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Brijuni Islands National Park

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Beach on Veliki Brijun

Brijuni "Safari Park"
"Safari Park"

Brijuni tourist train
Tourist train with St Mary's Church

Istrian goat
Istrian goat

The Brijuni (or, in Italian, Brioni) Islands National Park is only 6km from Pula, off the Istrian coast. There are two main islands and 12 islets but only the largest island, Veliki Brijun can be visited (unless you have your own boat). It's an extraordinarily beautiful island, carpeted with ancient pines and olive trees, surrounded by a sparkling sea.

Visiting the Brijuni Islands National Park

If you stay in a hotel on Veliki Brijun, you have the run of the island. There are no cars but you can easily rent a bike or a golf cart to tool around.

Otherwise, the best way is to arrange an excursion through the Brijuni National Park service, based in Fazana. You can reserve by telephone but you should do it at least a day in advance. Your visit includes the services of an English-speaking guide and a mini-train to take you around. The price depends on the season but note that you pay the same price whether or not you take the tour.

There are a number of daily boats back and forth between Fazana and the National Park. Nothing stops you from staying on after the tour and exploring on your own or lolling on the beach. In fact, it's highly advisable! The water is unbelievably clear and the fish life is abundant. It's a great place for snorkelling.

The Brijuni National Park Tour

The tour begins at the harbour in front of the Hotel Neptun. The order may vary, but you're sure to see:

Tito Museum with photos and memorabilia of the former Yugoslav leader's time on the island. It's a good way to connect with a part of Croatia's history.

Former quarries, now a pretty and restful space

Olive tree about 1600 years old

Tito's former cadillac in which he tried to seduce Gina Lollobrigida

St Mary's Church from the 13th century

Swamp left as an example of the swamps which once covered the island

Safari Park with zebras and an elephant dating from the days when Tito's guests brought wild animals as gifts. There are also native Istrian fauna such as Istrian bulls and goats.

Roman ruins

Accommodation in the Brijuni Islands

There are three hotels on Veli Brijun but no private accommodation. The best is the Hotel Neptun.

Tourist Information for the Brijuni Islands

The Brijuni Tourist Service (tel 052-525 883) is in Fazana, on the coast, and sells tickets to the park which include the boat and guided tour.

 

 

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