National park Brijuni - Istria

National park Brijuni

Brijuni is an archipelago and national park in the Adriatic Sea, located west of the Istrian coast. They consist of 3 islands and 11 islets, and the two largest islands are Big Brijun and Small Brijun. Due to their indented coast, history and diverse flora and fauna, they are also called "paradise on Earth", and in 1983 they were declared a national park and a favorite tourist destination.

What delights are the flora and fauna of Brijuni. The flora has real Mediterranean features. Some species of plants have been found on the archipelago that are included in the group of particularly endangered species in Istria and they are quite common in the archipelago and develop normally. The Old Olive Tree, one of the oldest olive trees in the Mediterranean, is also located on the Brijuni Islands, which is confirmed by research conducted on a wood sample. The fauna on the islands, especially on Big Brijun, in addition to indigenous animals, is enriched with many imported species that are not characteristic of this habitat, but have acclimatized well thanks to ideal microclimatic conditions. Brijuni is home to ostriches and fairy-tale albino peacocks. There are also llamas, mountain zebras from Guinea and sacred Indian cattle. One of the most popular attractions of the Brijuni National Park is located on the northern edge of Veliki Brijuni.

It is a Safari park that you will reach by a panoramic ride on a tourist train, which is a great experience in itself. During the ride you will have the opportunity to enjoy the view of carefully maintained golf courses and old farm buildings built in the early 20th century during the Austrian Kupelweiser family, but also the smell of untouched vegetation and relaxing sounds of nature. The Brijuni Islands also have more than 200 dinosaur footprints, and these ancient reptiles are believed to have roamed the area 125 to 100 million years ago. You can see the first of the prints on the pier, immediately after disembarking from the ferry in the port of Big Brijun. It is a three-fingered imprint that most likely originates from a large carnivore from the group of theropods. The lifelong president of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito, had a residence on the Brijuni Islands and received guests, among whom were primarily politicians, world-renowned and eminent artists. Brijuni was the place of his official residence and he stayed there for up to six months a year.

The most famous beach of Brijuni, the sandy Saluga, is located in a bay surrounded by pine trees, and is sprinkled with gravel and is suitable for families with children because it is characterized by extremely shallow, warm and crystal clear sea. During a break from swimming, you can dine at nearby restaurants. Brijuni has a unique offer of sports and recreational facilities for the whole family - from golf, tennis, diving to cycling and kayaking.

The underwater educational trail in the Verige bay on the eastern side of Veli Brijun is a unique experience of natural and archaeological values of an extremely rich and preserved underwater world. The tour lasts 45 minutes, the length of the trail is 500 meters, and it is intended for all visitors who know how to swim and use a mask, snorkel and fins. Accompanied by expert guides, you will have the opportunity to experience the unforgettable underwater world of Brijuni, which hides the remains of a former Roman villa dating back to the 1st century and interesting sea animals. The tour is possible only with prior reservation, and additional information can be found on the official website of NP Brijuni.

If you are staying in one of the Home Rent villas in Istria, be sure to make a trip to Brijuni that will surely enrich your vacation. You can find the offer of Home Rent villas in Istria for rent by clicking here. More information about a holiday in Croatia and useful tips on how to book your villa in Croatia as cheaply as possible, can be found on the Home Rent blog page Croatia in style.