Brijuni National Park

Brijuni National Park, just off the coast near Pula, is an archipelago of fourteen small islands in the northern Adriatic, separated from the Istrian mainland by the narrow Fažana Strait. It's one of Croatia's most unusual national parks — part nature reserve, part open-air history lesson, part safari park with animals you wouldn't expect to find on a European island.

How do you get to Brijuni?

You can't just sail up in a private boat and dock — the archipelago is a protected national park with controlled access. Visits to the main island, Veli Brijun, run through an organized ferry service from the small town of Fažana, a short drive from Pula. Entry tickets typically bundle the ferry crossing with a ride on the island's tourist train, which loops past the main sights. From Pula, the easiest route is by bus or car to Fažana, followed by the scheduled ferry crossing — schedules shift with the season, so it's worth checking times before setting out.

What will you actually see there?

For decades, Veli Brijun served as the summer residence of Josip Broz Tito, Yugoslavia's long-time leader, who hosted foreign heads of state and film stars on the island. Traces of that era remain scattered across the grounds, from former government villas to a safari park stocked with animals gifted to Tito by visiting dignitaries, including zebras and llamas. The island also holds the remains of a Roman villa and a Byzantine fortress, and in a few spots you can still see fossilized dinosaur footprints, tens of millions of years old. Nature lovers will notice the dense Mediterranean vegetation and varied birdlife, while a golf course adds an unexpected sporting angle. Most of the island is explored on foot or by bike along marked paths, supplemented by the tourist train for longer stretches.

When is the best time to visit?

The season runs roughly from spring through autumn, peaking in July and August when ferries run most frequently — but so do the crowds. May, June, and September strike a good balance: milder weather, thinner crowds, and the full range of attractions still open. In winter the park operates on a reduced schedule, and some services, including regular ferry crossings, may be limited or suspended, so it's worth confirming details in advance if visiting outside the main season.

How much time should you plan for a visit?

A standard guided tour of Veli Brijun runs three to four hours and covers the tourist train ride, the safari park, the Roman ruins, and the island's other key stops. That's enough to take in the highlights without rushing, though anyone keen on longer walks or a full bike loop can easily spend the whole day on the island.

Frequently asked questions

Can you sail to Brijuni on your own boat? No — the islands form a protected national park, and access is limited to the organized ferry service from Fažana under the park's own rules.

Can you stay overnight on the island? Veli Brijun has limited accommodation, but most visitors see it as a day trip from Fažana or Pula rather than an overnight stay.

Is it a good destination for kids? Yes — the safari park with its exotic animals and the ride on the tourist train are among the most popular features for younger visitors.

How far is Fažana from Pula? About 8–10 kilometers, roughly a fifteen-minute trip by bus or car, and it's where the ferries to the islands depart from.