Brijuni is an island group consisting of two larger and twelve smaller islands along the southwestern coast of Istria not far from Pula. Their total area is only seven square kilometers, but the surrounding sea is also protected, so the entire national park covers an area of 34 km2. The Brijuni Islands are known for their indented archipelago and preserved Mediterranean vegetation, partly shaped as a landscape park. The archipelago stands out with its valuable cultural heritage from the Roman and Byzantine periods, and due to its exceptional beauty, Brijuni has been a favorite summer resort of world statesmen and aristocracy for over a hundred years. Although the islands are not permanently inhabited, due to the numerous tourist visits by excursion boats from the neighboring mainland, there are always people on them during the day. On Veliki Brijun it is possible to stay in three smaller hotels, which provide guests with an atmosphere of peace in beautiful nature near the tourist bustle of nearby Pula. There is also the oldest golf course in Croatia. Despite the stay of a large number of visitors, nature has been preserved, as evidenced by the multitude of migratory birds that use it as a wintering ground.
The Brijuni or the Brijuni Islands are a group of fourteen small islands in the Croatian part of the northern Adriatic Sea, separated from the west coast of the Istrian peninsula by the narrow Fažana Strait. The largest island, Veliki Brijun Island, lies 2 kilometres off the coast.