Brijuni Islands | Stunning Croatia Gems

The Brijuni Islands, nestled off the coast of Istria in Croatia, are a true gem of the Adriatic Sea. This archipelago consists of 14 islands with Veliki Brijun and Mali Brijun being the largest. The islands offer a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and exciting activities.

Brijuni National Park contains the islands of the Brijuni archipelago. The islands lie opposite Fazana, off the Istria mainland coast. Pine trees, holm oaks, and rare flowers grow on the islands. Meanwhile, wild animals, such as fallow deer, mouflon, hares, and peacocks, roam free here.

Clear blue water and sky with Veli Brijun Island in background — Veli Brijun Island

Former Yugoslav President Tito had his official summer residence on Veli Brijun. He entertained many world leaders and international celebrities here, including Queen Elizabeth II, Fidel Castro, Richard Burton, and Elizabeth Taylor. Today, Veli Brijuni has three hotels, one private villa, and several restaurants and cafes.

Sailing around the Adriatic archipelago will be a memorable part of your Croatia Yacht Charter.

Brijuni Islands | Things to see and do

Here’s what you can expect from a vacation on the Brijuni Islands:

Nature lover’s paradise

Crystal-clear waters and secluded beaches: Imagine pristine turquoise waters lapping against soft, sandy beaches, surrounded by lush greenery. Brijuni boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Croatia, perfect for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling.
Try scuba diving at one of the three locations in the Brijuni aquarium: Sveti Jerolim, Peneda, and Grunj.
Untouched nature: The islands are a national park, so you can expect unspoiled nature with diverse flora and fauna.
Cycle the eight-mile trail around Veli Brijuni.
Kayak
During the tour, stop to stroll around the Mediterranean Garden of Brijuni to see Mediterranean herbs, shrubs, and trees.
Also, stop to see the Brijun Olive Tree, aged 1600, and still gives forth a plentiful harvest each autumn.
Dinosaur footprints: Travel back in time and marvel at dinosaur footprints preserved on the island of Cezar. This fascinating discovery is a true testament to the islands’ rich geological history.

History and culture in the Brijuni Islands

Roman ruins: Explore the remains of a luxurious Roman villa from the 1st century BC in Verige Bay. Imagine the lives of ancient Romans who once graced these shores.
Byzantine castrum: Discover the ruins of a Byzantine fortress on the hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the archipelago.
Tito’s residence: History buffs can visit the former summer residence of Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito. The home is now a museum showcasing his life and times.

Activities for everyone

Safari Park: Embark on a thrilling safari adventure. See animals like zebras, giraffes, and ostriches roaming freely in the park. Many of the animals were gifts presented to President Tito by visiting dignitaries.
Water sports: The calm waters around the Brijuni islands are ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and even windsurfing.
Golfing: Enjoy a game of golf on the beautiful 18-hole course surrounded by stunning scenery.
Relaxing spa treatments: Pamper yourself with refreshing spa treatments at one of the island’s luxurious hotels.
Attend an after-dark performance at Ulysses Theatre, in a 19th-century fortress on Mali Brijuni. Croatian actor Rade Serbedzija co-founded it.

Additional tips for visiting the Brijuni Islands

The best time to visit the Brijuni Islands is from May to September when the weather is warm and sunny.
The islands are car-free, so you can get around by bike, golf cart, or even on foot.

Marinas and Anchorages in the Brijuni Islands

Brijuni Port on the northeast coast of Veli Brijuni has space for docking.
Nearby, you can also visit the larger ports of Pula and Rovinj.

Please contact us to find out more about this unique part of the world. We are happy to help you create the Brijuni Islands yacht charter you’ve always wanted.