01Where Brijuni Is and How to Get There
Brijuni is an archipelago of 14 islands and islets off the west coast of Istria. Only Veliki Brijun, the largest island, is open to regular visitors. The mainland departure point is Fažana, a fishing town about 8 km north-west of Pula and roughly 50 km from Poreč. Private cars are not allowed on the islands, so drive to Fažana, park there and board the park's boat.
The crossing takes 15 minutes. Boat departures are listed on the national park's website and change by season.
Boat Schedule from Fažana
| Season | Departures Fažana → Brijuni | Last return |
|---|---|---|
| November–March | 09:00, 11:30 | 16:00 |
| April, May, October | 09:00 to 19:00 (about 9 sailings), plus 22:00 | 23:00 |
| June–September | 09:00 to 20:00 (about 11 sailings), plus 22:00 | 23:00 |
In June–September the sailings are at 09:00, 10:00, 11:30, 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 20:00 and 22:00. Returns run from 07:15 and include 16:00, 17:30 and 18:30. The last boat back leaves Brijuni at 23:00.
Boats run every day. Check the park's timetable before travelling, because winter service is limited to two outbound sailings a day.
02Brijuni Ticket Prices
The standard ticket covers the return boat, a guide, the tourist train, the safari park and the museum displays. Prices below are the 2026 tariff, and 2027 prices should be confirmed with the park before booking.
- Adult, June–September
- €50
- Adult, October–May
- €35
- Student or 65+
- €40 in summer, €30 off-season
- Child 7–18
- €20 in summer, €15 off-season
- Under 7
- free
- Self-guided ticket with the park's app
- €40 in summer, €30 off-season
- Evening ticket, July–August, from 6 pm
- €15
The ticket has a fixed departure time. It cannot be moved to another boat or date, so a missed sailing is a lost ticket. Arrive at the Fažana pier at least 20 minutes before departure.
Money-saving tip: the summer price applies through 30 September and drops on 1 October. Moving a trip from late September to early October saves €15 per adult.
03What the Standard Excursion Includes
The guided excursion lasts about four hours, including both crossings.
Tourist Train Circuit
A small train covers the main sights of Veliki Brijun in about one hour with a guide. Stops include the Roman villa ruins at Verige bay, the old quarry and the Church of St. Germain.
Safari Park
The safari park holds animals given to the island as diplomatic gifts during the presidency of Josip Broz Tito, who used Brijuni as a summer residence. Fallow deer, mouflon and other animals graze freely on the meadows. Animals are seen from the train, not on foot.
Museums and Landmarks
The displays cover archaeology, Tito's era on the island and the natural history of the archipelago. Other highlights on the island:
- Dinosaur footprints, about 120 million years old, on the shoreline.
- An olive tree estimated at around 1,600 years old, still producing fruit.
- Roman villa remains at Verige.
- Byzantine fortification (Kastrum) ruins.
04Do You Need More Than Four Hours?
Yes, if you want to swim or cycle. The group excursion leaves little free time, and the standard route misses the quieter paths.
A self-guided visit with a rented bike or electric mini car usually takes 5–8 hours. Bikes and electric cars are rented on Veliki Brijun, and cycling is the best way to reach coves and pine paths away from the train route. Bring cash for rentals and small purchases, as card acceptance can vary on the island.
The evening ticket (July–August, €15, from 6 pm) suits people who want a late dinner on the island. The last return boat leaves at 23:00.
05Best Time to Visit Brijuni
- May–June
- warm weather, green meadows and fewer groups.
- July–August
- the hottest and busiest months. The sea is warmest, and boats are most frequent. Book morning slots early.
- September
- the sea is still warm, though the €50 fare applies.
- October
- the best value. The ticket is €35, the light is soft and sailings still run frequently.
- November–March
- only two outbound boats a day. Some facilities have limited hours.
The park also runs special Open Days in late October and early November, with special excursions and hotel offers. The dates are announced on its website.
06Swimming on Brijuni
Swimming is allowed only at marked spots on Veliki Brijun, mostly rocky shore and small pebble beaches. The sea is clear, but there are no sandy beaches. Bring water shoes, since rocks and sea urchins are common.
The larger group excursions leave little time for swimming. If a swim is the priority, take a self-guided ticket and a bike, or choose a boat trip with a swim stop.
07Boat Tours Without Landing
Private and small-group boats sail around the archipelago from Fažana and Pula, but they cannot dock on Veliki Brijun. Typical options:
- Panoramic or glass-bottom trips (about 1.5 hours): from €16.
- Sunset dolphin cruises (about 2 hours): from €30, usually leaving Fažana around 18:30. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed.
- Day cruises from Pula (about 5 hours): from €40, with a swim stop.
- Private boats: from about €250 for a group of up to six.
Some boats stop at Sveti Jerolim, a small island where the landing fee is €7 for adults and €3 for children. It is not included in most tour prices, and the fee is often paid in cash.
08Where to Eat and Stay
Food on Veliki Brijun is limited. The park runs a few restaurants and cafés near the harbour, with prices above the mainland average. Many visitors take water, sunscreen and snacks, and eat in Fažana before or after. Fažana's waterfront has several seafood restaurants and is a better option for a relaxed meal.
Overnight stays on the island are limited to park-run hotels and apartments. Most visitors stay in Fažana, Pula or along the Istrian coast and visit for the day.
09Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Take the first boat in July–August. The 09:00 sailing avoids the heat and the afternoon train queues.
- Check the park's news page for promotions. In some seasons the park has offered discounts of up to 30% for short periods, and these codes may not stack.
- Park in Fažana early. Spaces near the port fill by mid-morning in summer.
- Wear walking shoes and a hat. Shade is limited on the train route and cycling paths.
- Pick a bike over the electric car if you are fit. It is cheaper and quieter, and it reaches more of the island.
- Carry a light jacket for the return boat. Evening crossings can feel cool even after a hot day.
10Opinion: The Group Excursion Is Too Rushed
The standard excursion is good for history but too tight for a swim and a proper walk. A self-guided ticket with a bike, taken in May, June or early October, gives a better day than the fixed four-hour loop.
11Sample One-Day Plan
- 08:30
- arrive in Fažana, park and collect tickets.
- 09:00
- boat to Veliki Brijun.
- 09:20
- rent bikes, or join the train.
- 10:00–13:00
- safari park, Roman villa at Verige, Church of St. Germain and a swim stop.
- 13:00
- lunch near the harbour.
- 14:30
- museum visit, then return on a 16:00 or 17:30 boat.
12What to Bring
- Passport or ID for the booking.
- Cash in euros.
- At least 1 litre of water per person.
- Sun protection and water shoes.
- A phone with the park's app if using the self-guided ticket.
