Žirje Island

Žirje, with 15,43 km2 is biggest of all islands in Šibenik's archipelago. It is also the most distand island from Šibenik (11 NM), as a part of outer line of islands. It goes along a dinaric direction, with lenght of 12 km, with average width of 1,2 km, and biggest 2,5 km. There are many small, beautifull islands around Žirje. The island has many coves and a long costal line (39,2 km). Shelter for ships and boats are the coves of Mala Stupica and Vela Stupica, and Tratinska, and a ferry line from Sibenik comes to the cove of Muna, which is exposed to wind. Like all other islands near Šibenik, the climath of Žirje is caracterised by modest winters, warm summers, and relatively small differences between the warmest and the coldest month. Average temperature is 15,6° C. It raines usually during winter times, with average 753 mm per year, and very rarely hails, exceptionally snows. Žirje is also known for its natural beauties, clear and blue sea and some very interesting cultural and historical monuments. The highest hill is Kapić (131 m). Vegetation on island is mostly macchia, which expands for lack of agricultural activities. On Žirje there are some vineyards, some olive and fig plantations ond some other fruits. There is no constant water flows on Žirje, only some seasonal creeks during rain periods. But there is a small acumulation lake in the lowest part of the island, in the middle of the field, which is 1 km2 covered with red soil.