The Brijuni Archipelago, a group of 14 islands and islets off the coast of Pula, was declared a national park in 1983. The fact that several celebrities from the entertainment industry have visited the islands, including film stars such as Sophia Loren, Elizabeth Taylor, and Richard Burton, proves that this group of islands is truly special.
The island of Gaz is not the largest, but it has undoubtedly the most intriguing form. It is shaped like a fish.
How to get there
The two largest islands in the archipelago are Veliki Brijun (meaning “Big Brijun”) and Mali Brijun (meaning “Small Brijun”). You can access Veliki Brijun by boat from the small Istrian town of Fažana. Tickets can be purchased at the Brijuni National Park office in the town center or online. Boats leave regularly every day, with higher frequency during peak season. The boat ride takes about 15 minutes.
How to explore the island
After arrival, you can take a guided tour of Veliki Brijun by train and on foot, or explore the island on your own. If you choose the latter, you can also rent an electric car, scooter, or bike. The guided train tour of the island will take about one hour. You can also download the Brijuni Pocket Guide app to explore Brijuni on your own.
What to see or do
Safari park
In the northern part of the island is one of Brijuni’s biggest attractions: the safari park. It is home to numerous Istrian, South American, Asian, and African animals. You can observe zebras, ostriches, llamas, camels, bison, goats, and donkeys, as well as Lanka, an over 50-year-old Indian elephant that was a gift from former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. You can take pictures, of course, but you must not disturb or feed the animals. The Ethno Park area of the safari park is home to typical Istrian animals, such as Istrian sheep.
The old olive tree
One of Brijuni Island’s most notable “inhabitants” is an olive tree that is around 1,600 years old. Carbon analysis confirmed its age, making it one of the oldest olive trees in the Mediterranean region. This ancient tree still produces around 30 kg of olives each October, which are used to make olive oil.
Dinosaur footprints
Your children will love learning that the Brijuni Islands were home to dinosaurs approximately 100 million years ago. More than 200 footprints on four islands (including Veliki Brijun), which can be seen during a tour, confirm the presence of these prehistoric giants.
The Byzantine castrum
Around the 4th century A.D., a castrum (an old Roman encampment) was set up. It consisted of several closely connected buildings necessary for a community. Later, fortified walls were built to protect the settlement. St. Mary’s Basilica, whose walls are remarkably well-preserved, was built nearby for the religious purposes of the castrum’s inhabitants.
Where to eat
Several restaurants and cafes can be found on Veliki Brijun island, with most of them located right next to the sea or very close by. You can enjoy typical Mediterranean cuisine at the restaurants or simply have coffee or ice cream at one of the cafes.
Sports and activities
Apart from strolling and cycling around the islands, there are several other ways to enjoy an active stay. You can play golf or tennis, or go scuba diving at three different locations. If you simply want to swim, you can do so at Saluga Beach, one of the few beaches where swimming is permitted. You can also rent table tennis or bowling equipment. Or you can simply rent a deck chair or have coffee at the nearby café.
Visiting with your dog
You can also visit the Brijuni Islands with your dog, but your dog must be leashed at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the tourist train, in museums, or in the safari park (unless they are service dogs). Dogs are not allowed in restaurants, but they may sit with you on the outdoor terrace.
Do’s and don’ts
Since Brijuni is a national park, there are several rules that you must follow. You are not allowed to pick or damage plants, mushrooms, shells, or other objects from the nature. You are not allowed to feed or disturb animals. Smoking is not allowed outdoors; the only places you can smoke are the terraces of restaurants and hotels. You may not wander off the trails is not allowed, and swimming is only permitted in designated areas.
Mali Brijun
Mali Brijun (the Small Brijun), the second largest island, can also be accessed by boat from Fažana. A visit to Mali Brijun is incomplete without seeing Fort Brioni Minor, the largest fortification on the Adriatic Coast. You can also hike the educational Stone Stories of Brijuni trail, which leads to the northern cape of the island. Sports enthusiasts can also take a guided kayak tour along the coast of Mali Brijun (the departure and return point is Veliki Brijun Island).
Where to stay
Villa Bilen
Villa Bilen, located in Medulin near Pula, offers complete privacy and comfort for up to four people. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom villa has an outdoor pool with sun loungers and a summer kitchen with a covered terrace. The property is also suitable for youth groups, and pets are allowed.
Villa Gali
Villa Gali is located a few minutes’ drive from Pula and can accommodate up to six people. For the ultimate luxury, there’s a private outdoor swimming pool with hydromassage and a nice garden with sun loungers. There are also outdoor and indoor dining areas with a barbecue.
Villa Jasmina
This spacious and cozy villa is located near Medulin and can accommodate up to eight people. It boasts four bedrooms and five bathrooms. It has two fully equipped kitchens and a summer kitchen with a barbecue. The neat outdoor area comprises a comfortable seating area and sun loungers around the outdoor pool.
