Brijuni National Park – A Guide To Visiting Brijuni Islands

Here is all the Brijuni National Park advice that you need. We’ve got a list of things to do in the National Park of Brijuni, as well as top Brijuni Islands sites and tips for where to stay.

Croatia is full of natural beauty, but perhaps none like Brijuni National Park (NP Brijuni). This is a true gem somewhere you should put on your visit list this summer. There is plenty you need to know so you can plan your visit correctly, and that is what we have in this guide for you.

NP Brijuni is part of the Brijuni Archipelago. This is a series of stunning islands situated close to the coast of Istria. The island of Veliki Brijuni is the main island visitors can head to, packed with things to see and do. There is also a lot of history to explore. There’s plenty to keep you occupied!

About Brijuni Croatia

The Brijuni archipelago is a very short distance from the mainland, making it extremely easy to visit. The stretch of water between the main island and the mainland called the Fazana Channel, is only two miles long.

However, the whole archipelago is quite large, covering around 736 hectares. You’ll find more than 150 different bird species here, so remember those binoculars! The lush green land and plentiful summer sun mean it’s also a hotspot for flora, fauna, and abundant wildlife.

But it’s not all about wildlife either. The park has plenty of history, as it has been passed from pillar to post over the years. The archipelago is full of ruins and architecture to explore, with links to an ancient Neolithic settlement, Byzantine settlements, and Austro-Hungarian rule. Brijuni Minor Fortress is a must-visit, serving as the main Pula naval base during Austro-Hungarian rule.

The archipelago has 12 small islands and two large ones. The large ones are Veli Brijun and Mali Brijun.

The island has been visited by some very famous people, including Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Richard Burton.

The Smaller Islands Are

• Sveti Marko
• Gaz
• Obljak
• Supin
• Supinic
• Galija
• Grunj
• Vanga
• Krasnica
• Pusti
• Sveti Jerolim
• Kotez

Shortly after the end of World War II, the archipelago was visited by President Josip Broz Tito and became his official private residence. However, the area was opened for tourism after his death.

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Things To Do In Brijuni Islands National Park

There is more than enough to keep even the most inquisitive of visitors occupied in Brijuni National Park! The only question is what you’ll do first.

Let’s look at a few of the best things to do during your time in the archipelago.

 

Island Sightseeing Tour

Most people arrive by boat from Fazana, which will drop you off at the main pier on the largest island. At this point, you can join the island sightseeing tour, which is one of the best ways to give yourself an overview of the island. You’ll be able to check out the remains of the Roman Villa Rustica in Verige Bay, and there are also several other stop-off points, including small churches, dinosaur footprints, a museum, and a golf course.

Explore Via Bike Or Golf Cart

The island isn’t huge, and finding your way around is very easy. If you want to venture off and explore the island on your own steam, you can rent a golf cart or a bicycle. This can be done after the island sightseeing tour, or you can venture off on your own without any instruction.

Swimming And Beach Time

There are countless beaches where you can enjoy the summer sun, and you can also swim around the entire coastline if you feel active enough! Head to Saluga Bay and Sveti Jerolim Beach for the best beach days with facilities to make your time more enjoyable.

Wildlife & Nature Spotting

There are countless types of flora and fauna to enjoy in the park, as well as wildlife and plentiful kinds of birds. There are many walking trails to enjoy, so you can quickly head off and explore the local nature without too many crowds. Remember to take your litter with you as you go, and don’t leave any trace of your presence.

Ulysses Theatre

During the summer months, there are regular live performances at Ulysses Theatre. This is located on Mali Brijun island, and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to enjoy modern and classical theatre performances in the open air.

Where To Stay On Brijuni Islands

There are two hotels on the main island of Veli Brijun: Hotel Neptun and Hotel Karmen. However, it’s advisable to book ahead of time to avoid disappointment. Camping is prohibited, so these are your only accommodation options. However, you could also choose to stay in private accommodation in Fazana and use the ferry to go to the park daily.

As far as facilities are concerned, the two main beaches we mentioned have cafes and restaurants, although don’t expect a huge choice. The hotels also have good-quality restaurants. It may be a good idea to take your own refreshments or picnic and remember to take your litter with you when you leave.

How To Get To Brijuni National Park

Brijuni National Park is only a short ferry ride away from the mainland. The easiest way is to get the boat from Fazana in Istria.

Brijuni National Park from Pula: If you’re staying in Pula, you can take the number 21 bus and travel the short 8km to get the boat.

The ferry regularly sails throughout the day during the summer months.

Alternatively, you can make life a little easier by booking an excursion to Brijuni National Park. These are available from Porec, Rovinj, and Pula.

There is an entrance fee to get into the park, which changes depending on the time of year. You can expect to pay between 17 and 28 euros, depending on when you’re visiting.

Brijuni National Park, set in the Northern Adriatic, blends rich history and natural beauty. From roaming wild animals in the safari park to exploring archaeological sites dating back to Roman times, it offers a unique experience. Discover olive trees from the 6th century, take a tourist train, or rent an electric car. With a mild climate and diverse cultural heritage, Brijuni is a land of contrasts and worth visiting.