groves and vineyards.
• The coastline is suitable for sailing and fishing; Žirje offers boaters shelter regardless of the wind direction.
• Protected cultural assets include the Church of the Assumption of Mary and Antički brodolom.

The Church of the Assumption of Mary on Žirje and Žirje’s Antički brodolom are protected cultural assets. There is also a Roman shipwreck with around a hundred amphorae off Žirje. A protective cage measuring 17 × 9 metres has been installed over the wreck. The amphorae and protective cage point to the archaeological and maritime significance of the find.

Fortifications are also part of the island’s history. Gustirna is an unfinished Byzantine fortification from the 6th century above Mala Stupica Bay. Gradina, above Velika Stupica Bay, is also among the remains of Byzantine fortifications from the 6th century and is known locally as Teutine zidine. Gradina kept watch over shipping on the open sea.

Other sites reflect different periods in history: Zvizdulje is an artillery battery that played a decisive role in the defence of Šibenik during the Croatian War of Independence in 1991. In the Samograd area, Stari stan is a protected complex of dry-stone walls and the most outstanding example of Žirje’s dry-stone heritage. Koromašna is an archaeological site. The island’s heritage therefore encompasses archaeological and architectural traces as well as links to more recent history.

The Zvizdulja cycling route leads into the heart of Žirje, through Žirjansko polje and on to the island’s southern side. In addition, Žirje has an unusually large number of kilometres of cycling routes for its size. Those wishing to explore the island by bike will find not just one named route but a wider choice of routes. The Zvizdulja route connects the island’s interior with the way to its southern side.

Žirje’s landscape is characterised by fields, olive groves and vineyards. These varied landscape features add to the picture of the island beyond its coastline and historic sites.

Bays, islets and reefs indent Žirje’s coastline. This makes it well suited to a trip centred on sailing or fishing. At the same time, the island offers boaters shelter regardless of the wind direction. This maritime focus differs from the cycling routes and cultural sites in the island’s interior, offering another perspective on Žirje.

Ferry line 532 connects Šibenik, Zlarin, Obonjan, Kaprije and Žirje. The stated total travel time to the ports of Zlarin, Kaprije and Žirje is 1 hour and 25 minutes. A ship service from Šibenik also calls at the port of Muna Bay on Žirje. This information provides guidance for travelling by sea; it does not specify a departure time.

When choosing your accommodation, you can start by considering which aspect of the island trip matters most to you: cycling routes, history or coastal activities.

Bodulska pripetavanja is a traditional summer event on Žirje. Competitions include balote, tug-of-war, and tournaments in the card games Briškula and Trešeta. These competitions give the event a clear connection to communal games and local traditions.

Žirajska sliva, a nearly self-fertile green plum variety, is also associated with Žirje. Along with fields, olive groves and vineyards, it adds a regional connection to plums to the island’s cultural and landscape features.

How do you get to Žirje by boat?

Ferry line 532 connects Šibenik, Zlarin, Obonjan, Kaprije and Žirje. A ship service from Šibenik also calls at the port of Muna Bay on Žirje.

Which cycling routes are there on Žirje?

The Zvizdulja cycling route leads through Žirjansko polje into the heart of the island and on to its southern side. In addition, the island has an unusually large number of kilometres of cycling routes for its size.

Which historic sites and traces shape the island?

These include the Church of the Assumption of Mary, Gustirna, Gradina, Stari stan and the archaeological site of Koromašna. There is also a Roman shipwreck with around a hundred amphorae off Žirje.

For an overview of the wider region: Šibenik-Knin County.