Brijuni National Park
An enchanting archipelago off Istria's coast, Brijuni offers a blend of natural beauty, exotic wildlife, and historical remnants of Tito's era.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Brijuni National Park
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An enchanting archipelago off Istria's coast, Brijuni offers a blend of natural beauty, exotic wildlife, and historical remnants of Tito's era.
"Fabulous. In my opinion the real gem of Croatian tourism."
🎟️ Book Ferry & Tickets Online
Secure your ferry and park tickets in advance via the official NP Brijuni website.
🚶♀️ Walk or Rent Wheels
Consider renting bikes or electric buggies for easier exploration, especially on hot days.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Safari Park Encounters
Veliki Brijun
Meet Lanka the elephant and other exotic animals like zebras and llamas, descendants of Tito's gifts.
Dinosaur Footprints
Veliki Brijun
Walk in the ancient footsteps of dinosaurs, a unique glimpse into prehistoric life on the island.
Tito's Cadillac
Veliki Brijun
See the luxurious vehicles once owned by Yugoslav president Tito, a symbol of the island's past.
Roman Ruins
Veliki Brijun
Explore remnants of ancient Roman villas and basilicas, whispering tales of history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry & Ticket Logistics
Island Exploration Pace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Ferry & Tickets Online
Secure your ferry and park tickets in advance via the official NP Brijuni website.
🚶♀️ Walk or Rent Wheels
Consider renting bikes or electric buggies for easier exploration, especially on hot days.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Bring your own food and drinks to save money and enjoy a scenic meal.
🐘 Meet Lanka the Elephant
Don't miss Lanka, the park's beloved elephant, a highlight for many visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Ferry & Tickets Online
Secure your ferry and park tickets in advance via the official NP Brijuni website.
🚶♀️ Walk or Rent Wheels
Consider renting bikes or electric buggies for easier exploration, especially on hot days.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Lunch
Bring your own food and drinks to save money and enjoy a scenic meal.
🐘 Meet Lanka the Elephant
Don't miss Lanka, the park's beloved elephant, a highlight for many visitors.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The sun can be intense; bring sunscreen, hats, and wear light clothing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Brijuni National Park is praised for its natural beauty, historical significance, and unique attractions like the Safari Park and dinosaur footprints. Visitors enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the remnants of Tito's era. However, some find the cost of entry and rentals to be high for the experience offered, and the animal collection in the Safari Park could be more extensive.
"Nice place. We bought a 4 hour tour by NP with a guide, boat and train, but if you really want to feel this island, it requires day or two at least. Zoo doesn't have a lot of animal, but walking or swimming are always necessary. Yugoslavian spirit is omnipresent. Hotel (Neptun if memory serves me) is not expensive comparing with coastal hotels. Playing golf is guaranteed fun. Sedačni pozdravi za Ivana, vodiča. Svako dobro"
Alexander Simic
"Brijuni was fun. We decided to walk the island as bike rentals were a little pricey but it was a pretty brutal walk on a hot day (88°F/31°C). If you want to see everything and have younger kids or trouble walking distances rent a golf cart or bikes. We got fairly sunburnt too as a lot of the time there was no shade. But, the safari park was neat, and the Byzantine castrum and St Mary's basilica were really cool. We walked around the upper and main parts of the island and skipped the southern peninsula and it took about 5-6 hours."
Mallory Bonham
"Fabulous. In my opinion the real gem of Croatian tourism.
We were there last week having visited quite some years ago. It was as beautiful as ever. A ton of things to see and do. The island is large enough that you can find your own space, it never feels too crowded.
We hired an electric buggy, 300 euros for the whole day, fits 4 adults. Get the 9 am ferry across, bring a picnic, rent a buggy and enjoy visiting Roman ruins, dinosaur footprints, the safari park and a ton of other fascinating things. The museum is a must visit attraction and there’s no extra charge to visit it.
You can also eat at the hotel, on the day we were there they offered great food and generous portions for 35 euros per person (lunch).
Highly recommended. Hope to return soon."
Stephen Lawlor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Brijuni National Park is by taking a ferry from Fažana, a small town near Pula. Ferries run regularly, and the journey to Veliki Brijun takes about 15 minutes. Parking is available in Fažana.
