Just off the coast of Istria lies a place where time layers itself like stone — where ancient dinosaurs, Roman emperors, and world leaders all left their mark. Welcome to Brijuni National Park, an archipelago of fourteen islands that blends raw natural beauty with a surprisingly political past.
It’s not just a national park. It’s a place where geology, mythology, diplomacy, and art collide — all in under 750 hectares.
🦕 Footprints of the Past
Long before humans arrived, dinosaurs roamed these shores. Today, over 200 fossilized dinosaur footprints have been discovered across four of Brijuni’s islands, dating back roughly 125 million years to the Early Cretaceous period. These rare imprints are remarkably preserved thanks to specific geological conditions — soft sediment, rapid coverage, and pressure from time itself.
The most famous site on Veliki Brijun features a lifelike sculpture of a full-grown theropod towering over the rocks. This predator once ruled the coastal landscape — or at least, left his footprints behind. Visitors today can follow the trail safely, camera in hand, instead of spear in fear.
🌿 Ancient Roots and Living Legends of Brijuni National Park
Near the southern edge of Veliki Brijun, one particular resident has witnessed more than a millennium of history: a 1,600-year-old olive tree that still bears fruit. This tree predates most European nations and continues to produce extra virgin olive oil — a liquid timeline of Mediterranean resilience.
But it’s not alone. Roman villas, Byzantine chapels, and Venetian fortifications dot the landscape. Brijuni has been a crossroads of civilizations, yet somehow retains a natural stillness, as if the island itself has chosen what to preserve.
🐘 Exotic Echoes of Power
In the 20th century, Josip Broz Tito, president of former Yugoslavia, transformed Brijuni into his personal summer residence. Over 90 heads of state visited the island — many bringing exotic animals as gifts.
- A steppe zebra and a mountain zebra from Guinea
- A zebu (holy Indian cow) from the Indian Prime Minister Nehru
- And most famously, Lanka the Elephant, gifted by Indira Gandhi in 1972
These animals and their descendants live in Brijuni’s Safari Park, where zebras, llamas, ostriches, and antelopes roam freely alongside native species like deer and peacocks. The park remains one of Brijuni’s most beloved attractions — part zoo, part political artifact, part wildlife sanctuary.
🎭 Culture in a Stone Fortress
In recent decades, Brijuni has shifted from power to performance. In 2001, legendary actor Rade Šerbedžija founded the Ulysses Theatre, breathing new artistic life into the island. Housed in the former Austro-Hungarian Fort Minor, the open-air stage hosts bold productions every summer — from Shakespeare to Balkan reinterpretations — in a setting where every echo carries weight.
As Šerbedžija once said:
“Every wall is a memory, every tree is a haven.”
On Brijuni, art is not decoration — it’s continuation.
⛳ Golf in Brijuni National Park: A Century-Old Fairway by the Sea
Brijuni’s golf course is unlike any other in Croatia — or Europe. Established in 1922, this 18-hole course winds through the island’s scenic northeast, blending open fairways with the island’s natural beauty. What makes it unique isn’t just the view of the Adriatic, but its eco-conscious approach: sand greens instead of traditional grass, no pesticides, and a tranquil atmosphere where deer and peacocks occasionally join your game.
Once a favorite of aristocrats and dignitaries, the course was designed and later upgraded by British and American architects, giving it an old-world prestige. Today, it’s a peaceful escape for both amateurs and seasoned players. The mild climate allows play throughout the year, and even beginners can get started through free golf lessons offered to hotel guests during certain mornings.
Playing golf on Brijuni isn’t just a sport — it’s an experience shaped by nature, history, and a timeless sense of leisure.
🚤 Visiting Brijuni National Park
Getting there is part of the experience. Ferries run regularly from Fažana, a small coastal town near Pula. The ride takes about 15 minutes, with round-trip adult tickets currently priced around €35 (children 6–18: €17; under 6: free).
The ticket includes:
- Return boat transfer
- Entrance to the National Park
- A guided tour by electric train
- Entry to exhibitions on natural history and Tito’s legacy
- Access to the Safari Park
Optional extras: electric scooter rentals, golf carts, or guided archaeological tours. Spring and autumn offer quieter visits, while summer brings performances and extended opening hours.
💬 My Personal Note
The first time I stepped onto Brijuni, I came for the scenery — but stayed for the surprises.
Where else can you walk in a dinosaur’s footsteps, picnic near a Roman villa, wave at a zebra, and watch avant-garde theatre under the stars… all in a single afternoon?
Brijuni isn’t just an island escape. It’s a portal to history and nature. To something slower, deeper, and utterly unforgettable.
👉 Your Next Step
Don’t Stop Now!
Some of the best adventures begin with “let’s explore a little more.”
Check out our guide to Things to Do in Brijuni and discover your next unforgettable moment.
Written with love (and just a hint of sea breeze),
– Your CTC Crew ☕🌴
