Brijuni or Brioni is a group of fourteen small islands in the Croatian part of the northern Adriatic Sea. These all islands are separated from the west coast of the Istrian peninsula by the narrow Fazana Strait. The largest island, Veli Brijun lies 2 km off the coast. The Brijuni islands were proclaimed a National park in 1983.
They cover an area of 2,700 acres. The island's abound with Mediterranean and sub-Mediterranean vegetation. The island has a zoo, pheasant farm and safari park with numerous diverse forms of animal life.
Traces of human inhabitation on the island date back to the earlier neolithic period. Among the many archaeological sites, the most significant is the pre-historic settlement on Gradina hill. On the western coast of the island are located remains of a typical summer residence and temple from Roman times in the Verige Gulf, and on the western shore, very valuable ruins dating from the late ancient-Byzantine period and the Byzantine basilica of St. Mary dating from the 6th century.
Source:
Istria Tourist Board
National park Brijuni