Brijuni Islands

Address: Brijuni (Brijuni National Park) - islands accessible by boat from Fažana, Istria County, Croatia

Website: https://www.brijuni.hr

Brijuni is an archipelago off the Istrian coast of Croatia, close to the village of Fažana and the city of Pula. The islands form Brijuni National Park and are known for parkland, archaeological remains and landscaped gardens.

On the main island visitors can follow marked paths through parkland, see archaeological ruins from Roman and later periods, and visit landscaped gardens and a small safari-style collection of introduced species. Guided tours and interpretive information are provided at key sites and ferries run from Fažana to island landing points.

The islands have a long human history visible in scattered archaeological remains from Roman and later occupations. In the 20th century parts of the main island were developed as landscaped parkland and used as a state residence; the group was later designated a national park for conservation and public access.

The Brijuni islands lie off the western coast of the Istrian peninsula near Fažana, close to the city of Pula on Croatia’s Adriatic coast; ferries typically cross a short distance from the mainland.

• Access and management: Access to the islands is by scheduled boat services from the mainland port at Fažana, near Pula, and visitor entry is managed as part of Brijuni National Park.
• Layout: The archipelago comprises a small group of islands off the Istrian coast, with the largest island hosting most visitor facilities and walking routes.

What to See#

• Veli Brijun: Veli Brijun, the largest island, contains the main visitor facilities, archaeological remains and parkland paths used for guided tours and walks.
• Safari park and gardens: Safari park and landscaped gardens featuring species introduced in the 20th century, arranged within parkland on the main island and visible on island tours.
• Archaeological sites: Archaeological sites and historic remains including Roman-era ruins and later-period structures scattered across several islands, accessible on guided routes.

Brijuni (the Brijuni Islands) are served by ferries from the port of Fažana on the Istrian coast. Drive to Fažana (Fažana is a short drive north of Pula - roughly 8-12 km depending on your route), park at the town’s harbor and take the public ferry or tour boat to the islands (crossing times are short). Ferries and boat tours operate seasonally from Fažana; check schedules in advance.

• Take the first ferry from Fažana to Brijuni and arrive with the morning group-this gives you a few quieter hours before the island fills with day-trippers.
• Buy ferry and park-admission tickets in advance (common in high season) and start your visit with the island train or guided tram to orient yourself before exploring on foot.
• Don't miss the archaeological sites and the former Tito-era safari/park area; these corners of the park are less-crowded than the main villa and offer more peaceful walks and wildlife viewing.