Brijuni National Park Nacionalni Park Brijuni

Brijuni National Park consists of two large islands and 12 smaller islands and islets. The area was used as a summer residence by Marshal Tito from 1949 until his death in 1980. He often entertained on the islands, accommodating heads of state and movie stars. Tito brought a number of oddities to the Brijuni islands, as well as a variety of African animals like elephants, zebras, and antelope, and various species of plants not native to Croatia. Consequnetly Brijuni National Park is not all that natural.

Today the only islands open to the public are the two main islands of Veli Brijun and Mali Brijun. Access is quite restrictive and the park must be visited as part of a tour unless visitors are staying at one of the Veli Brijun hotels. Even from the hotels, visiting many parts of the park requires taking a jeep tour or some other form of guided tour. The main highlights in Brijuni National Park are the remains of a 2nd Century Byzantine fortress, a Roman villa, the Church of St Germana, the safari park, and an exhibit on Tito.

Access to the islands is usually from Pula or Fazana. The Brijuni National Park office is in Fazana and park boats leave from the wharf.