Brijuni, a small island in Croatia, holds a remarkable travel story within Europe. Located near Pula, it houses Brijuni National Park, where visitors can explore genuine dinosaur footprints, an elephant gifted by Indira Gandhi, a car that Queen Elizabeth used on the island, and the former private retreat of Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito.
Under Tito’s rule, the island remained closed to the public, serving as his residence alongside exotic animals gifted by world leaders. Today, the island is open to tourists, with direct flights from London to Pula starting at around £35–£40.
Toni Hrelja, a local guide and founder of Villsy, described Brijuni as a unique Mediterranean paradise with an unconventional history due to its association with Tito. The island’s past as a private sanctuary for Tito led to the presence of exotic animals that can still be seen today, creating a fascinating historical experience unexpected in Croatia.
Spring is recommended as the best time to visit Brijuni, offering lush greenery, mild temperatures, and fewer tourists compared to peak summer months. The national park comprises 14 islands, with the main attractions located on the largest island, Veliki Brijun, which is compact and ideal for exploration in a day.
The island is home to over 30 animals, including Lanka, a 54-year-old elephant gifted by Indira Gandhi, and a herd of zebras presented by an African leader. Koki, an African grey parrot owned by Tito, remains a popular attraction along with other animals like ostriches, llamas, Somali sheep, and Indian cattle.
Visitors can also experience a ride in a vintage Cadillac Eldorado, a mechanical relic from Tito’s era, which was gifted by Croatian emigrants in Canada. The well-preserved convertible, used by notable figures like Indira Gandhi and Queen Elizabeth II, adds to the island’s allure.
Exploring Brijuni further, visitors can take a tourist train, rent a bicycle or a golf cart, and visit the picturesque pine tree avenue with trees over 100 years old. The island’s history dates back to the Byzantine Empire, and remnants of that era add to its charm.
Apart from the wildlife and historical sites, Brijuni offers convenient access from the UK, with direct flights to Pula available from various cities. Tickets for Brijuni National Park can be purchased online, with guided tour prices varying by season. Accommodation options range from hotel rooms to luxury villas on the island, or tourists can opt to stay on the mainland in Istria and visit Brijuni as a day trip.
