Heaven On Earth On The Brijuni Islands In Istria

The Brijuni archipelago is a group of islands made up of two main islands and 12 smaller islets, located just off the coast of Istria. While the largest island, called Veli Brijun, is the only one that can actually be visited, it is still worth making your way there as the archipelago, as a whole, is one of the true jewels of both Istria and Croatia and is utterly beautiful.

Blanketed in meadows, forests, and rare plants, like wild cucumber and marine poppy, the islands were declared a national park in 1983 and for good reason: the islands are special natural wonders and Veli Brijun can readily be visited as a day trip if you find a vacation rental in the city of Pula.

Admired for their great beauty since at least Roman times, the islands of the Brijuni archipelago can count the likes of Indira Gandhi, Queen Elizabeth II, Sophia Loren, and Elizabeth Taylor as former visitors and fans.

The islands have not actually been occupied since the 19th century, though from 1947 to 1980, they were the official summer residence of Josip Broz Tito, which was when such lauded guests as those above came to visit.

Since 1983, the islands have been protected and gained the status of a National Park. Veli Brijuni, the island that can be visited, is an extremely well-manicured park, with native Mediterranean plants and trees – including a 1600 year old olive tree - supplemented with imported species such as stone pine, pine, cedar, sequoia, eucalyptus and bamboo.

There is also a remaining swamp that serves as an example of the swamps that once covered the island, a Safari Park that has zebras and an elephant, roman ruins and more.

A peaceful place to enjoy the unique nature of the Mediterranean as it once was with clean air fragranced by the abundant plant life and sparkling, crystal-clear seas, it is often described as heaven on earth and must-see for anyone visiting this part of Croatia.