Brijuni National Park (Nacionalni Park Brijuni) Croatia: A Guide to History, Amazing Facts, and Things to Do
Brijuni National Park (Nacionalni Park Brijuni) Croatia is a magnificent archipelago located off the west coast of Istria. It is a protected nature reserve, home to a variety of wildlife, and is a popular tourist destination. The park is made up of 14 small islands, with the two largest islands being Veli Brijun and Mali Brijun. The park is home to many interesting historical sites, amazing facts, and plenty of activities to do.
History
The earliest known inhabitants of the Brijuni Islands were the Illyrians, who lived there in the 5th century BC. In the 4th century BC, the Romans took control of the islands and built a fortress on the island of Veli Brijun. During the Middle Ages, the islands were ruled by the Venetians and Austrians. In 1893, the islands were bought by an Austrian industrialist, Paul Kupelwieser, who built a luxurious villa and transformed the islands into a popular holiday destination for the wealthy.
The islands were taken over by the Yugoslavian government in 1947 and declared a National Park. During the 1960s, the islands became a popular destination for world leaders, including the likes of Nikita Khrushchev and Josip Broz Tito. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, the islands returned to Croatian control and are now open to the public.
Amazing Facts
Brijuni National Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including over 300 species of plants and more than 200 species of birds. The islands are also home to many species of mammals, including mouflon, fallow deer, and wild boar.
The islands are also home to many interesting archaeological sites, including a Roman villa and a Byzantine basilica. The islands also have a rich history of shipwrecks, with over 200 recorded wrecks in the area.
Things to Do
The islands of Brijuni National Park are a popular tourist destination, offering a variety of activities for visitors. There are many walking and cycling trails, which offer stunning views of the islands and the surrounding area. Visitors can also explore the islands by boat, with many boat tours available.
The islands are home to a variety of wildlife, and visitors can take part in a guided safari tour to see the animals up close. There are also several museums on the islands, including the Safari Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
The islands also offer a range of water activities, including swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Visitors can also take part in a range of other activities, such as tennis, golf, and horse riding.
Conclusion
Brijuni National Park (Nacionalni Park Brijuni) Croatia is a stunning archipelago located off the west coast of Istria. The islands are home to a variety of wildlife, interesting archaeological sites, and plenty of activities to do. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an adventure, Brijuni National Park has something for everyone.