BASIC INFORMATION AND LOCATION
Brijuni is an archipelago and a national park on the Croatian part of the Adriatic. They are located a few kilometers west of the Istrian coast, opposite the town of Fažana, with which it is connected by boat connections. They consist of 14 islands and islets with a total area of 33.9 km². The two largest islands are Veliki Brijun (7 km²) and Mali Brijun (1.7 km²). Thanks to its indented coast, history, diverse flora and fauna, which is why Brijuni is known as "heaven on Earth", Brijuni was declared a national park on October 27, 1983 and is a favorite tourist destination.
CULTURE, HISTORY AND SIGHTS
Brijuni has a rich history: the first traces of human activity on Brijuni, which are known to us so far, date back to the third millennium BC, when ethnically unknown inhabitants lived on Brijuni who were engaged in farming, cattle breeding, hunting and fishing, and weapons and tools were made from stone, bones and wicker... During the great Aegean migration of peoples in the first millennium BC, the Illyrian tribe Histri came to Brijuna, after whom Istria was later named. After which came the Romans, and from VI. to VIII. century, the islands (as well as Istria) were ruled by the Byzantines. There are many cultural and historical remains in Brijuni, of which the best-known and best-preserved are the Roman country castle from the 1st and 2nd centuries. century with thermal baths, the Temple of Venus, then the Byzantine Castrum, and the Basilica of St. Mary from V.-VI. century, the church of St. German from the XV. century.
BEACHES
Saluga is the largest, and at the same time, the most organized beach in Brijuni, and it is about 1 kilometer away from the port. It is paved and has showers for refreshment. The second beach is Mala plaža, a pebble and stone beach with a gentle entrance to the sea and plenty of shade, so it is suitable for families with small children.
OTHER CONTENTS
Various educational programs are organized for the guests of Brijuna, photo safaris, getting to know Brijuni plants, a small diving school, tours: In the footsteps of dinosaurs, Sacred Brijuni, animal feeding in the ZOO... Ulysses Theater turns Brijuni into a regional theater epicenter every year. Brijuni itself does not have a lot of catering facilities, that's why you have plenty of them in neighboring Fažana. The most famous restaurant on the island is Galija, where you can enjoy creative Mediterranean cuisine with a quality selection of fish and meat dishes and flambéed desserts. There are also the Školjka, Plaža and Neptun hotel restaurants.
SPORT
The Brijuni water area offers ideal conditions for diving. The underwater educational trail in the Verige bay on the eastern side of Veli Brijuni represents a unique experience of the natural and archaeological values of the exceptionally rich and preserved underwater part of the Brijuni National Park. You can play tennis, golf, badminton or bocce. It is possible to rent electric cars and bicycles.
WHAT TO DO AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXCURSIONS
Brijuni is the most common one-day destination - if you are located in Istria. If you are located in Brijuni, we recommend a tour of the most important archeological sites in Brijuni with expert guidance, all-day swimming on the islets of St. Jerolim or Kozada, going to Fažena or further towards charming Istrian towns.
ACCOMMODATION
The Hotel Istra with the Neptun annex is located right on the seafront in the main harbor of the island of Veliki Brijun. Hotel Karmen is located in the central harbor of the island of Veliki Brijun, right on the coast. Villas are also available: Lovorka, Dubravka and Primorka. Uvala Sv. Nikole on Mali Brijun is a new nautical destination in the Brijuni archipelago.
