Brijuni National Park: how to get there on your own. Croatia. Brijuni National Park: dinosaur tracks and temple ruins. Active holidays in Brijuni
Brioni is a group of islands off the western coast of Istria. The islands are separated from the mainland by the Pheasant Strait and are located 6 km from Pula. 14 of them have the status national park. Actually big island There are several hotels and individual villas. There is also the former residence of President Tito, where crowned heads and heads of state, including our Nikita Khrushchev, once came here.
A holiday there will not be cheap at all: the resort is intended more for the elite than for mere mortals.
The best way to get around Brijuni is by bicycle or a special golf cart.
Search for flights to Pula (the nearest airport to Brijuni)
Weather in Brijuni
Due to the favorable geographical location and low terrain, the climate on the islands is moderate and quite humid. The vegetation is rich in Mediterranean oaks, laurels, pine trees, olives and rosemary.
average temperature air in winter +6.3 °C, in spring +12.2 °C, in summer +22.2 °C and in autumn +14.8 °C. Sea temperature in summer is from +22 to +25 °C. It turns out that almost all year round The weather on the islands is comfortable, although the water here does not warm up to the point of “fresh milk”, but this is typical for the islands. The humidity here is quite high, which is also typical for the island climate.
Maps of Brijuni
Infrastructure
There are several restaurants on the island, sports complex, center aquatic species sports, diving, fishing, boat and yacht rental, several tennis courts, tennis school, golf course (9 holes), riding school, bicycle and electric car rental.
Entertainment and attractions
The islands are not just beautiful, they are widely known in the scientific world: archaeological finds, made here, without exaggeration, are priceless. Thanks to the mild climate, the vegetation on the islands is lush and varied. In addition to 600 species of local plants, 30 imported species grow well here. Here you can see groves of relict oak, strawberry trees, sequoias, and eucalyptus trees. In 1984, the Brijuni archipelago was declared a Croatian National Park.
The archipelago was already a famous resort during the Roman Empire; the ruins of the buildings of that time have been preserved on the islands to this day. Walking among them, you can easily imagine the beautiful villas that once stood here and the life in them.
Brioni and Tito
The archipelago is also known as the place of residence of the former Yugoslav leader Joseph Broz Tito. Today, the residence houses the Broz Tito Museum. And since the Yugoslav leader had a very interesting hobby - he loved to watch exotic animals - Tito’s legacy was a wonderful safari park, where you can see zebras, giraffes and other exotic animals. To do this, you need to join one of the groups that go on an open tourist train to sightseeing tour along the park from the museum building.
Once upon a time, crowned heads and heads of state came to this island, played golf and tennis, ate delicacies, and swam in the clear water of the Adriatic Sea.
- Where to stay: nudists, as well as lovers of peace, quiet and an authentic medieval atmosphere - in Vrsar; for romantics - in Rovinj; partygoers - in Pula. Porec, due to the fact that it is picturesquely stretched along the coast, is equally suitable for lovers of evening festivities (settle closer to the center) and fans of solitude (your destiny is the south of the resort). Active and sporty tourists will like it in Medulin, families - in Rabac, Lovran or Novigrad. It is convenient to combine a holiday in Croatia with a trip to other countries in
The country's eight main national parks, as well as eleven natural parks, are under the vigilant protection of the Khoarvat authorities. National parks of Croatia spread over an area of 994 km2, of which 235 km2 is occupied by water surface. The Law “On Nature Protection” in paragraphs 11 and 13 clearly defines the concepts of “ natural Park" and "national park".
Croats are proud of their unique parks without false modesty. Just listing them makes your heart beat faster: Kornati, Krka, Brijuni, Plitvice Lakes... the list of these incredible beauties can be continued endlessly. No experienced traveler has ever remained indifferent to the local beauties.
We dare to assume that even if parks in Croatia did not have national status, and were located not in the center of Europe, but at the edge of the world; even in this case, crowds of tourists dreaming of touching the virgin fairy-tale beauties and absorbing extraordinary impressions would have sought to get into them.
Plitvice Lakes
These extraordinary lakes are the most popular among visitors to Croatia. In ancient times, on the map the name of this park sounded like “Devil's Forest”, since the park itself was surrounded by dense impenetrable forests. In the depths Plitvice lakes You will find many waterfalls and rivers that attract you like a magnet. In the depths of the forest national reserve Many different animals live there, including bears.