Yes, typically the ticket for Brijuni National Park includes the round-trip ferry from Fažana to Veliki Brijun. It's always best to confirm this when purchasing your ticket.
Yes, Brijuni National Park is easily accessible from Pula. You can drive or take public transport to Fažana, which is just a short distance from Pula, and then catch the ferry.
Ferries from Fažana to Brijuni typically depart every hour. The last ferry from the island back to Fažana is usually late in the evening, around 11 PM, allowing for a full day of exploration.
Yes, there is street parking available in Fažana near the ferry port. It's usually a paid parking area, with rates around 2 euros per hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase tickets for Brijuni National Park at the Info Point near the ferry port in Fažana, or conveniently book them online through the official NP Brijuni website.
Standard tickets usually include the ferry ride to Veliki Brijun, access to the Safari Park, and the opportunity to see dinosaur footprints and Roman ruins. Some packages may include guided tours or train rides.
Ticket prices can vary depending on the season and the package chosen. Some reviews mention prices around 50 EUR per adult and 20 EUR per child for a basic package, which some find expensive for the included activities.
Yes, Brijuni National Park offers various options, including guided tours, the 'Brijuni Pocket Guide' option, and packages that include train rides or electric buggy rentals.
It is highly recommended to book tickets in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, to ensure availability and avoid disappointment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Safari Park with exotic animals, ancient dinosaur footprints, Roman villa ruins, Tito's former residence and vehicles, and beautiful natural landscapes.
Yes, you can rent bicycles and electric golf carts (buggies) on Veliki Brijun. However, some visitors find the rental prices to be quite high.
While there are attractions like the Safari Park, some visitors feel it might be disappointing for very young children given the cost and limited stops on tours. Renting a buggy or bike is recommended for families.
Yes, Brijuni National Park has beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water where you can swim and relax.
The 'Yugoslavian spirit' refers to the historical significance of Brijuni as a former presidential retreat for Josip Broz Tito. Remnants of this era, including his residences and vehicles, are still present.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are dining options available on the island, including restaurants at the Hotel Neptun. Some reviews mention good food and generous portions at reasonable prices for lunch.
Absolutely! Bringing a picnic is a popular and cost-effective option for visitors, allowing you to enjoy your meal amidst the island's beautiful scenery.
Dining options range from hotel restaurants to cafes. The food quality and variety can vary, but many visitors appreciate the opportunity to dine on the island.
While some dining options can be pricey, bringing your own food or opting for lunch specials at the hotel can help manage costs.
Information on specific dietary options is limited, but typical Croatian cuisine often includes vegetable-based dishes. It's advisable to inquire directly with restaurants on the island.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the exotic animals in the Safari Park, the ancient dinosaur footprints, Roman ruins, lush landscapes, and the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea.
The Safari Park allows for close-up views of animals like zebras and llamas. Lanka the elephant is also a popular subject.
Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of the wildlife and historical sites. Some specific areas might have signage regarding photography.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the best conditions for photography, offering softer light and fewer harsh shadows.
Yes, Tito's collection of vehicles, including his Cadillac, are on display and make for unique photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 However, some visitors find the overall experience, particularly the cost of tours and rentals, to be less engaging for very young children. 💰 Budget Travelers
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Tito and Brijuni
+1 The islands still bear the imprint of this era, with preserved residences, museums showcasing Tito's interests, and a collection of vintage vehicles, including his famous Cadillac. This historical layer adds a unique dimension to the natural beauty of the park, offering visitors a glimpse into a bygone political and social era. Visitors can explore the Tito Museum to learn more about his life and the history of the islands. The Safari Park itself is a testament to Tito's era, as many of the exotic animals were gifts from foreign leaders. The presence of these animals, alongside the historical sites, creates a fascinating juxtaposition.
Exploring the Safari Park and Wildlife
+3 Lanka is a gentle giant, and observing her interactions with her environment is a highlight for many. Other animals you might encounter include zebras, llamas, ostriches, and various species of deer that wander the island. +1While the Safari Park offers a unique experience, some reviews note that the collection of animals is not extensive and that certain enclosures could be larger to better accommodate the animals' needs.
Navigating Brijuni: Transport and Activities
Beyond exploring the main sites, Brijuni offers opportunities for swimming in its clear waters and enjoying the natural beauty. The island is also known for its well-maintained golf courses, a legacy from its past as a resort.
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