Visiting Brijuni Islands, a national park in Croatia
UPDATED: 4.9.2023.
Brijuni Islands National Park is a large group of islands on the Istria’s western coast. The Brijuni archipelago consists of 14 islands and islets situated on the surface of 744 hectares. The Adriatic marine ecosystem is nearly completely represented within the sea and rocky shores of Brijuni.
Veliki Brijun and Mali Brijun are the largest islands of the archipelago, decorated with wonderful landscape parks, meadows, pastures, Istrian vegetation, and architectural heritage. In addition to being one of Croatia’s most beautiful national parks, they also serve as holiday resorts.
Brijuni was the official residence of the former Yugoslavian president Josip Broz Tito for three decades. Thanks to him, the natural beauty of the Brijuni Islands has been preserved.
In this post, we cover:
The facts are these…
Brijuni Islands National Park in Istria, Croatia
Where is Brijuni National Park situated in Croatia?
Brijuni Islands National Park is situated in the northern Adriatic Sea off the western coast of the Istrian peninsula. It is separated from the peninsula by the Fažana strait, which is only 3 kilometers wide.
Why you should visit the Brijuni Islands in Croatia
#1 Stunning safari park
Many indigenous Istrian and exotic Asian, African, and South American animals freely run throughout Veliki Brijun’s gorgeous safari park. Take a walk or a ride with zebras, llamas, ostriches, peacocks, sacred cows, and even see an Indian elephant.
#2 Tito’s parrot – Koki the legend
Adorable Koki is a rare example of a yellow-crested cockatoo, which Tito gave as a birthday gift to his granddaughter Saša. Koki is older than 60 and lives at Veliki Brijun. He still speaks, shakes hands, and animates visitors as a proper host!
#3 Dinosaur footprints
More than 200 dinosaur footprints have been discovered on Brijuni. Footprints are located on the islands of Veliki Brijun, Vanga, Galija, and Vrsar. Visitors can take a look at the footprints on Veliki Brijun, Cape Ploče, and Cape Vrbanj.
#4 Ancient olive tree
One of the oldest olive trees in the Mediterranean is located on the island of Veliki Brijun. This famous olive tree is more than 1.600 years old, and its olives are still used for olive oil production.
When to visit Brijuni National Park, Croatia
The Brijuni Islands are a gorgeous piece of nature throughout the whole year. However, the national park is easiest to reach during summer when boats and ferries are plentiful.
During summer, you can go swimming, diving, and enjoy the sun and a perfect Mediterranean climate. In July and August, you can enjoy cultural programs such as the music festival called Podium festival and the Ulysses theater.
How to visit Brijuni National Park in Croatia
To get to Brijuni National Park, you first need to travel to Fažana, a small town located on the southwest coast of Istria. The only transport to Brijuni are boats, and they do not transport cars.
If you don’t take public transport to Fažana, you will have to park your car somewhere in Fažana and then take a boat to Brijuni.
The boat travels from Fažana to the island of Veliki Brijun, which takes around 20 minutes. The departure schedules from Fažana to Brijuni and Brijuni to Fažana are available here.
[Read: Guide to ferry and boat travel in Croatia]
How to buy tickets for Brijuni, Croatia
The ticket for Brijuni with an excursion to Veliki Brijun includes:
- Sightseeing with a licensed guide
- Boat trip from Fažana to Veliki Brijun and the return trip
- Tourist train ride around the island
- Visit to the Safari Park
- Visit to permanent exhibition displays
- Visit to the Mediterranean garden and the old olive tree
Online tickets can be bought here. You can also purchase tickets in person at their office in Fažana.
Another option is to book tickets via email izleti@np-brijuni.hr. A group discount is available for groups consisting of 25 people or more.
The latest price list for Brijuni National Park is available here.
[Read: National parks in Croatia PLUS detailed visitor guides]
Visit other Croatian national parks
- Kornati National Park
- Krka National Park
- Mljet National Park
- Northern Velebit National Park
- Paklenica National Park
- Plitvice National Park
- Risnjak National Park
Source:
Brijuni Islands National Park
Please note: Information provided by Expat in Croatia is only for the purposes of guidance. It does not constitute legal or financial advice in any form. Croatian laws and bureaucratic rules often change, and each personal case is individual, so different rules may apply. For legal advice, contact us to consult with a licensed Croatian lawyer. For financial advice, contact us to consult with a licensed Croatian tax advisor or accountant.
