Step into a world where nature and history walk hand in hand. Brijuni's lush islands whisper stories of emperors, dinosaurs, and untamed beauty.
Brijuni National Park, the only national park in Istria, seen from air resembles a pearl necklace dropped in the sea. The Romans who built their villas here first recognized the breath-taking beauty of these islands. This magnificent national park consists of fourteen islands and is a unique combination of nature and history and also home to about 250 bird species and around 700 plant species. Indigenous and exceptionally preserved Mediterranean flora, a 1600 years old olive tree, meadows with grazing deer, muflons and a safari park are only a glimpse of what you can experience while visiting Brijuni Islands.
To mention a few of the sights: Verige bay with the remains of a Roman villa from the first century B.C., a safari park which houses zebras, Somalian sheep, Indian oxen, camels, llamas and other animals. Other than safari animals, Brijuni also bear witness to ancient dinosaurs, which left more than 200 footprints. An archaeological museum housed in a Venetian castle from the 16th century and a small Gothic church of Saint German from the 15th century holding beautiful frescos and Glagolitic (ancient Croatian writing) inscriptions are also on the itinerary for your visit. You will also have a chance to visit „Tito on Brijuni“ exhibition. Most of the island tour takes place with a train, while a local guide takes you through the history of this national park.
Brijuni islands are only 3 km away from the small fishing village Fažana, so be sure not to miss this pearl of nature.
It is no wonder that the ancient Romans chose this picture-perfect bay for the setting of one of their villas on the island Veli Brijuni. Come for a swim in the crystal-clear sea and explore the ruins.
Exotic animals that were given to the Yugoslav president Tito by various foreign officials as presents, can be seen today in the islands' safari park. Come check out the elephant Lanka, a gift from Indira Gandhi, zebras and other fascinating animals.
Children will especially enjoy meeting Koki, Tito's 58 years old parrot that still occasionally asks where the president, who died in 1980, is. Koki will probably ask you “Kako si?” which is Croatian for “How are you?” and will maybe even laugh with you.
While hopping on the electric train and joining the guided tour might be the best option for families with children, younger people will enjoy renting the bikes and exploring the islands by themselves. Find your perfect private beach on Brijuni or just drive around and be amazed on what Brijuni have to offer.
The first inhabitants of the islands were the dinosaurs and we know this by the footsteps they left. The footprints can be seen on the west coast of Brijuni's largest island – Veli Brijun. This is also a great spot for enjoying sunsets.
The departure point for Brijuni National Park, the village of Fažana is the ideal place for grabbing some ice cream and strolling along the seaside promenade opposite the Brijuni Islands while enjoying breath-taking sunsets. Since fishing is a traditional activity here, there is a selection of quite good sea food restaurants.
