Žirje

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Revision as of 01:21, 16 June 2015

An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to Zirje Island in Croatia.

Click links for more information
	43°39.24′N, 15°39.48′E
	Photo gallery
	Chartlet
	Interactive map of harbours and anchorages

Zirje Island lies off the mainland coast of Croatia 11 miles WSW of the port of Sibenik and four miles SE of the Kornati Islands. It is the largest in a group of islands stretching between it and the channel leading into Luka Sibenik, the ‘inland sea’ off the port of Sibenik. Although only six miles by 1.5 miles at most, the island has a small harbour suitable for visiting yachts and three anchorages around its coast. The population of 94 is mainly centred on its hilltop capital, Zirje Town and its nearby harbour of Luka Muna on the NE coast. The island’s population survive largely on agriculture (grapes, olives and plums), fishing and a little tourism. There are the remains of a 6th century Byzantine castle on the hill above the anchorage of Stupica Vela.

Charts

British Admiralty

2711

2774

Croatian charts

MK15

Imray

M25 (Otok Rab to Sibenik)

Radio Nets

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Weather

Diurnal winds among the islands are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5, although gusting is common in narrow channels between islands and on the lee side of headlands. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains affect some of the islands close to the mainland coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared, especially along the coast from Rijeka down to Zadar, although its effects can be felt as far south as Split.

Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast.

For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.

Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)

Sibenik is the nearest all-year round port of entry. During the summer, Sali on Dugi Otok and Primosten on the mainland are also ports of entry.

Berthing Options

There are five berthing options on Zirje Island, the small harbour of Luka Muna half way along the NE coast of the island and five further anchorages at U. Mikavica and U. Koromasna on the NE side of the island, U. Tratinska on the NW side and U. Stupica Vela and U. Stupica Mala at the SE tip. Click on link at top right of page for Interactive map of harbours and anchorages or for full details see below.

Ports

There is only one port on the island:

• Luka Muna

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Note: U. (short for Uvala) = cove. Anchorages are listed from N to S.

U. Mikavica

Template:Poi coord - Chartlet
U. Mikavica is situated on the N side of the island, close to the NW tip. Just under a mile NNW of the V-shaped inlet is the small islet of Mikavica, which has a shoal patch extending for nearly 400 metres SSE of it. The northern headland of the inlet also has shoals for nearly 100 metres off it. Once into the inlet, there is a small jetty where there may be space for a yacht to go bows or stern-to using the anchor. Depths at the pier range from 3.0 metres near the root to 5.0 metres at the end. Alternatively anchor off in 6.0 - 7.0 metres. The holding is good in sand and weed. Shelter is good except with anything N in the wind. The anchorage would probably be untenable in very strong easterlies.

U. Koromasna

The anchorage of U. Koromasna - Click for larger view

Template:Poi coord - Chartlet
U. Koromasna lies halfway along the NE-facing coast of the island, around half a mile SE of the harbour of Luka Muna. The inlet is shaped rather like a duck’s foot, with three small coves along its S side. Anchor in one of the coves wherever there is space. The depths here are considerable until close inshore so it is probabely wise to take a line ashore. Holding is moderate to good in sand and weed. Shelter is good except in winds from NE and E, when it becomes untenable if they are very strong.

U. Tratinska

Template:Poi coord - Chartlet
The anchorage of U. Tratinska is on the SW-facing coast of the island, little more than 500 metres due S of the inlet of U. Mikavica on the NE coast. There are several mooring buoys in the N part of the inlet in depths of 6.0 - 10.0 metres which can be picked up. Alternatively anchor in suitable depths clear of the buoys, taking a line ashore if necessary. Shelter is good in all conditions except strong S and SE winds.

U. Stupica Vela

The popular anchorage of U. Stupica Vela - Click for larger view

Template:Poi coord - Chartlet
U. Stupica Vela is a popular and busy anchorage, the westernmost and widest of three inlets at the S end of Zirje Island. There are shoal patches off the headland at the E end of the inlet and also between the small islet of Skrovada just W of the entrance and Zirje itself. There are mooring buoys in the inlet in depths of 8.0 - 10.0 metres which can be picked up (a charge is made). Alternatively anchor in suitable depths and take a line ashore if possible. The holding is only moderate and poor in places. Shelter is excellent in all but strong SE winds. Restaurant ashore. Water taxi during the season.

U. Stupica Mala

Template:Poi coord - Chartlet
U. Stupica Mala is the middle of the three inlets, immediately E of U. Stupica Vela. Depths are greater here and the anchorage is therefore less popular than U. Stupica Vela. However, it is quieter during the busiest part of the season. Anchor in 8.0 - 10.0 metres and take a line ashore if possible. It is necessary to go to the head of the inlet to find suitable anchoring depths. Holding is moderate to good in sand and weed. Shelter is good in all but S winds.

Offshore Islands

• Kornati Islands
• Zlarin

Yacht Services and Repairs

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

None.

Things to do Ashore

Tourism

Byzantine castle above U. Stupica Vela - Click for larger view

There are the remains of a Byzantine castle on the hill about the anchorage of U. Stupica Vela. The island is cross-crossed with walking/cycling paths, which make exploring its small land surface easy. Otherwise, there is little to do on Zirje but chill out.

Grocery & Supply Stores

None.

Eateries

Restaurants in Luka Muna and U. Stupica Vela only.

Internet/WiFi

None.

Garbage Disposal

Very limited. Take it with you.

Transportation

Daily ferries to Sibenik on mainland.

Routes/Passages To/From

See Croatia.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

• Croatia Sailing and Cruising Discussions on Cruisers Forum

External Links

• Žirje at the Wikipedia

Also see Croatia.

References & Publications

See Croatia.

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• July 2005 --Athene of Lymington 16:20, 15 November 2012 (GMT)

Contributors to this page
Names: Athene of Lymington