Safari in the middle of Europe? Answer is: National park Brijuni

Walking in the park with zebras and elephants. Drinking wine in the same place where Tito used to do it. Following dinosaurs' footprints. Swimming in the bay where Venice was born. And seeing 1700-year old olive tree. How does it sound? Confusing? Well, all these things you can do while visiting Brijuni islands in Croatia. In 1983 those islands were declared as official National park. Made of 14 islands, the biggest ones are Veliki and Mali Brijun.

Safari park

Not only Africa offers safari tours. Did you know that you could go on a safari in Europe? Well, here's the story... Brijuni in Croatian or Brioni in Italian language became famous during the era of Yugoslavia when president of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito received guests from all around world making it his summer residence. Tito, as the president of Yugoslavia received a lot of famous guests here but also he got a lot of gifts. Among them the most famous are elephants – gift from Indira Ghandi. Among Istrian ox, goats, sheep and donkeys Brijuni is home for zebras, elephants, deer, mouflons, nilgai, zebu, waterbuck as part of Brijuni Safari park. Safari park is located in the northern part of the Veliki Brijun island and it’s established in 1978. Price list is available on the park's webpage and tours are possible in in Croatian, Italian, German, Russian and English.

As I mentioned in the 1st paragraph - dinosaur footprints were found on the Brijuni Veliki Brijun island. Believe it or not. This could be one more reason to visit this impressive group of islands. After seeing beautiful Pula, one-day excursion to Brijuni islands is a must. On the map below you can see the connection to Croatian mainland - to Fažana and the outline of the islands and the most important things to see on the map of the Veliki Brijun island.

Additional info: Since Brijuni islands are very close to Pula and Fažana those islands are easily approachable from both places (Pula has an airport as well). Getting to Fažana is very easy using local bus from Pula. And from Fažana boat ride is 20 minutes and you are there, on the Veliki brijun island.