If you are looking for a holiday in Croatia that combines perfect tourist attractions, wonderful beaches and sunny days, good food and wine, and adventure, you will find few destinations as perfectly suited as Istria. The region is often divided into two categories: the coastal tourism hotspot that is “Blue Istria,” and the calmer and lush inland area known as, “Green Istria.” While the former offers all of the attractions, resorts, restaurants, bars, and facilities that one might want for a fun and relaxing vacation, the latter affords stunning landscapes that are just waiting to be uncovered and explored!
Those who love hiking, spotting animals, admiring stunning surroundings, and exploring lush landscapes, ancient ruins, and diverse marine life will find that one of Green Istria’s most charming attractions delivers all this and more: the Brijuni National Park. An ideal spot for adventure while enjoy a perfect getaway, it is a must to add to your itinerary while staying in a vacation rental in Istria.
Renowned for its blend of stunning natural beauty and historical significance, Brijuni National Park is actually made up of fourteen different islands, each a little world of its own waiting to be discovered. The largest island, Veliki Brijun, is perfectly untouched and has both abundant natural loveliness and fascinating tourist attractions. It is the most visited and beautiful of the islands and boasts lush vegetation typical of this part of Istria.
Lots of lovely trails allow you to traverse the island on hikes or you can choose to go by tourist train and head to the north of the island where you will find the Safari Park, which boasts Indian elephants, South American camels, zebras, ostriches, and Indian sacred cows among other species from all over the world.
Furthermore, this protected landscape doesn’t simply abound in natural beauty on land: if you hop on a guided boat tour from the pretty coastal town of Fažana nearby, you can readily head out into the crystal-clear waters to greet the wonders and creatures of the sea in Istria.
Historical highlights also populate the park, with some fascinating buildings and archaeological sites including a Bronze Age settlement, the remains of a Roman villa rustica dating back to the first century BC at Verige Bay, the beautiful Medieval gem that is St Mary’s Church, the charming Venetian castle, and the impressive 19th century fortress steeped in tales of battles.
With so much to see and explore and learn, those looking to vacation in Croatia should consider indulging in a holiday rental in Istria and time to fully immerse themselves in the wonders of Brijuni National Park.