This place is inextricably linked with historical events that took place in the country. Around the Plitvice Lakes there was a severe struggle for Croatian independence. The soldiers hid from their opponents in numerous caves. The entire territory of the park was mined. Now it is quite safe here; at the end of the war, the area was cleared of shells and mines.
Already in the 19th century one of the first Plitvice Lakes won the sympathy of travelers. In 1983, the first hotel appeared on the territory of the park, which only fueled the interest of tourists in this great place. Hunting for wild animals is allowed on the territory of Plitvice Lakes.
In 1949 Plitvice Lakes Park officially received the status of a national park in Croatia. Gradually, paths were built here for hiking, launched pleasure boats and ferries, as well as environmentally friendly and silent electric trains. The park is open to visitors all year round.
Brijuni Park
On the Brijuni islands along west coast Istria is spread out luxury park Brijuni, which is not inferior in its beauty to the Plitvice Lakes Park. In 1983, the park received national status. This amazing park consists of twelve small and two large islands, striking with their unique vegetation and natural beauty. Laurels, pines, Mediterranean oaks, rosemary, olives, etc. grow in this place.
On Brijuni islands a temperate climate has established itself, attracting huge number tourists. It is worth noting that in the last century the islands were acquired into personal ownership by Australian businessman Paul Kupelweiser. It was thanks to him that the Brijuni Islands turned into resort place. Luxurious hotels were built here, tennis courts, a golf course, wine cellars and other pleasures for vacationers appeared. The entrepreneur was even able to exterminate malarial mosquitoes for the sake of a comfortable stay in Brijuni Park.
All parks in Croatia They delight the eye with their picturesque landscapes, but only this park preserves historical sights. Monuments of the era are carefully protected here Ancient Rome. In addition, the Brijuni islands pleasantly surprise with a variety of exotic fauna. Guests are welcome to swim on the islands, but be alert at all times - local waters live sea urchins. Their presence serves as additional confirmation of the absolute purity of the sea.
Additional Information:
Brijuni is a group of reefs and 14 islands located in the northern Adriatic Sea, off the western coast of Istria. Fažana and Pula are the cities closest to Brijuni Park. More detailed information presented on the official website: www.brijuni.hr
Krka Park
National Park Krka located along the river of the same name. This place delights with the beauty of its waterfalls and the variety of birds, among which you can even see a golden eagle! The park is open to guests of Croatia at any time of the year. It is very convenient and interesting to observe migratory birds here. So bird lovers will remain at the height of bliss from visiting this place.
In addition to birds, Krka park You can explore historical sites. For example, it is impossible to miss the Franciscan monastery of Visovac, built in the 15th century by the monks of St. Augustine. This building houses important historical archives and art objects.
Fans of active recreation will enjoy visiting the ancient town of Skardin, where you can go sailing or on a yacht.
Thanks to your natural beauties and fauna diversity, in 1985 Krka park was included in the list National parks of Croatia" To this day it receives an incredible number of guests.
Additional Information:
Krka National Park located in the valley of the Krka River in Central Dalmatia. The nearest cities are Sibenik and Knin. The cost of entry to the reserve depends on the season and ranges from 20 to 95 kunas. Children under seven years old have free admission. More detailed information is provided on the official website: www.npkrka.hr
Kornati Park
Kornati National Park - perfect place for diving, lovers of high rocks and cliffs. This place is located in Dalmatia. It is here that you can enjoy the beauty of the rocks growing directly from the Adriatic waters and the diversity of marine animals. This phenomenon is called Corona. Due to the high risk, tourists are extremely rarely allowed here.
In addition, sheep are raised and olives are grown in the Kornati National Park. And this is not the last advantage of the park. Here you can meet many different animals and birds: lizards, snakes, martens. The underwater world reveals its riches in the form of fish, shellfish, pearls and corals.
People who are interested in history will also find something to their liking. On beautiful island The Kornati people founded the Tureta fortress in the 6th century - the brainchild of the Byzantine era. At the same time, the Church of St. Mary was erected. In 1964, the island of Kornati was classified as national parks of Croatia thanks to its picturesqueness and extraordinary natural resources.
