The island of Brijuni, once a secluded retreat for Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito, is now open to visitors and offers one of the most remarkable backstories among European holiday destinations.

Located near the Croatian city of Pula, the island forms part of Brijuni National Park. Here, guests can see genuine dinosaur footprints, a car once used by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit, and exotic animals that were presented as diplomatic gifts by world leaders.

For many years, the island was closed to the public by Tito’s order, serving as his private sanctuary. During that time, he assembled an unusual collection of animals given to him by political allies from across the globe.

After decades of isolation, Brijuni has transformed into an accessible tourist destination. Reaching it has become much easier, especially with seasonal direct flights to Pula operating from major European cities. Airfares are often affordable, making the island an appealing option for a short Mediterranean escape.

A Talkative Parrot

According to local guide and villa rental founder Toni Hrelja, Brijuni may appear to be a typical Mediterranean paradise at first glance, but its history is anything but ordinary.

He explains that because the island functioned as Tito’s personal residence, it became home to exotic animals gifted by foreign leaders. Some of these animals, or their descendants, can still be seen today roaming parts of the island. Hrelja describes it as “an astonishing and captivating piece of history you would never expect to encounter in Croatia.”

In spring, he adds, Brijuni is especially appealing: the landscape turns lush and green, temperatures are pleasant, and the heavy summer crowds have yet to arrive.

The national park consists of 14 islands, with the main attractions located on the largest one, Veliki Brijun. Despite its name, it covers only about 5.6 square kilometers, making it easy to explore in a single day.

More than 30 animals live here, including the 54-year-old elephant Lanka. She arrived in 1972 as a gift from former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Known for her calm temperament, Lanka has become a favorite among visitors.

Zebras, presented in the 1960s by an African leader, also remain as reminders of the era of the Non-Aligned Movement.

One of the island’s most famous residents is Koki, an African grey parrot that once belonged to Tito. The bird is well known for interacting with tourists and for his unpredictable personality—he may warmly greet guests or suddenly shout a cheeky remark. He is also fond of loudly repeating, “Tito! Tito! Tito!”

In addition to these well-known inhabitants, the island’s safari park features ostriches, llamas, Somali sheep, and Indian zebu cattle.

The animals of Brijuni remain a living—and in some cases very vocal—legacy of Tito’s time.

A Vintage Convertible and Dinosaur Footprints

Another symbol of that era still survives on the island. Visitors can take a ride in a vintage 1953 Cadillac Eldorado convertible, a gift to Tito from Croatian emigrants in Canada. The car is carefully maintained and ranks among the park’s most popular attractions.

Guide Toni Hrelja notes that Tito once drove this very Cadillac around the island while hosting distinguished guests, including Indira Gandhi and Queen Elizabeth II.

After visiting the safari area, tourists are encouraged to explore other parts of the island. Options include a tourist train, bicycle rentals, or small electric golf carts. One of the most picturesque spots is a pine avenue lined with trees more than a century old and reaching heights of up to 25 meters.

However, Brijuni’s story began long before Tito and the Non-Aligned Movement. In the 5th and 6th centuries, the islands served as an important strategic point within the Byzantine Empire. Today, visitors can see the remaining ruins, which the guide describes as resembling “a giant stone puzzle” and which provide a striking backdrop for photographs.

Interestingly, Lanka the elephant is not the largest creature ever to have inhabited the island. More than 200 authentic dinosaur footprints dating back around 130 million years to the early Cretaceous period have been discovered on Brijuni.

Croatia remains one of Europe’s most accessible seaside destinations, with relatively short flight times from many major cities. Pula Airport lies about 13 kilometers from the town of Fažana, where boats depart regularly for Brijuni National Park. Excursion tickets are typically moderately priced, with reduced rates often available in spring.

Visitors can also stay overnight on the island, choosing between hotel accommodation and upscale villas. Nevertheless, many travelers prefer to base themselves on the Istrian mainland and visit Brijuni as a day trip.