Žirje, Croatia
Žirje is an island and a settlement in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea. It is situated in the Šibenik archipelago, about southwest of Šibenik, which makes it the most remote permanently inhabited island in the Šibenik archipelago. Its area is 15.08 km2, and it has a population of 103. Its population is steadily decreasing.
The island is composed of two limestone ridges between which is a fertile valley. Vegetation of the island is mainly composed of maquis shrubland, with some farm land in the middle of the island. Main industries are agriculture and fishing. The sea around Žirje is rich with fish. Compared to other Croatian Adriatic islands, tourism on Žirje has remained largely undeveloped.
In 12th and 13th century the island was encircled by fortresses and walls and are a reminder of the Byzantine fortress from 6th century are situated at island. Due to its use by the Yugoslav Army, the southern and south-western parts of the island were isolated from the rest of the island for nearly half a century.
The ferry port on the island connects it via the D128 route to Šibenik.
