Brijuni National Park: Day Trip from Fažana – Tips, Tickets & What to Expect

An archipelago of 14 islands, pine forests, peacocks on the lawns, zebras and elephants in the safari park and Roman walls in between: Brijuni National Park is one of the most unusual excursions in Istria. The group of islands lies just off the west coast near Fažana, only a few kilometres north of Pula. From Pomer it makes a relaxed half-day trip that combines nicely with a stroll around Fažana.

What awaits you on Brijuni

The national park comprises 14 islands with a total area of around 36 km². Visitors usually go to the largest island, Veli Brijun (also called Veliki Brijun). This is where the Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito spent his summers from 1947 to 1980, receiving state guests from all over the world – many of the exotic animals in the safari park date back to that time.

Safari park

Around 80 herbivores from Africa and Asia live in the safari park, including, according to the national park, Indian elephants, llamas, zebras, sacred cows and ostriches. There is also a small ethno farm with sheep, donkeys and goats. Entry to the safari park and the museums is included in the excursion price.

History and dinosaur tracks

On the island you will find the remains of Roman villas, a Byzantine fort (castrum) and a photo exhibition about Tito and his famous guests. Brijuni also has fossilised dinosaur tracks from the Cretaceous period – a highlight for children who already know from Cape Kamenjak that dinosaurs once roamed southern Istria.

The classic excursion: Veliki Brijun with the tourist train

The most-booked excursion is the guided tour of Veli Brijun. Here is how it works:

• Crossing: on the national park boat from Fažana, journey time about 15 minutes. According to the national park, regular services run every 30 to 60 minutes in season.
• Tourist train: around an hour’s ride on the little train along the coast and through the safari park.
• Guided walk: to the Roman ruins, the exhibitions and viewpoints.
• Duration: about 3.5 hours in total, including the return crossing.

Tours are offered in Croatian, Italian, German, Russian and English. It is best to say when you buy your ticket that you would like an English-speaking group.

Besides the classic tour, the national park also offers an excursion to Mali Brijun (quieter, more nature and fortress history) and a guided kayak tour through the marine protected area. If you enjoy paddling, you will find more ideas in our guide to SUP, kayaking and diving around Medulin.

Tickets and prices

You can buy tickets either at the national park office in Fažana (Brionska 10) or online via the web shop at shop.np-brijuni.hr. Handy: you don’t need to print the online ticket – just show the barcode on your phone when boarding.

Prices vary by season and type of excursion. Guidebooks quote roughly 18 to 30 euros for adults on the Veliki Brijun excursion; children pay considerably less. As rates change every year and there are regular special offers, please check the official web shop beforehand (as of 2026, please check locally).

Our tip: in July and August the popular morning departures sell out quickly. Book online a day or two in advance – then you won’t have to queue at the ticket desk in Fažana.

Brijuni on your own

Prefer to go at your own pace? On Veli Brijun you can hire electric cars (golf carts) and bikes at the sports centre; the national park refers to BrijuniRide for this. One guest reported paying about 5 euros per person per hour for a bike in May 2026 – it may be more in high season. There is a Pocket Guide app for information along the way. Note: the tourist train is only included in the guided packages.

Swimming, food, dogs: practical tips for the day

Swimming

Swimming is only allowed in designated areas. The bathing beach is called Saluga – a landscaped sandy beach in the shade of old pine trees. Away from the beach, swimwear is not welcome, not even on the boat, in restaurants or in museums. So pack a T-shirt or beach dress.

Food and money

The restaurants on the island are also open to day visitors. Important: there is no cash machine and no shop on the island. According to the national park, cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) are accepted, but a little cash does no harm. You should bring a water bottle and snacks anyway.

With a dog

Dogs are allowed on the island on a lead, but not on the tourist train, in the museums or in the safari park – nor in the bathing area. A dog is therefore rather impractical for the classic train tour. With a dog, it is better to plan an independent walk or a different excursion.

Parking in Fažana

The national park mentions a car park at Ulica Boraca 9 in Fažana. The daily charge is 12 euros, or 15 euros from June to September (as of 2026, please check locally). Fažana gets busy in high season – so allow some extra time before your departure.

What to bring

• Online ticket on your phone (or booking confirmation)
• Sun cream, a hat and water – there is not always shade on the train and the paths
• Swimwear plus something to cover up
• Comfortable shoes for the footpaths
• A little cash as back-up

Best time for the trip

The islands are most pleasant in early summer and September: green, not too hot, fewer groups. In high summer an early departure pays off – you will have finished the tour before the midday heat and can spend the afternoon by the sea. Our guide to the best time to visit Istria will also help with your planning.

Is Brijuni worth it?

If you are looking for a mix of nature park, zoo feeling, Roman times and modern history: yes. The excursion is well organised, family-friendly and manageable for grandparents too, as the train covers the longer distances. If, on the other hand, you only want to swim and snorkel, you will find wilder coves on the southern tip of Istria. Our tip: combine Brijuni in the morning with a late lunch and a stroll along the waterfront in Fažana.

From Little Dream

From Little Dream in Pomer, first drive towards Pula and then continue north along the west coast to Fažana. By car it is a short trip; in high season, however, allow enough time for the city traffic in Pula and finding a parking space in Fažana so that you can catch your booked boat without stress. Alternatively, various operators offer boat tours around the archipelago from Pula and Fažana – but these often just sail around the islands without landing on Veli Brijun. So when booking, check whether a visit to the island is included.

Would you like to explore Brijuni, Kamenjak and the beaches of southern Istria from a peaceful retreat? Then take a look at our house: send an enquiry for Little Dream.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Fažana to Brijuni?

The national park boats depart from the pier in the centre of Fažana, and the crossing to Veli Brijun takes about 15 minutes. You can buy tickets at the national park office in Fažana (Brionska 10) or online in the web shop.

Can I explore Brijuni on my own?

Yes, on Veli Brijun you can hire electric cars or bikes and set off independently with the Pocket Guide app. The tourist train, however, is only included in the guided excursion packages.

How much does entry to Brijuni National Park cost?

The price depends on the season and type of excursion; guidebooks quote around 18 to 30 euros for adults on the classic Veliki Brijun excursion. You will find current prices in the official web shop at shop.np-brijuni.hr (as of 2026, please check before your visit).

Are the Brijuni islands worth visiting?

Definitely, for anyone who likes nature, history and a touch of the curious: a safari park, Roman ruins, dinosaur tracks and Tito's former summer residence all in one morning. If you only want to swim, you are better off at the beaches around Pomer.