A Hidden Paradise on Earth – Brijuni National Park

Brijuni National Park, although known as the residence of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, president of the former Yugoslavia, has much more than that to offer its visitors. Just 3 km from the Istrian coast, Brijuni is known as an oasis of plant and animal life, made up of around 700 plant species and around 250 bird species. Alongside the specific fauna that arose from the clearing of forests and their conversion into spacious meadows, there is also flora that has been greatly influenced by the human factor, which has enriched the animal world with numerous imported species that were not originally native to this habitat. It could be said that Brijuni represents a harmony between nature and human influence on it.

Among the interesting figures, it is worth mentioning the 14 islets that extend over around 7.4 km² of surface area, while the area of the entire national park amounts to around 34 km². The largest island, Veliki Brijun, occupies about 75% of the total area. An interesting fact is that Brijuni was not always an archipelago, as shown by the depth of the Fažana Channel, which is only 12 metres. In fact, some ten thousand years ago, Brijuni was an integral part of the Istrian coast.

They say a video speaks far more than text, so take a look at this interesting piece showing „A Hidden Paradise on Earth – Brijuni National Park“:



Apart from its enchanting nature, Brijuni does not fall behind in the cultural-historical aspect either, which places it among the 3rd most visited national parks in Croatia. Some places you must not miss are the viewpoint on Ciprovac, the mausoleum of the Kupelwieser family, and numerous quarries, such as the Koch or Čufar quarry. Numerous archaeological sites have been recorded, dating from the first Neolithic settlement in Soline Bay to the modern period, when large estates with luxury villas were built.

An important period for Brijuni was from 1947 to 1980, when Brijuni became the official presidential residence of Josip Broz Tito, which led to a revival of Brijuni, which became world-famous. Alongside the construction of numerous new luxury facilities, the old ones were also restored, and many parks and forests were landscaped. During this period, Brijuni was visited by the most famous statesmen in the world, and some important political meetings were also held there, which gives Brijuni special significance.

Brijuni National Park animals

Today, Brijuni is a developed tourist destination, so it has numerous facilities to offer its guests. If you are an animal lover, we recommend visiting the safari park in the northern part of Veliki Brijun, which contains numerous animal species that are not native to this location. Within this park there is also an ethno park, which represents a traditional Istrian rural household. The animal world on the islands, especially on Veliki Brijun, besides native animals, has also been enriched with numerous introduced species, which have become well acclimatised in the national park thanks to the good climate. See the list and pictures of the animals on Brijuni.

Jedino što vam preostaje jest da posjetite Brijune, jer smo sigurni da ćete u ovom skrivenom raju pronaći nešto za sebe.

Brijuni National Park accommodation and catering offer

The catering offer in Brijuni National Park has been rich since its very beginnings. The originator of the whole story of Brijuni – the flourishing of the Brijuni archipelago and tourism there – was Paul Kupelwieser. Many important guests, leaders of various countries, but also ordinary people, stayed in the hotels of the National Park. In this way, everyone could feel the atmosphere of the lavish restaurants and the magnificent terraces situated right by the sea shore. The view from the terraces captivated the attention of everyone, regardless of who they were. The gastronomic skill of the local chefs, but of course also foreign ones, came to full expression. We can safely say that everyone on Brijuni enjoyed, and still enjoys, only the best offer of specialities and delicacies.

If you visit Brijuni, you will enjoy only the best gastronomic specialities, a wonderful view of the open sea, and the rich flora and fauna of this archipelago.

The accommodation facilities are top-notch, as is the offer, but adapted to today's standards and accessible to everyone. Accommodation prices on Brijuni are adapted to today's conditions, with the aim that the park be visited by guests of varying purchasing power from all parts of the world. Find the right accommodation for yourself, and visit Brijuni National Park at the first opportunity.

Besides accommodation facilities, Brijuni also has restaurants with a top-notch offer of food and drink. As we have already mentioned, you have the opportunity to enjoy the flavours of superbly prepared specialities. The menu offers a varied selection, from vegetarian dishes to fish specialities and, of course, various roasts and side dishes.

The restaurants on Brijuni are positioned so that everything is accessible to guests, and so that they can enjoy the food and the view to the fullest at all times, regardless of which spot they choose. The prices in the restaurants are also adapted and varied. Choose the best dish for yourself and give in to indulgence.

Besides varied and tasty dishes, the restaurants offer a wide selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Enjoy domestic wines, or a shot of something strong. We look forward to your arrival on Brijuni, and wish you a good and unforgettable time.

Brijuni facts

When we mention Brijuni, we should certainly also write a few words about Koki the cockatoo. This large yellow-crested cockatoo (Cacatua galerita) is a kind of mascot of the park, and is famous far and wide across the world. Koki is Tito's famous parrot. It is interesting to mention that Koki is one of the rare specimens of the yellow-crested cockatoo in the world. This species can live up to 100 years, and is among the larger parrot species. They are characterised by a very stocky build, a fairly strong and large body (they can grow up to 50 cm), as well as a strong, firm beak and a crest on the head. The bird is otherwise intelligent, so Koki, too, shows off his qualities every now and then. Still, he is most loved for his personality, because Koki the cockatoo likes to be cuddled and is very sociable. Josip Broz Tito gave the cockatoo Koki to his granddaughter Aleksandra Saša Broz for her ninth birthday. For a time, Koki was away from Brijuni, but for the last 30 or so years, his home has been Brijuni. Besides Koki the cockatoo, Lanka the elephant is another attractive inhabitant of the archipelago, dear to everyone.

When you visit Brijuni, be sure to look for Koki the cockatoo too. He will entertain you, charm you, and hold your attention for an unlimited time. Koki the cockatoo will even chat with you, but in his own particular way. Still, many people enjoy his stories, whether or not they understand them.

Brijuni National Park pictures

To finish, take a look at a few interesting photographs (pictures) from the park. Brijuni National Park will delight you even at a quick glance at the photographs, but for a true experience, be sure to come and visit us.