Additional Information:
Kornati National Park is located in Central Dalmatia and occupies the territory of the archipelago of the same name in the Adriatic Sea. The cities of Sibenik, Biograd na Moru and Zadar are located here. Entrance to the park is paid, as are means of transportation within the park. The cost of visiting and other information about the park can be found by visiting the official website: www.kornati.hr
Mljet Park
Mljet Park, like others national parks of Croatia, is rich in its flora and fauna. It is located in the south of Croatia. Its national status Mljet Park received in 1960, thanks to which the site was fenced and protected from destructive human exploitation.
This amazing place became famous for its Big and Small lakes with salt water. On the Big Lake is the island of St. Mary, on which the famous Benedict Monastery is located, the foundation of which, according to historians, occurred in the 12th century. This island is also famous for its rich history. In the 12th century, the monks decided to connect the freshwater Big Lake with the sea, which was the reason for its salinization. In addition, they brought mongooses to the island, which were supposed to fight the lizards and snakes that lived on the island. The appearance of mongooses in the island’s ecosystem led not only to the extermination of snakes, but also to a sharp reduction in the number of birds and animals on the island due to the fact that mongooses ate bird eggs as readily as snake eggs.
Small and Big lake are recognized as environmentally friendly reservoirs in which one of the most ancient species of jellyfish - Aurelia - has been preserved. Mljet Park will certainly please those who want to take a break from the noisy city and enjoy peace and quiet.
Additional Information:
Mljet is an island in southern Croatia, located off the Dalmatian coast. The closest city to the island is Dubrovnik.
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June 24, Thursday. Day 6 Today we are planning a trip to Croatian national park: Brijuni(Brijuni or Brioni), which is located on the island of Greater Brion (the southwestern coast of the Istrian peninsula).
Only yesterday we got a rented car, in which we enjoyed visiting the unusual town. Today we plan to explore more distant surroundings.
IN 9.45 departure from the hotel (near Porec). Let's head to the town Fazana(Fazana). Along the way we accidentally make a small detour, stopping at Pulu(Pula).
10.45 Having wandered a little around its outskirts and having driven 61 km from the hotel, we arrive at port. We can easily find it nearby free parking and let's go study proposals for delivering us to island.
It turns out that all private boat drivers can take us on a ship around the Brijuni islands, but without disembarking. This walk takes 2 hours. You can add swimming to this program on a small island nearby. Another extra 2 hours.
And to make excursion directly around the island, you need to contact your local tourist agency. Only they can sell tickets there. Contact us, it costs 200 kuna per person (28 euros), and they promise to provide Russian speaking guide. The boat departure time is at 13.45.
We have 1.5 hours of free time. Well, what can you do next to the sea, especially when the sun is shining wonderfully in the sky? Certainly, bathe. We get into the car and drive towards Pula. After about 3-5 km, we turn onto a side road leading to the sea. We are approaching wild beach and spontaneous parking.
It all looks like a wonderful clearing in which amazingly beautiful pine trees grow. There are no prohibitory or permitting signs. A few cars are parked right on the lawn in the shade of pine trees. We follow their example and approach the sea itself.
The water is clean, so transparent that you can see the bottom at very great depths.
In the sun's rays you can clearly see how it changes color from turquoise-green at shallow depths to blue and dark blue at deep depths. Swimming in such a calm and wild place is simply fabulous! And if you add to this the absolutely stunning pine aroma from the trees growing nearby, then words cannot even convey the beauty and power of these sensations!
After swimming and sunbathing a bit, we return to the port again Fazana(for some reason, again through Pula, it’s magnetized there or something). 😕 We still have half an hour to have a snack at a small port restaurant. Pancakes and tea are what you need before traveling to the protected island.
IN 13.45 loading on boat. Entrance is strictly by tickets; there are a lot of people. Seating There’s not enough for everyone, people are standing around like on a bus at rush hour. Fortunately, the journey to the island takes about 10-15 minutes (distance 3.5 km from the mainland). I wonder what kind of Russian guide they were talking about when such a crowd of multilingual tourists formed?
