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With the area of 15.43 km2, the island of Žirje is the biggest island in the archipelago of Šibenik. Being a part of the front line of islands, the island of Žirje is also the furthest from Šibenik (11 NM).
Žirje is known for its natural beauty, clear blue sea, as well as for its valuable and interesting cultural-historical monuments. Kapić is the highest peak (131m).
During the year the island of Žirje is very well connected to Šibenik by boat (which goes both ways two times a day) and by ferry (which goes both ways two times a month off season, and once a week in high season); therefore you can go by car.
In the past, due to its location, the island had the function of an advance-guard. In the 6th century a fortification of late antiquity was built, and even today its remains can be seen on Gradina, an archeological site above the cove Velika Stupica, as well as on the hill Gustijerna, above the cove Mala Stupica.
In 1059, the king Petar Kresimir IV gave the island to the Benedictines. Later on, The princes of Bribir (Varvaria) gave the island of Žirje, together with Murter, to Zadar. In 1323 Zadar gives the island back to Šibenik.
During the rule of Venice, the noble families from Šibenik had possessions on this island.
However, in 1572, during the Cyprus War, the Turks overcame the resistance of the islanders completely devastating the island.
In Croatian War of Independence Žirje played the significant role again. From its highest peaks Šibenik was defended against the enemy's attacks from the sea, land and air.
In the central part of the island there is a spacious, fertile field and Žirje is located northeast of this field. In the 15th century there were about a hundred inhabitants, in the mid 19th century 350 inhabitants, at the beginning of the 20th century 635, and on the eve of the World War II 725 people lived there.
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