The Istrian peninsula is a place of magical natural contrasts, stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage, so it is not surprising that this region was given the name "Magical Istria". In addition to gastronomic delicacies and superb autochthonous varieties of wine, this is an area of special natural and geographical features that has largely been preserved in its original form.

Numerous protected natural areas of Istria, such as national parks and nature parks, testify to its enduring natural beauty. In addition to national parks in Istria, there are other categories of protected areas, such as special reserves of rich forest vegetation or marine reserves. The natural wealth offered by the interior of Istria invites you to explore all of its charms that will bring you back into pristine contact with nature.

Explore National Park in Istria

There are eight national parks in Croatia, and in Istria there is one of the most beautiful pearls of nature, Brijuni National Park. According to legend, the Creator intended to create Istria according to the image of Paradise, where beautiful natural gardens kiss the seashore. But the devil destroyed his work by cutting open the sack of unused stones carried by the angels, which spilled all over the peninsula. This is how numerous stone rocks were created, which today form a contrasting landscape of the fertile and wild nature of Istria.

The saddened angels collected the remaining pieces of Paradise that were among the scattered stones and protected them with the waves of the sea. This is how Brijuni was born, islands of impressive geography where nature lives its own way and leaves all its visitors breathless.

Discover Brijuni National Park

Located on the southwestern part of the Istrian peninsula, Brijuni National Park is an archipelago with extremely specific geographical features. It consists of two large islands named Veliki Brijun and Mali Brijun and 12 small islets. A total of 14 islands and islets make Brijuni the largest group of islands on the Istrian peninsula. The largest island, Veliki Brijun, is characterized by rocky and low but easily accessible shores. The Brijuni Islands have been inhabited since ancient times, and due to the extremely mild climate and natural beauty, they have always been a favorite summer resort of many statesmen. Due to its exceptional value, Brijuni was declared a National Park in Croatia in 1983.

What to see and what to do in National Park Brijuni

On the island of Veliki Brijun, in as many as four localities there can be found dinosaur remains. Brijuni dinosaurs from the Cretaceous period left their mark on this island, which preserves more than 200 prints of these impressive reptiles in the Cretaceous Park.

Remains of decorative mosaics, basilicas and Roman villas have been preserved from the Roman and Byzantine eras. At the beginning of the 20th century, villas were built that mainly served as residences for statesmen. Villa Jadranka located on Veliki Brijun was built in 1931 during the Italian era. At that time, it was called Villa Madonna after the bay of Porto Madonna where it was located. It was one of the favorite villas of Josip Broz Tito, who often stayed in Brijuni during his presidency. Today it serves the residential needs of the President and the Government of the Republic of Croatia.

Brijuni abounds in rich flora and fauna, so today 600 autochthonous plant species can be found on Veliki Brijun. In the last century, while statesman Tito was staying on the islands, he often received gifts of different animals, some of which were of exotic species. Today, you can visit a safari park Brijuni on one of the Brijuni National Park tour. There can be found giraffes, deer, zebras, ostriches, llamas, elephants and other interesting animal species.

In Brijuni, in addition to the safari, there is also a Brijuni golf course built in 1922. The playground was built on an attractive field, and at the time it was one of the largest in Europe. It had the peculiarity that, in addition to the favorable climatic conditions of this climate, it was made of sand instead of grass greens.

How to get to Brijuni islands

Brijuni islands is located south of the city of Pula and is separated from Istria by the 3 km wide Fažana Canal. The town of Fažana is 8 km from Pula on the well-connected Ipsilon expressway. Bus lines from Pula to Fažana run daily on line 21, and you can check them on the following link. Fažana-Brijuni ferry lines take about 15 minutes ride. You can check the schedule on the following link. If you are coming by plane, the nearest airport is in Pula, which is 15 km away.

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National Park Brijuni useful info

For a trip to Veliki Brijun, it is advisable to book and buy tickets before the visit itself. You can do this on the following link NP Brijuni where you will also find Brijuni National Park prices. In this way, you can check whether there is enough free space in the group of the desired language. In addition to various excursions and tours, as well as diving at archeological sites, Brijuni abounds in hiking and cycling trails. On Brijuni, you can also book accommodation in one of the hotels and enjoy various additional programs such as massage or yoga that will make your stay on this island truly magical. You can see the exact location on the following Brijuni map:

Explore National reserves in Istria

Istria is rich in untouched natural sites, as evidenced by numerous protected areas. For example, Cape Kamenjak located at the southern point of the Istrian peninsula or Učka Nature Park on its northern part. Enchanting nature is revealed in the Lim fjord and in the Baredine cave in the western part of Istria, as well as the Sopot waterfall in the interior of Istria. Whichever way you go, Istria offers a rich content of imposing landscape and natural beauty.

Cape Kamenjak

Cape Kamenjak is the southernmost point on the Istrian peninsula and has been included in the list of protected areas since 1996. This place that captivates at first glance is characterized by crystal clear sea, numerous bays and beautiful beaches. The bays are mostly rocky with flat rocks, but there are also sandy beaches ideal for summer and sports activities. The most popular coves of Cape Kamenjak Croatia are Velika and Mala Kolumbarica and Portić cove. Beneath these coves are numerous caves, making it an exciting diving destination.

Učka Nature Park

The mountain Učka, which connects Istria with the continental part of Croatia, is located at one of the northernmost points of the Mediterranean. Učka Nature Park Croatia is also the only mountain in the Dinaric Mountains that extends perpendicular to the direction of the Dinarides. From the highest peak of the Učka Nature Park called Vojak (1401 m) there is a beautiful panorama with a view of the Istrian peninsula. In addition to the bicycle paths, visitors can also enjoy a numerous network of hiking trails as well as educational trails such as the Plas, Umjetnost, Vela draga and Brgudac-Korita trails.

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Lim fjord

The Lim channel is the longest bay located on the west coast of the Istrian peninsula. The 12 m long canal forms part of the 35 km long Lim valley. Steep hills rise on both sides of it, and although it is often called a Lim fjord, the Lim bay is in reality a submerged karst channel. This beautiful sea bay was once a valley where the Pazinčica river flowed into the sea. In the fifties, this specific location was the filming location of the popular American movie Vikings.

Jama Grotta Baredine

Baredina cave is located near the town of Nova Vas, between Višnjan, Poreč and Tar, and is only 5 km away from the coast. It is a protected geomorphological monument of nature with a depth of 132 m. In its depths, Grotta Baredine it hides an endemic species, a mysterious underground inhabitant called the human fish. This impressive karst phenomenon in 5 underground halls reveals the rich world of stalactites, stalagmites and sigil columns.

Dinopark Funtana – Dinosaur Park Croatia

Dinopark Funtana, located near Poreč, stands out for its unique content and represents a true paradise for enjoying exciting attractions. Fans of Jurassic Park will find in Dinosaur Park Croatia many interesting replicas of 140 million old dinosaurs that roamed this area. This Dino park adventure for the whole family offers a rich content such as an amusement park, an entertainment program, sea monster research or an adventure ride in a Tortuga boat.

Sopot waterfalls

One of the most beautiful and the second highest waterfall in Istria called Sopot is located near Pazin, next to the village of Floričići in central Istria. 25 m high, the Sopot waterfall represents a true oasis of nature. It is best to visit it after heavy rains, in autumn or spring when its natural beauty is best expressed. Above the waterfall there is also a viewpoint dedicated to the Old Slavic god Perun, the supreme deity of the Old Slavic pantheon.