Everything becomes clear on the shore. All arrivals meet several people with signs on which the language in which the event will be held is written excursion. People are very quickly sorted into groups. Some guides immediately seat “their tourists” in electric train trailers and take them to different parts of the island. There are immediately fewer people.
The tour begins. Everything is quite interesting and informative.
Croatia's Brijuni Islands National Park is an archipelago consisting of 14 small islands.
The largest of them not so long ago (in the 20th century) was residence Croatian President Tito.
Currently, access here is allowed, but with certain restrictions. Only residents of several luxury hotels, people coming to play golf (need to be agreed in advance), as well as organized groups of tourists can stay here. Apparently, this is why private boats cannot moor to the island and disembark passengers there.
We started our inspection with parrot Koki, which is almost 50 years old.
He can speak Croatian, which he was not very willing to show us. But as they say, he swears in this language very masterfully.
Next we went through beautiful garden with different trees, in which they tried with admiration to breathe in the magnificent air filled with the aroma of pine needles, laurel, flowering linden and many, many other unknown, but very tasty things.
After that we examined President's Cadillac weighing 3 tons. They say that it is still running and for 400 euros you will be happy to ride around the island in it for half an hour. As a last resort, you can just sit inside and take a photo for 50 kuna. There were no takers.
Then there was museum. On the ground floor there is a fairly large collection of stuffed animals that lived on this island or were presented to the president. All of them died at one time and now show off as stuffed animals. A sad sight. 😥 Probably, President Tito (at one time) was interested in looking at all this.
On the 2nd floor there is an exhibition of photographs of the president with different famous people his time. There are also crowned heads, politicians, scientists, and artists.
Everything looks very nice and well maintained. The guide explained in detail what and where you can see.
First of all, this is, of course, nature. Lush vegetation, magnificent meadows, ancient oak trees (local species), the crown of which is 10-20 meters in diameter.
All this is well-groomed and trimmed, it looks very neat.
It turns out that this beauty on the island is being watched by some horned animals (deer, mouflons, etc.). They nibble grass from meadows, and eat the lower crown and foliage from trees. As a result, everything turns out very neatly. There are several hundred of them “working” here.
We stopped by Safari Park, which was assembled by President Titus. A rather pitiful sight appeared before us: several shabby ostriches, zebras, a lone elephant, and mostly local horned animals: goats, rams, etc.
The seagulls looked the best. But these were free birds, not tied to the reserve.
The most interesting was the story about local seals who lived in a fairly deep pool (now it is empty). So this couple (tired of such hopelessness) somehow miraculously jumped over the pool fence, then over the park fence and sailed into the Adriatic Sea! To be honest, we were very sorry that the other animals could not follow such an inspiring example.
After this we continued on our way to steam locomotive along the western coast of the island, where the original vegetation remains. We saw excavations of ancient buildings, an ancient olive tree (somewhere from the 4th century AD).
At the end of the 7-kilometer route on a tourist train, we visited an ancient quarry and a Catholic church, where a copy of an ancient stone slab with text in Glagolitic is kept. This concludes the tour of the island.
There were still almost 50 minutes left before the boat departed back (at 17.30). We asked the guide if we could swim here, she said of course. There is a hotel not far from the pier beach. For some reason it was written on the tickets, but the travel agency confirmed to us that swimming on the island is prohibited.
Rejoicing at this opportunity, we went to look for a secluded place for swimming.
We found an absolutely wonderful descent and entry into the water. The clearest green-turquoise water of the wonderful island happily refreshed us. And the warm rays of the evening sun dried it out.
IN 18.05 departed from Fazana(Fazana) home aside Porec. A small incident occurred here: my navigator, in the form of navigator Yulia, malfunctioned. By some incomprehensible way we rolled into the very center of the peninsula and reached Pazin. This unexpected route turned out to be, of course, a bit long (an extra 30-40 km), but very nice. 🙂
The entire road ran through green fields and forests. Occasionally there were small villages in which their inhabitants leisurely went about their daily affairs. From Pazin to Porec the road ran through a very picturesque and hilly area with absolutely stunning pine forests and a complete absence of signs of human life. True, sometimes, completely unexpectedly, we came across restaurants or apartments.
19.35 arrived at the hotel.
