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Zirje, with 15,43 km2 is biggest of
all islands in Sibenik's archipelago.
It is also the most distand island
from Sibenik (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 Zirje.
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 Sibenik,
the climath of Zirje 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.
Zirje is also known for its natural
beauties, clear and blue sea and some
very interesting cultural and historical
monuments. The highest hill is Kapic
(131 m). Vegetation on island is mostly
macchia, which expands for lack of
agricultural activities. On Zirje
there are some vineyards, some olive
and fig plantations ond some other
fruits. There is no constant water
flows on Zirje, 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.
Zirje is the most inhabited island
of Sibenic's archipelag. For it's
geografical position It had an importand
role for orientation and guarding
place. Military significance began
in late antic period, when a fort
was build on Zirje in the first half
of VI century. Ruins of this fort
can be seen in Gradina near Velika
Stupica cove. |
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