Over 200 dinosaur footprints have been discovered across four separate locations on the Brijuni islands.
An olive tree within the park has been carbon-dated to approximately 1,600 years of age and remains fruit-bearing.
The safari park serves as a sanctuary for exotic animals originally presented as diplomatic gifts to Josip Broz Tito.
Veliki Brijun hosts a 1953 Cadillac Eldorado, used by Tito to chauffeur international dignitaries around the island.
The Roman ruins at Verige Bay represent one of the most significant imperial seaside villa complexes in the Adriatic.
The island landscape was intentionally modified in the early 20th century by Paul Kupelwieser to integrate formal gardens and infrastructure.
The park maintains a unique microclimate that allowed for the successful introduction of non-native species like the Indian sacred cow.
Underwater archaeological sites around the archipelago include sunken Roman port facilities accessible to specialized researchers.
Brijuni National Park is an archipelago of 14 islands located off the coast of Pula, Croatia, distinguished by its blend of Mediterranean biodiversity and layered archaeological heritage. The main island, Veliki Brijun, houses ruins ranging from Roman villa remains in Verige Bay to Byzantine castrums. The park is historically significant as the former summer residence of Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito, who hosted world leaders and celebrities there. Visitors can observe a safari park established in the 1970s, which features exotic animals such as zebras, llamas, and elephants gifted to Tito during his tenure. The islands contain over 200 preserved dinosaur footprints dating back to the Cretaceous period. The landscape is characterized by century-old olive trees, including one of the oldest in the Mediterranean, estimated to be over 1,600 years old. Access is restricted to organized boat transfers from the mainland port of Fažana. The park's vegetation consists of indigenous Mediterranean macchia, pine forests, and landscaped botanical gardens. Various exhibition spaces, including the Boathouse and Tito’s Cadillac museum, document the park's modern political history.
The coastline of Verige Bay with the Roman villa ruins in the foreground and the sea in the background.
Rent an electric bicycle or golf cart to navigate the main island, as distances between the safari park and the Roman ruins are significant.
Wear sunscreen and bring a hat, as there is very limited natural shade along the coastal archaeological routes.
Book your boat transfer from Fažana in advance, especially during the peak summer months to avoid availability issues.
Do not attempt to swim or moor private vessels in restricted zones around the islands, as this is strictly monitored by park rangers.
The park is open year-round, though boat departure frequencies are significantly reduced during winter months.
Stick to marked trails and paths to protect both the archaeological ruins and the island's sensitive flora and fauna.
