Plizio Visual Lab

Brijuni Islands

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Brijuni Islands are an archipelago of 14 islands located off the Istrian coast near Pula. Established as a national park in 1983, they are famous for blending natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage. On the largest island, Veliki Brijun, significant archaeological sites can be found, including a Roman villa in Verige Bay and a Byzantine castrum. The archipelago gained international fame as the official summer residence of the former Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito, who hosted world leaders here. A unique feature is the Safari Park, home to exotic animals such as zebras and Indian elephants, which were presented to Tito as gifts. Furthermore, the islands host over 200 dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous period, making them an important site for paleontology. The vegetation is defined by Mediterranean macchia and meticulously planned parks filled with pines and olive trees. Today, the Brijuni Islands serve as an exclusive tourist destination and a vital center for nature conservation and scientific research.

Location: Croatia
Top sights: Exhibitions · Opatija Belvedere (remains) · Tito's Cadillac
Nearby: Peroj (5 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Jul, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	6	6	9	13	17	22	24	24	20	16	11	7
Rain mm	78	95	74	67	84	64	49	71	113	101	133	102

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The area is typically reached via official ferries or organized boat tours that depart from nearby coastal port towns along the mainland.

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Best season

Late spring to early autumn generally gives the most favorable weather for island excursions, avoiding the harsher and unpredictable winter sea conditions.

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Terrain & paths

The main island mostly features flat to gently rolling landscapes with paved or clear dirt roads connecting the historical and natural sites.

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What to bring

Sun protection, comfortable walking or cycling shoes, and perhaps a light windbreaker for the maritime journey are typically highly recommended.

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Parking

Vehicles must usually be left on the mainland in designated port parking areas before visitors board the passenger ferries to the islands.

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Safety

Generally considered a very well-managed and safe destination, though visitors must strictly adhere to park rules regarding wildlife and ancient ruins.

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Time needed

Exploring the main areas, historical sites, and the landscape typically requires anywhere from a half-day to a full day depending on your pace.

Geography

Coordinates

44.91670, 13.76670

Facts

National park status since 1983.
Consists of 14 individual islands.
Site of over 200 dinosaur footprints.
The oldest olive tree on the island is over 1600 years old.
Veliki Brijun covers an area of 561 hectares.
The Byzantine castrum dates back to the 2nd century BC.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Brijuni National Park<1 km · SWExplore →

Brijuni Byzantine Castrum3 km · WExplore →

📍Fažana3 km · NEExplore →

📍Peroj5 km · NEExplore →

Uljanik Shipyard8 km · SEExplore →

📍Galižana8 km · EExplore →

📍Vodnjan9 km · NEExplore →

📍Loborika11 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Brijuni Islands (10)

Exhibitions 🏛 museum

Changing exhibits on the islands' nature and history in the former Tito villa.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-19:00🆓

Opatija Belvedere (remains)

Ruins of a former abbey with sea views on Veli Brijun island.

Tito's Cadillac

Josip Broz Tito's black Cadillac, displayed in the Safari Park.

The old olive tree

An ancient olive tree on Brijuni, estimated over 1600 years old.

🌐 np-brijuni.hr

The Boathouse🏛 museum

Historic boathouse at Veli Brijun harbor, now a museum.

Grobljanska crkva sv. Antuna

Ruins of a 15th-century cemetery church on the Brijuni Islands.

Fort Tegetthoff

19th-century fortress on the island, named after an Austrian admiral.

Fazanerija

Former pheasant farm, now a small zoo with exotic animals.

Labyrinth entrance to the Hillfort

Labyrinth-like entrance to a prehistoric hillfort on the island.

Roman well

Remains of a Roman well on Veli Brijun island.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How do you reach the Brijuni islands?

By the official ferry from Fažana; the trip takes about 15 minutes.

Are there really zebras there?

Yes, zebras, llamas, and even an elephant live in the safari park, gifts to former President Tito.

Can you rent bikes on the island?

Yes, bikes and electric cars are the main means of transport for visitors.

Are there dinosaur footprints?

Yes, real dinosaur footprints can be seen in the rocks at several locations along the coast.

Can you stay overnight in the national park?

Yes, there are several hotels on the main island, Veliki Brijun.

Brijuni Islands: where is it located?

Brijuni Islands is located in Croatia.

Brijuni Islands: what is there to see?

Highlights include Exhibitions, Opatija Belvedere (remains), Tito's Cadillac.

Brijuni Islands: when is the best time to visit?