Result of the day: 158 km.
We are starting to enjoy traveling in our rental car. Tomorrow we plan to leave our Istrian peninsula and see what awaits us on the mainland behind the many-kilometer tunnel under strange name.
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Brijuni Islands located in the northern part of the Adriatic Sea, not far from the western coast. This is one of the most elite resorts, which is a picturesque archipelago of 14 islands of different shapes and sizes. It is separated from the mainland by the Fazana Strait and is located 6 km from the city.
Peculiarities
In the last century Brioni had a reputation exclusive place rest, where crowned heads, influential statesmen and the richest people on the planet gathered. Among the resort's visitors at one time were such famous personalities as Nikita Khrushchev and Josip Broz Tito, who built a personal summer residence here to receive high-ranking guests. Now Briony's status has undergone minor changes. Financially wealthy people still vacation here, and prices for accommodation in a few hotels are close to exorbitant. The local infrastructure is adjusted in accordance with the social status of the guests. The hotels employ exclusively highly qualified staff, and the services provided are extremely diverse. Almost the entire tourism industry is concentrated on the main island of the archipelago called Veliki Brijun. Its flat surface is covered with subtropical vegetation, and the air is saturated with the smells of pine and cedar trees, the aromas of eucalyptus and rosemary. In addition to Greater Brijun, the archipelago has many other islands and coral reefs, and the largest landmass are also Lesser Brijun and Vanga. Since the autumn of 1983, the Brijuni Islands have been declared a national park.
general information
The area of the archipelago is just over 36 square meters. km. Local population There is none on the islands, but there are several luxury hotels and mansions for tourists. Time lags behind Moscow by 1 hour in summer and 2 in winter. Time zone UTC+1 and UTC+2 in summer time of the year. Official website www.brijuni.hr.
A brief excursion into history
According to archaeologists, the first settlements arose on the islands approximately 3,000 BC and date back to the Bronze Age. At different times, these lands belonged to the Illyrians, Celts, Romans, Ostrogoths, and Byzantines. Until the 19th century, stones were exclusively mined here for construction, and it was only in 1893, after the purchase of the archipelago by steel magnate Paul Kupelwieser, that Brijuni's fortunes changed dramatically. A progressive entrepreneur decided to build on the main island resort complex with hotels, villas and green lawns. Painstaking work began on landscaping the area. However, soon a malaria epidemic intervened in the construction process, which was defeated only after the intervention of the famous doctor Robert Koch. As a token of gratitude, Kupelwieser ordered the erection of a monument to the doctor, and he himself continued the modernization of Brioni. Over time, transport links with the mainland were established, pedestrian paths were equipped, and comfortable hotel buildings with swimming pools and gardens for walking were erected. Soon, the resort became well known in high circles and since then it has had elite status.
Climate
The region has a mild, moderately humid climate. The average air temperature in summer is +23 degrees. The heat is practically not felt due to the pleasant sea breeze blowing from the Adriatic. Unlike mainland Croatia, rainfall is not uncommon here from June to August, although in general the weather is pleasant and comfortable with plenty of sunny days. The swimming season begins in Brijuni in May and lasts until October.
How to get there
Nearest populated area To the archipelago is the city of Fažana, located on the mainland. A few kilometers away is international Airport. To get to Brijuni, take a bus to seaport Fažany, and from there, during the day, approximately twice an hour, ferries run to Veliki Brijun.
Transport
The most convenient way to get around the island is by bicycle or a special mini-golf car. You can move between the islands using numerous yachts, boats and other water transport. Considering that the territory of the archipelago has the status of a nature reserve, they take environmental issues extremely seriously, so traditional buses and cars are not provided here.
Beaches
The best beach of the resort, which has a small pebble surface, is called Minor and is located on the island of Mali Brijun, being an excellent place for swimming and sunbathing. It is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, and is also suitable for beach and water sports. Otherwise, the beaches of the archipelago have a rocky coastline, which is not very convenient for entering the water, although there are also wild, gently sloping sand and pebble areas.
