Brijuni in Croatia: What to See on Veliki Brijun Island
In my opinion, Brijuni in Croatia are among the most interesting islands in Istria. The national park consists of an archipelago of 14 islands and islets, but if you’re heading here for the first time, your main destination will be Veliki Brijun Island. On this largest island, you’ll find hotels, a well-kept beach, a Safari Park, Roman ruins, Byzantine monuments, and a regular boat connection to Fažana.
The island is ideal for a day trip, but we think it’s worth considering at least two or more nights, as you’ll experience a completely different atmosphere once most of the day-trippers leave. Personally, we booked 4 days with half board and were so thrilled that we plan to return again sometime.
How to get to Veliki Brijun?
Official Brijuni National Park boats depart from the port of Fažana, located north of Pula. You can also get here from Pula airport if you don’t have the option to arrive by car. The boat ride to Veliki Brijun takes approximately 15 minutes. It’s not a classic car ferry, but a passenger boat line.
Find accommodation in Fažana on the map:
We left our own car parked in Fažana according to the hotel’s instructions. The boats run every day all year round, and in June, July, and August, the schedule offers many connections from morning until evening. So, if you can’t find available accommodation directly on the island, you can stay in Fažana and plan at least a trip to Veliki Brijun. This is how we first got to know the islands a long time ago when we visited on a trip from Pula.
The ferry trip from Fažana to Brijuni is free with your accommodation
Staying on Veliki Brijun: 3 Best Options
If you want to stay overnight on the island, the official options include two classic hotels and Rooms Karmen. An advantage of a hotel stay is that the boat transport between Brijuni and Fažana is included in the price of your stay.
1. Hotel Istra – Brijuni
We recommend Hotel Istra as the first choice for a romantic stay or if you want a historic atmosphere right by the sea. It stands in the main port of Veliki Brijun, has 32 spacious double rooms, and rooms facing either the park or the sea and the Fažana Channel. The hotel has retained its historic character, but the rooms have air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Hotel Istra Brijuni
2. Hotel Neptun – Brijuni
Hotel Neptun is also located right by the port and is particularly suitable if you’re looking for larger rooms or suites. It offers 41 double rooms, four single rooms, and 17 suites. You can choose between a sea or park view, and all rooms are air-conditioned.
Hotel Neptun Brijuni
3. Rooms Karmen – Brijuni
The third option is Rooms Karmen, which offers historic accommodation with an authentic atmosphere of the last century. The building stands on the site of an older hotel from 1908. However, expect simpler comfort; for example, the rooms do not have air conditioning. I recommend Karmen mainly to those looking for atmosphere and history rather than modern hotel facilities.
Personally, we booked our stay at the last minute and had the chance to stay here with Kája and my sister in a 3-bed room on a higher floor, from where we also had a nice view of the sea and the port. We went to the main hotel for breakfast and dinner.
View from our balcony
What to See on Brijuni – on Veliki Brijun Island?
1. Saluga Beach / Veliki Brijun
If you also want to go swimming on Brijuni, head to Saluga Beach. It’s the island’s main well-kept beach in the shade of old pine trees with calm and crystal-clear water. Sunbeds, refreshments, a children’s zone, and a relaxation area are available. However, watch out for the national park rules; swimming is not allowed anywhere along the coast, only in designated spots!
2. Roman Villa in Verige Bay
I consider Verige Bay to be the most significant historical site. Extensive remains of a luxury Roman villa, whose construction began as early as the 1st century BC, have been preserved on the coast here. The complex used to include residential and economic parts, and some buildings were used until the 6th century.
3. Byzantine Castrum and St. Mary’s Basilica
Another important stop is the Byzantine Castrum in Madona Bay. Archaeological finds here document settlement from Roman times through the Ostrogoth and Byzantine Empire periods up to Venice. Nearby stand the remains of the three-aisled Basilica of St. Mary from the 5th–6th century.
4. Church of St. German and Historical Exhibitions
In the center by the port, don’t miss the Gothic Church of St. German from 1481. Inside, you’ll find, among other things, an exhibition of copies of Istrian frescoes and Glagolitic inscriptions. Nearby are also permanent exhibitions dedicated to the history of Brijuni and the stay of Yugoslav President Josip Broz Tito on the island.
You might also be interested in:
- Pula in Croatia: 15 Places You Must See
- Dubrovnik: 10 Tips on What to See and Where to Stay
- Rovinj: What to See in Istria’s Most Beautiful Town and Where to Stay
- Novigrad: Plan Your Holiday in the Croatian Gem of Istria
5. Safari Park / Brijuni in Croatia
The Safari Park is not a historical monument, but you shouldn’t miss it, especially with children. Zebras, llamas, ostriches, and an Indian elephant named Lanka live on approximately nine hectares. The park is part of the classic tourist train route. We rode around the Safari Park on rented bikes, which was a nice highlight of our Brijuni holiday.
6. Dinosaur Footprints
On Veliki Brijun, fossilized dinosaur footprints more than 100 million years old have also been preserved. They are among the island’s most interesting paleontological sites and are a pleasant addition, especially for families with children, but we adults enjoyed the stop too.
What to do on Brijuni and on Veliki Brijun Island?
On your first visit, I recommend taking the classic tourist train tour, which covers a large part of the island and includes the Safari Park, Verige, and the main historical sites. The entire organized trip takes about four hours.
If you’re staying on the island longer, I think it’s much more interesting to rent a bike. The official cycling route is just over 13 kilometers long and leads past the golf course, Safari Park, archaeological sites, forests, and the coast. The route is paved and can be handled even by less experienced cyclists. In the hot summer, however, remember to wear a hat and stay hydrated with water.
You can also add golf, tennis, or snorkeling by the Roman villa in Verige, where there is an approximately 500-meter-long underwater archaeological trail. In 2026, organized snorkeling is offered from June 1 to September 30.
So, if you’re looking for a trip from Istria, I recommend Veliki Brijun not just as a quick four-hour excursion. Two or more nights will allow you to combine historical sites, swimming at Saluga, and cycling. Most importantly, you’ll enjoy the island in the evening when most day visitors leave on the last boats back to Fažana, which I consider a great advantage.
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