Set on very south on the Peninsula of Istria, Croatia and surrounded by a turquoise-blue sea, the relatively small green archipelago with an area of just over 7 km2preserves not only the traces of five millennia of human activity but alsothe beautiful scenes of nature.
My visit to Brijuni islands begins in Fažana, the small fisherman’s place, situated on the West coast of Istria. It is just about 10 kilometresfar away from Pula that is known to bethe biggest town on the peninsula. In this post, I’ll try to offer you some of the Brijuni tips based on my experience.
WHY SHOULD YOU VISIT BRIJUNI ISLANDS
Often called “paradise on Earth,” the Brijuni Islands are a lush national park off the southwest coast of Istria, protected since 1983. The archipelago consists of 14 islands, but only the largest—Veliki Brijun—is open to visitors through official tours.
Just a 15-minute boat ride from the mainland, Veliki Brijun offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich history. With over 700 plant species, 250 types of birds, and sweeping meadows and coastline, it’s an oasis of peace and biodiversity.
Visitors can explore archaeological and cultural landmarks dating from the Neolithic era through Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, and Austro-Hungarian rule. The island’s transformation into a luxury retreat in the 19th century and later, Tito’s summer residence, adds to its layered past. Guided tours are available in multiple languages and reveal the island’s harmony between people, animals, and nature—making Brijuni a truly special Istrian experience.
VELI BRIJUN THINGS TO DO
The island has been visited by various European aristocrats like Austrian, Hungarian, German, and diplomats worldwide.
Visit the botanic park of Brijuni islands
The botanical park is situated nearby the archaeological museum. Distant only about 10 minutes from the gate, you will be able to see more of the 700 exotic plants species. Take your camera and make the images with some of them. Most of the species are protected. If you’re plant lover, you could be probably spend all day here. As the official program lasts about 4 hours, we’ll be a little bit faster this time and take a walk to the museum.
Visit the archaeological museum will show you how the island started to be famous around the world
The best starting point for the trip is the exclusive resort established in 1893 by Austrian industrialist Paul Kupelwieser, who transformed the malaria-ridden Brijuni Islands into a prestigious health and luxury resort. Kupelwieser eliminated malaria with the help of scientist Robert Koch, who confirmed the anopheles mosquito as the cause of the disease, commemorated by a monument on the island. Under Kupelwieser’s vision, the islands flourished with hotels, a heated seawater pool, vineyards, and landscaped Mediterranean gardens, becoming a favored destination for European aristocracy, including Emperor William II and Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
After World War II, Brijuni gained global prominence as the summer residence of Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito, who hosted numerous political leaders and celebrities, turning the islands into a center of political diplomacy. Notably, in 1956, Tito hosted Indian Prime Minister Nehru and Egyptian President Nasser, helping to found the Non-Aligned Movement. The on-site museum documents this era with photographs, artifacts, state gifts, and taxidermied animals from Tito’s private zoo. Visitors can explore the museum and then enjoy a scenic ride on the tourist train around the island, experiencing its rich historical and cultural heritage.
Take a drive with the train along the island
To expire full of the area’s secrets, I recommend continuing your guiding program by the island train. Driving alongside the island, you’ll discover the island surfaces. While the train is open to enjoy, one could smell the Mediterranean vegetation while achieving plenty of information about nature and animal world from the guide.
You’ll be driven along almostall of the coastal part of the island. Look no further far away from the train, and you’ll notice the lush of thebeautiful green areas and the coastal towns that could be seen on the other side of the island. The railroad route lasts about half an hour till the first stop, nearby the zoo park.
Visit the safari park
The park will show the animals living on the island today. Safari park succeeded to save surviving some of the numerous species that were once given as a gift to former Yugoslavia from the different lands around the globe. Though there could be found some of the species such as Somali sheep, dromedary camels, llamas, zebras, and the biggest one, an elephant, the zoo park today is more known to be a home of domestic animals in Istria. The few we can see are the sheep, donkey and of course the goats.
It’s interesting to note that as many as 200 dinosaur footprints identified at Veli Brijun. Try to find someone and make a photo of it!
Rent a bicycle and see the heritage
After a rear-drive by train, you can visit the Gothic church of St. German, from the 15th century. In the church, you will quickly note the fresco replicas and Glagolitic monuments. Finish your visit to 4 hours excursion program drinking the wine or coffee at some of one terrace.
There is a possibility to rent a bicycle for the nature seekers and outdoorenthusiastssearching to b active on the island. So take a drive alongside the island to find some of the hidden coves. Those are with the view extending to the opposite islands of the archipelago. Many of them will offer an opportunity to rest on the shore filled by the glittering blue Adriatic Sea.
The island is also known to be home to theRoman historical sight “Villa Rustica fortification”situated in the “Verige Bay“. The fortification remnants are considered from the 1st century AD. This a unique fortification you should see while driving the bicycle alongside the Veli Brijun is opposite of the other fortification, Minor fort. The latter is situated on the opposite mali Brijun Island.
See Minor Fort on Mali Brijun and learn about the Austrian Forts
Minor Fort on Mali Brijun Island is a late 19th-century Austro-Hungarian coastal armored fortress built to protect the northern approach to Pula’s naval port, part of a three-ring defense system. It is the largest Austro-Hungarian fort on the Adriatic, covering 15,750 m², housing 12 officers and 530 soldiers, and armed with 20 long-range cannons.
Mali Brijun and its fortifications, including Fort Tegetthoff on nearby Veli Brijun, were key parts of Austro-Hungarian naval defense. The island is now part of Brijuni National Park, featuring rich vegetation, historical military architecture, and scenic trails. Carved into living rock, the fort never saw combat and remained well-preserved. It served military purposes until 2001 and today hosts the Ulysses Theatre during summer, offering a unique cultural venue for performances such as King Lear and Hamlet.
Access to Mali Brijun is limited, usually requiring permission and guided tours, but visitors can enjoy the fort’s panoramic views and cultural events in the tourist season.
BRIJUNI PUTOKOZA TIP
Veli Brijuni is the island of nature, and the Goats we like to use to be a part of it. The archipelago of Brijuni is an extraordinary blend of natural, historical and cultural heritage.
More information. Whatever you do, if you walk, bike orlisten to the story alongside the guiding tour, have a lot of fun on Brijuni.
GETTING TO BRIJUNI ISLANDS
Whenever if you are looking to reach the destination by car or public bus, Fažana is a point it should be first called. If coming by car, there are few of the parking places available.
The shipping line operating to the island departs from the pear situated in the centre of the place. In case you don’t have a ticket, you can easily buy it before you board. You only need to look for the office ofNational Park Brijuni situated in the centre of the place right next to the pear.