Brijuni archipelago
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Brijuni Islands Cruising Guide
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An online cruising guide for yachts sailing to the Brijuni Islands
The Brijuni (or Brioni) Islands are a group of two small islands and 12 tiny islets on the west coast of the peninsula of Istria in Croatia, three miles NW of the large port of Pula. The islands are separated from the mainland by the narrow Fažana Strait. An exclusive beach resort in the 19th century during the period of the Austro-Hungarian empire, the archipelago was subsequently appropriated as a summer residence by President Tito after the establishment of the Republic of Yugoslavia in 1945. In addition to most of the world’s heads of state, visitors to the islands during the post-war period included royal celebrities and film stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida. After the death of Tito in 1980, the islands became a national park and exclusive holiday resort. The islands now host a conference centre, four hotels and a small safari park as well as still hosting the occasional state visit. The two largest islands, Veli Brijun and Mali Brijun, can be visited by yacht, but charges are deliberately kept astronomically high to deter all but the wealthiest or most committed of yachting visitors. A more economical way to visit the islands is on a day excursion from Fažana - typical cost (2011) per person from 210 kuna (high season) to 125 kuna (low season) - which includes a guided three-hour tour of the main island on a mini tourist train. Day trip boats also visit from Pula, but usually just tour round the islands rather than landing.
Charts
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British Admiralty 201, 204
Croatian charts 100-15, 100-16, 11
Italian charts 924, 39, 6002
Imray Nautical Chart M24
Radio Nets
Also see Cruiser's Nets
Weather
Diurnal winds along the coast are mostly moderate during the summer months, predominantly from NW and rarely exceeding force 4/5. At night, katabatic winds off the mountains are a feature of some of the harbours along the NE Adriatic coast. During early spring and (especially) autumn conditions can be more unsettled, occasionally accompanied by violent thunderstorms - luckily of short duration - with winds of 30-35 knots or more and vicious, steep seas. In the winter the sudden, violent N wind off the mountains, the bora, is much to be feared. Equally prevalent in winter - although not uncommon in summer - is the scirocco, a S/SE wind that blows up from North Africa, usually in advance of a depression moving E across the Mediterranean. Unlike the bora, the scirocco only occasionally exceeds gale force, but is still a phenomenon to be wary of, especially if on a lee coast. For sources of weather forecasting, see Croatia.
Navigation is prohibited on the W and SW side of the islands and access is therefore normally via the channel between the islands and Fažana on the mainland. There are numerous dangers in the channel and tidal streams can be significant. However, the channel is well marked.
Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)
Visiting yachts can berth (assuming there is space) either in the small harbour of Port Veli Brijun on the main island, where there are some laid moorings with water and electricity (note, however, that crews are not allowed to sleep onboard but must check into one of the hotels on the island) or anchor in the Bay of St Mikule on the smaller island of Mali Brijun two miles NW of Port Veli Brijun.
Ports and Popular Stops
Ports
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The main harbour of the archipelago, Port Veli Brijun, is situated on the NE side of Veli Brijun island at 44°55.08′N, 13°46.2′E. The small harbour can accommodate 50 yachts of up to 40 metres, but booking ahead is essential during the season (see website below for details). Charges are deliberately astronomical to restrict numbers. As an example, a yacht of up to 15 metres will pay 1350 kuna per day in high season; 900 kuna in early/late season and 700 kuna in low season (prices as at 2011). Also, crews are not permitted to sleep onboard but must check into one of the hotels, further adding to costs. Water and electricity (but not a champagne breakfast, nine-course gourmet dinner and aromatherapy massage!) are included in the berthing price. However, these are not available at all berths.
Anchorages
- Bay of St Mikule on Mali Brijun
44°56.04′N, 13°44.28′E. By prior arrangement, yachts may anchor in the bay, which is to be found on the S side of the smaller island of Mali Brijun. As with the main harbour, charges are astronomical, and a yacht of up to 15 metres is likely to pay over 1,000 kuna per day for anchoring. There are no facilities here.
- Anchoring is prohibited anywhere else in the islands.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Yacht Services and Repairs
Also see each Port
Marine Stores
None.
Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards
None
Fuel, Water, & Electricity
No fuel. Water and electricity at some berths in Port Veli Brijun.
Offshore Islands
Numerous smaller islets around the Archipelago, but visiting is prohibited.
Tourism and Things to do Ashore
Tourism
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Most sites on the islands can only be visited on an organized tour (even if staying at one of the hotels). The tour usually starts at the Hotel Istra Neptun (former guesthouse of President Tito’s villa), which lies directly opposite the small harbour of Port Veli Brijun. The tour takes in the safari park, with elephants and several breeds of rare antelopes and sheep donated to Tito by world leaders; the remains of a 1st century AD Roman villa; a ruined Byzantine fortress; the church of Sveti Germana with displays of mediaeval church frescoes and an exhibition of ‘Tito on Brijuni’ with photos of the great man with movie stars and world leaders. There are even dinosaur prints in several places on the main island.
Grocery & Supply Stores
None.
Eateries
Several bars and restaurants in the hotels.
Internet/WiFi
None.
Laundry
None.
Motorbike & Car Rentals
None.
Garbage Disposal
Bins at Port Veli Brijun.
Transportation
Transportation (local and/or international)
- Ferries from Fažana
- Boat trips from Pula
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
External Links
Links to relevant websites.
- Official national park website: [1]
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)
Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:
- Data compiled from web research (please update if possible)--Athene of Lymington 14:31, 7 March 2011 (GMT)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
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