Brijuni Islands

Brijuni is one of those places that surprises everyone. It was Tito’s private retreat during the Yugoslav era, where he hosted world leaders and kept exotic animals. Now it’s a national park, and the animals are still there — zebras, elephants, llamas wandering around a Croatian island.

Getting There

Boats leave regularly from Fažana (about 20 minutes from the house). Buy tickets at the harbour or book online in high season. The boat ride takes 15 minutes.

What You’ll See

The safari train — takes you around the island past the exotic animals. Kids absolutely love this.

Roman ruins — a villa with preserved floor mosaics right by the sea. Beautiful spot.

Dinosaur footprints — real ones, embedded in the coastal rocks.

Swimming — there are a few spots on the island to swim. Bring your gear.

Tito’s residences — you can peek at the buildings where he hosted everyone from Sophia Loren to Fidel Castro.

My Tips

Bring food and water. There’s a restaurant on the island, but options are limited and pricey.

Allow a full day. The basic tour is 4 hours, but you can stay longer and catch a later boat back.

Rent bikes on the island. The best way to explore beyond the tour route.

Go on a weekday if possible. Weekends can get crowded in summer.

It’s a genuinely unusual day out — history, nature, weird Tito stories, and zebras on a Croatian island.