Brijuni Islands Scenic Boat Tour with Swim Stop from Fazana

Fazana, the gateway to Brijuni

Fazana is a small fishing town on the west coast of Istria, about 8 km north of Pula, facing the Brijuni islands across a narrow channel. Its waterfront is lined with pastel houses, cafés and fishing boats, and the town is known for its sardines and its relaxed atmosphere. It is also the main departure point for boats to the national park, which makes it the natural start for a Brijuni boat tour.

The tour leaves from the beginning of the main pier at 11:00. Arrive a little early to find the boat, which is the third on the left side of the pier. If you are staying in Pula, Fazana is an easy drive or bus ride away, and there is time before or after the tour to walk along the promenade and enjoy the view of the islands.

Veliki Brijun

Just 15 minutes by boat from Fazana you reach Veliki Brijun, the largest of the 14 islands. In 1893 the island was bought by an Austrian industrialist who turned it into an elegant resort, and his villa, Vila Kastel, still stands by the harbour. Long before that, the Romans built villas and harbours here, and their ruins are among the most important on the Croatian coast.

From the boat you see the harbour, the historic hotels and the green parkland of the island, which also has a safari park with exotic animals and an olive tree estimated to be about 1,600 years old. The crew explains the island's history as you cruise past. Is Brijuni worth visiting? Seeing Veliki Brijun from the water gives you a clear picture of why it has been a retreat for more than a century.

Mali Brijun and Fort Minor

Next to Veliki Brijun lies Mali Brijun, the second largest island of the group. Its main landmark is Fort Minor, one of several fortresses built by the Austro-Hungarian navy to defend the approaches to Pula, then its main naval port. Today the massive stone fort has been turned into a summer theatre, with performances held among its walls.

From the water you can see how the forts were placed to control the channel between the islands. The rest of Mali Brijun is covered with dense Mediterranean vegetation, and the shoreline is a mix of rocky points and small coves. The crew points out the fort and tells the story of Pula's naval past, a side of Istria that many visitors do not expect to find in a national park.

Gaz, Galija, Vanga and the Peneda lighthouse

The cruise continues past the smaller islands of the archipelago. Gaz is famous for its outline, which looks like a fish when seen from above, while Galija and Vanga are small green islands surrounded by clear water; Vanga has a historic summer residence and gardens. You also pass Vila Brijunka and the Peneda lighthouse, which overlooks the approach to the harbour of Pula.

Seeing all 14 islands in one trip is the main appeal of this Brijuni islands cruise, as most visitors only land on Veliki Brijun. The commentary covers the nature, the wildlife and the people who shaped the islands, from Roman landowners to Austro-Hungarian officers. Keep your camera ready: the light on the water around the small islands is beautiful at midday.

St Jerolim Island

The last stop is St Jerolim, a small island of pine forest and rocky shores open to visitors from 1 June to 30 September. Its water is full of colourful fish, perfect for swimming and snorkelling, and peacocks roam freely among the trees. A restaurant on the island serves food and cold drinks, so you can easily spend a few hours here.

Staying on the island is optional and highly recommended in summer. The entrance fee is paid in cash when you leave the boat. Boats return to the main pier in Fazana usually at 16:30, with possible returns at 14:00 and 17:00 depending on the number of guests; agree your return time with the guide and captain. The best time to visit Brijuni for swimming is June to September.