Brijuni National Park in Croatia, one of Europe's most extraordinary destinations, is now open to the public with direct flights from London starting at around £35–£40. The island, once the private retreat of Yugoslav dictator Josip Broz Tito, features real dinosaur footprints, an elephant gifted by Indira Gandhi, and the vintage Cadillac that carried Queen Elizabeth II.
A Unique History
Located off the coast near Pula, Brijuni was closed to the public for years under Tito's rule. He resided there with a remarkable collection of exotic animals, gifts from world leaders. Today, visitors can explore the island's safari park, where animals like Lanka the elephant (a gift from India in 1972) and zebras from the Non-Aligned Movement era roam freely.
Top Attractions
The island's highlights include over 200 genuine dinosaur footprints from the Early Cretaceous period, a 1953 Cadillac Eldorado used by Tito to chauffeur dignitaries, and Koki, an African grey parrot known for shouting "Tito! Tito! Tito!" Visitors can also explore Byzantine ruins and a stunning avenue of century-old pine trees.
How to Visit
Direct flights from London to Pula operate from May with easyJet, Jet2, and Ryanair. From Pula Airport, it's a short transfer to Fažana port, where boats depart for the national park. Guided tours cost approximately £30–£35 for adults and £13 for children. Accommodation ranges from hotel rooms to luxury villas, though many visitors base themselves on the mainland and treat Brijuni as a day trip.
Spring is an ideal time to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Local guide Toni Hrelja recommends hiring a bicycle or golf cart to explore the island's 5.6 km² area. "It's a bizarre, fascinating slice of history you simply wouldn't expect in Croatia," he says.
