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Žirje, Croatia
Žirje Island
Žirje is an island located in Croatia, situated opposite the Dalmatian coast to the west of Šibenik. It is part of the Šibenik archipelago and administratively belongs to the region of Sebenico and Tenin as a fraction of the municipality of Sebenico. The island has a permanent population, with 103 inhabitants recorded in 2011.
Geographically, Žirje is the outermost of the great islands of the Šibenik archipelago, situated south of Cacan and Capri. It is separated from Cacan by the Zuri Canal (Žirjanski kanal) and from Samogrado Mouth (Samogradska Vrata) by Curba Grande, the southernmost island in the Kornati group. The highest point on the island is Mount Cappici or Mount Bol of Žirje (Kapić), which stands at 133.8 meters above sea level.
The surface area of Žirje measures approximately 15.08 square kilometers, with a coastal development of 41,758 kilometers. The island's coastline features a jagged profile, comprising 29 coves and surrounded by 17 islands and rocks. Notable geographical landmarks include the port Miccovizza (uvala Mikavica), also known as Porto Saraceno or Munna valley (uvala Muna), which serves as the main port of the island.
The only village on Žirje is located in its center, while smaller settlements can be found in the ports of Miccovizza, Munna, and Finocchio. The nearby islands include Ostrizza (Mikavica) to the north, Discover Prastica, dry Bracich or Bracic between the valleys Miccovizza and Munna, and Finocchio or Coromasni (Koromašna), a cliff east of the Finocchio valley.
Žirje Island is a popular tourist destination due to its unique geography and natural beauty. Its remote location has contributed to it being relatively untouched by mass tourism, making it an attractive option for those seeking a secluded island experience.