Fažana: Fishing Village, Sardines and Gateway to the Brijuni Islands

Colourful houses by the harbour, fishing boats, a bell tower and evening light over the Brijuni islands: Fažana is a small fishing village on the west coast of Istria, north of Pula. Most people know it as the departure point for boats to Brijuni National Park – yet Fažana is well worth a visit in its own right: for strolling, swimming and, above all, eating sardines.

Fažana in brief

Fažana has around 3,500 inhabitants and lies directly opposite the Brijuni archipelago, with about 3 km of water separating the village and the islands. According to guidebooks, it is around 16 km to Pula Airport. Life revolves around the harbour promenade: this is where the excursion boats depart, where locals and visitors sit in cafés and konobas, and where half of Fažana strolls along the water in the evening.

Things to see in Fažana

Parish Church of Sv. Kuzma i Damjan

The parish church of Saints Cosmas and Damian is a Gothic building from the 16th century with five marble altars. Its bell tower is the landmark of the harbour and appears in almost every photo of Fažana.

Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

The smaller church of Sv. Marije od Karmela dates from the 14th century, making it even older than the parish church. A short detour is worthwhile as you wander through the village centre.

Waterfront promenade and harbour

The promenade is the heart of the village. It is at its most beautiful in the late afternoon and at sunset, when the sun sinks behind the Brijuni islands. Various boat trips also leave from the Riva; the tourist office lists, among other things, boat excursions from the Riva, fishing with local fishermen and a semi-submarine.

Sardines: Fažana’s culinary heritage

Fažana is closely linked to sardine fishing. According to guidebooks, there has been a sculpture park dedicated to the sardine since 2006, and even a “Sardine Academy” that teaches the right way to prepare them. Several restaurants specialise in sardines – grilled, marinated or fried. If you like fish, you should definitely stop off here.

One specific tip from a travel blog is Konoba Vasianum, which is praised for its seafood, such as gnocchi with octopus. You will find more recommendations for the region in our guide to konobas & restaurants in Medulin and Pula.

Summer festivals

• Noć Fažane (Fažana Night): in July the harbour promenade is transformed into a festival strip with candlelight and street musicians.
• Sardine festival: in August the festival combines the fishing tradition with music and fireworks.

Exact dates change every year – check the Fažana tourist board website before you travel (as of 2026, please check locally).

Beaches in Fažana

Fažana is not a place with long sandy beaches, but it has good swimming spots right in the village:

• North Beach (Sjever): slopes gently into the sea, good for families with small children.
• South Beach: according to guidebooks the most popular swimming spot, with pebble and grassy areas and natural shade.
• Bi Dog Beach: a dog beach by the Bi Village campsite where dogs can run free. There are no sunloungers or classic beach facilities.

A little further north is Peroj, with quieter swimming spots and the Portić dog beach. For beach days with a dog, see our guide to Istria with a dog.

Combining Fažana and Brijuni

The perfect combination: by boat to Brijuni in the morning, back at lunchtime, then sardines in a konoba by the harbour and a swim at South Beach in the afternoon. You can round off the evening with an aperitif on the promenade as the sun sets over the islands.

You can get tickets for the national park at the office at Brionska 10 or online. The crossing takes about 15 minutes. All the details on the itinerary, prices and parking are in our guide to Brijuni National Park.

Parking and practical tips

• Parking: in high season, the car parks in Fažana fill up. The national park mentions a car park at Ulica Boraca 9 costing 12 euros per day, or 15 euros from June to September (as of 2026, please check locally).
• Best time of day: mornings for Brijuni, late afternoon and evening for the promenade. At midday the harbour is hot and crowded.
• Weekly market: Fažana has a market; ask at the local tourist information office for days and times.
• Bring: swimwear, sun cream and a light jacket for the evening – by the water it can get chilly after sunset, even in summer.

An afternoon in Fažana: how it could look

If you visit Fažana without going to Brijuni, it is best to plan your trip for the second half of the day. In the early afternoon, a swim at South Beach, where the trees provide shade, then an ice cream and a stroll through the lanes around the parish church. Towards evening the konoba terraces on the Riva fill up, the fishermen moor their boats, and you gaze across to the islands. If you like, book a short sunset boat trip from the Riva. That way you will experience the village the way the locals love it: relaxed, with no need to tick things off, and a plate of fresh sardines to finish.

Fažana with children

Fažana is a pleasant place for families: the North Beach slopes gently, the promenade is car-free, and the trip to Brijuni with the tourist train and safari park thrills most children. In bad weather you will find ideas for indoor activities, such as the aquarium in Pula, in our guide to a rainy day in Pula & Istria.

From Little Dream

From Little Dream in Pomer, drive towards Pula and past the city, continuing north along the west coast to Fažana. In season you should allow a little extra time for the journey, especially if you have booked a specific boat to Brijuni – the traffic in Pula and finding a parking space in Fažana take time in summer. The drive back in the evening is usually relaxed, so dinner by the harbour fits in nicely.

Fažana, Brijuni and the southern tip of Istria are all within easy reach – a good reason to spend your holiday in the south: send an enquiry for Little Dream.

Frequently asked questions

Does Fažana have an old town?

Yes, Fažana has a small historic centre around the harbour with narrow lanes, the 16th-century parish church of Sv. Kuzma i Damjan and the even older Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. It is compact and can be explored at a leisurely pace in an hour.

Is there a beach in Fažana, Croatia?

Yes, Fažana has several beaches: the North Beach (Sjever) slopes gently and is good for families, while the South Beach is considered the most popular swimming spot, with pebbles, grass and natural shade. For dog owners there is the Bi Dog Beach by the Bi Village campsite.

How do I get from Fažana to Brijuni?

The national park boats leave from the pier in the centre of Fažana, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes. Tickets are available at the national park office at Brionska 10 or online.

What are the hidden gems in Istria?

Besides the well-known towns, small places such as Fažana in the early evening, the wild coves of Cape Kamenjak and inland hill towns such as Motovun or Grožnjan are well worth a visit. They are at their best outside the midday hours and in the shoulder seasons.