The beautiful islands of Brijuni, located on the northern part of the Adriatic coast, hide many treasures. The pristine nature of various Mediterranean trees and the clean blue sea surround reminders of history, most of which are connected to the former Yugoslavia leader, Tito, who had a residence on the largest island called Veliki Brijun. Recently, the Forbes reporter had a chance to visit the Brijuni National Park and was stunned by its unique mixture of nature and history.
Some of the highlights of the Park are:
- real dinosaur footprints in a rock by the sea,
- ruins of a Roman villa from 1st century B.C. and many more historical sights
- the Boathouse from 1902 that is now the Interpretation and Education Centre,
- Tito’s Cadillac from 1953 which is available to rent,
- 1600-years-old olive tree that is one of the oldest ones in the Mediterranean.
One of the main attractions of the Brijuni National Park is the Safari Park with exotic animals that were gifts to Tito from eminent world leaders. You can see zebras, ostriches, llama, Indian elephant, zebu and the autochthonous animal species like Istrian sheeps, goats and donkeys, among others.
The main island can be explored by foot, rented bikes, golf carts or the tourist train that visits all of its key attractions. The Brijuni National Park is accessible by boat from the town of Fažana, which is under an hour car ride away from Aminess Maestral Hotel.
Brijuni National Park Entrance Fee*: adults approximately 11-40 euros, children approximately 10-17 euros
Opening Hours*: 8 am to 8 or 9 pm (high season) & 8 am to 3 or 7 pm (low season)
*fees and opening hours vary throughout the year