Attractions
The main advantages of Brijuni are its flora and fauna. Over the years, people have brought animals here and planted rare plants. As a result, over time, both of them adapted to the local microclimate, becoming part of this unique natural region. In total, about 600 species of various plants grow here, including groves of relict oak, strawberry tree, and sequoia. Among architectural structures The summer estate of Josip Broz Tito on Veliki Brijun stands out, as well as a number of well-preserved fragments of Roman-era buildings scattered throughout the archipelago. Not far from the central port of the resort, there are the churches of St. Herman and Roca. Next to Tito's estate there is a large zoo, replete with amazing natural landscapes. Extremely rich and saturated undersea world Brioni and diving enthusiasts have the opportunity to enjoy its beauty by diving in numerous bays.
Entertainment
All hotel buildings and villas rise along the coast of Greater Brijun and offer their guests a lot of entertainment. For fans of water sports, there is a multifunctional center where, in addition to renting the necessary equipment, beginners can take lessons from professional instructors. There is also a golf club on the island with wonderful green lawns. There is a riding school.
Kitchen
Since the island is considered an elite holiday destination, all traditional amenities for guests are available directly in the hotels, so there are few restaurants and cafes at the resort. Among the culinary works, the menu is dominated by seafood, meat and vegetable dishes, various exclusive delicacies and drinks, and gastronomic products.
Shopping
Shopping, as such, is not provided at the resort; all souvenirs and related products can be purchased in hotels and in local souvenir shops.
Despite the fact that anyone can visit Brijuni for a reasonable fee, only very wealthy people can afford to relax here, since one day of stay on the main island costs several hundred, or even thousands of euros.
At the request of the moderator, I share my impressions and photographs from a visit to the Josip Broz Tito Museum in Croatia.
I was able to visit the museum of the Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito two years ago as part of an excursion to the islands of the Brijuni archipelago. It’s not that I went there specifically because of the museum, but the visit was definitely worth it. We learned a lot about Yugoslavia and its famous leader.
Brijuni National Park is located on an archipelago of 14 islands off the western coast of the Istrian peninsula. The park is famous for its subtropical climate and the fact that it housed the residence of the head of socialist Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito, and his makeshift zoo. Now there is also a Tito Museum there.
Excursion ships bring tourists to the central island of Great Brijuni. The museum was located very close to the embankment and was the first stop on the excursion program. 
The main exhibits of the museum are memorable photographs from the life of the marshal. He was very fond of taking photographs, and he was visited by representatives of the authorities of many world powers. The photographs also capture Tito’s hobbies and interests, his life and activities here in Brijuni. 
From the "barrel with a door" one could get into wine Vault leader. Usually he did this - he made the guest guess how many bottles fit in this barrel. After the guests tried to guess and evaluate, he opened the door “to the barrel” and led the guests into a huge cellar, where there was at times large quantity wine than can fit in it. 
Tito loved to hunt. 
Photograph. 
He collected animals. The elephant in the photo is a gift from Gandhi. Many leaders gave him animals from their countries. Some of the animals still live on Brijuni. 
Soviet guests. 
With the Queen of England. 
The guests here were not only politicians, but also people of culture and art, movie stars of those times. 
In addition to photographs, we were able to capture few other exhibits. There were really few of them.
Drawings of the mega-yacht Galeb (aka "Seagull"). The ship is now purchased by an American billionaire living in France. At one time, Tito visited many countries on his beloved "Chaika". 
old map with roads of Greater Brijuni. 
Microscope. Apparently, it was used by the leader for agro-industrial research.
IN great hall there are plaques with images of the flags of countries with which Yugoslavia supported diplomatic relations(read who stayed here on Brijuni). 
Apparently it's the same on the map. 
Some of the animals presented to the marshal have already died due to their short life cycle. They were stuffed and put on display in the Tito Museum as the final exhibition. I don't like stuffed animals. 
After visiting the museum and all the stories from the guide, I developed a significant respect for the Yugoslav socialist leader, who was still almost unknown to me. True, I would like to see more exhibits here besides photographs, although in general they conveyed the atmosphere.
The leader's favorite Cadillac is now also located in Brioni. 
In addition to the Tito Museum, on the island there is a mini-zoo that he inherited, ancient buildings from the time of the Roman Empire, a small Catholic church, Botanical Garden. There were a lot of impressions from visiting the island. If you are interested, you can see the full story about the trip to Brijuni