Zirje: History, Cycling Routes and Coast

Žirje brings together protected cultural heritage, cycling routes, coastal scenery and a traditional summer event. If you are looking for a hotel on Žirje, these different themes can help you plan your trip: the island combines historic landmarks, the Zvizdulja cycling route, and bays, islets and reefs along its coast. The ferry connection from Šibenik is also a useful reference point for getting there.

Cultural heritage and history on Žirje

The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on Žirje is listed as a protected cultural property; the register entry is dated 6 May 2025. A Roman shipwreck with around one hundred amphorae lies off Žirje and is protected as a cultural property under the name Antički brodolom. A protective cage measuring 17 × 9 metres was installed over the wreck. The island’s historical heritage thus extends beyond its land sites to the maritime heritage off its coast.

The unfinished Byzantine fortification of Gustirna lies above Mala Stupica Bay and dates from the 6th century. Gradina, above Velika Stupica Bay, is also among the remains of Byzantine fortifications from that century; it is known locally as Teutine zidine. Gradina also kept watch over shipping on the open sea. The two sites reflect different aspects of history: Gustirna is described as unfinished, while Gradina is associated both with the fortification remains and with the observation of maritime traffic.

In the Samograd area lies Stari stan, a protected complex of dry-stone walls and the most outstanding example of Žirje’s dry-stone heritage. Another historical trace leads back to 1991: the Zvizdulje artillery battery played a decisive role in the defence of Šibenik during the Croatian War. Koromašna is an archaeological site on Žirje. These places offer different perspectives on the island’s history, from archaeological sites and fortifications to protected structures.

Cycling routes, landscape and coast

The Zvizdulja cycling route leads into the heart of Žirje, through Žirjansko polje and onward to the island’s southern side. The island also has an unusually large number of kilometres of cycling routes for its size. The named route offers a specific itinerary, while the total length of the cycling routes gives an additional sense of how prominent cycling is in relation to the island’s size. Žirje’s landscape also includes fields, olive groves and vineyards.

The coastline is dotted with bays, islets and reefs, and is suitable for sailing and fishing. This brings together different landscape and activity highlights: a cycling route that passes through Žirjansko polje to the southern side, and a coast associated with sailing and fishing. Žirje offers boaters shelter regardless of the wind direction. Its landscape features and coastline give the island a character distinct from the historic fortifications inland.

Summer tradition and local specialty

Bodulska pripetavanja is a traditional summer event on Žirje. Competitions include balote, tug-of-war, and tournaments in the card games Briškula and Trešeta. If you want to plan your trip around the event, check the dates for the relevant summer. This lets you plan around the actual event dates without assuming it takes place on the same dates every year.

Also associated with Žirje is the Žirajska sliva, a green plum variety that is almost self-fertile and becoming rarer. It adds a local specialty to the island’s historical and landscape themes.

Getting to Žirje

Ferry line 532 connects Šibenik, Zlarin, Obonjan, Kaprije and Žirje. Check the timetable before travelling, as departure times can change. You can then plan your journey and accommodation around the themes that matter most to you during your stay on the island.

For the broader travel overview: Šibenik-Knin County.