In short: in Fažana it is worth seeing the fishing promenade and harbour from which boats sail to the Brijuni national park (14 islands, Tito’s former residence); the town keeps its fishing tradition, celebrated by the Fažana sardine festival.
Fažana is a quiet fishing town in the south-west of Istria, best known as the departure harbour for the Brijuni National Park. It sits just eight kilometres from Pula, with a fishing promenade and a relaxed atmosphere. In this guide we go through the sights, beaches and excursions; if you are also interested in the Belgrade to Fažana minibus transfer, how to get there is at the end.
Beaches in Fažana
The beaches are calm, mostly rocky and pebbly, in the shade of pines, with a view of the Brijuni islands across the Fažana channel. The sea is shallow along the shore and suitable for families, and by the promenade there are well-kept bathing areas with sun loungers. For sandy beaches and shallow coves, the south of Istria is nearby — more in the guide what to see in Medulin.
What to see in Fažana and nearby
The Brijuni National Park
The main reason to come to Fažana is the Brijuni National Park — an archipelago of fourteen islands and islets across from the town. From Fažana it is only about fifteen minutes by boat to Veliki Brijun. For decades the Brijuni were the residence of the Yugoslav president Josip Broz Tito, and today they draw visitors with their park, safari garden, ancient remains and golf courses. Boat lines from Fažana run several times a day.
Fishing heritage and the sardine
Fažana has been a fishing town for centuries, something still celebrated today by the traditional Fažana sardine festival. The promenade along the harbour, with its boats and taverns, keeps that atmosphere.
Excursions from Fažana
Nearby are Pula with its Roman Arena and the south of Istria — the protected Cape Kamenjak by Premantura, on a short excursion.
Fažana for families and with children
The shallow water along the shore, the calm beaches and the boat trip to the Brijuni, where children see deer and other animals in the safari garden, make Fažana suitable for a family holiday. The town is small and pedestrian, without big crowds.
Where to eat in Fažana
Along the fishing promenade, fresh fish, sardines and seafood are on offer, alongside Istrian specialities — pršut (prosciutto), truffles and olive oil, accompanied by Malvazija and Teran wines. The evening is relaxed and family-friendly.
How to get to Fažana from Belgrade
For the Belgrade to Fažana minibus transfer we drive door to door, departing from Belgrade. Departure is at night, at around 23:00h for Croatia, so the border is crossed when queues are smallest and you reach Fažana in the morning. The journey is about 650 km, a drive of 7–8 hours.
The price is fixed and free of hidden costs — see the price for Fažana or the whole price list, and we also drive to all the other towns in Istria (Belgrade to Istria transfer). Before the trip, check the border crossings and live cameras too, and read about the whole region in the guide Istria holidays.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to the Brijuni from Fažana?
By boat from the Fažana harbour — the crossing to Veliki Brijun takes about fifteen minutes, and lines run several times a day. Fažana is the main departure point for the Brijuni National Park.
What to see in Fažana?
The fishing promenade and harbour, the departure for the Brijuni National Park and the surrounding beaches; the town itself keeps its fishing tradition, which the Fažana sardine festival also celebrates.
What are the beaches in Fažana like?
Calm, mostly rocky and pebbly, in the shade of pines, with a view of the Brijuni; the sea is shallow along the shore and suitable for families.
Is Fažana good for children?
It is — the shallow water, the calm beaches and the boat trip to the Brijuni with its safari garden make it suitable for a family holiday.
When is the best time for Fažana?
The sea is warm from late May to mid-September, and it is liveliest in July and August. June and September are quieter, with more pleasant temperatures for visiting the Brijuni.
How many days to set aside for Fažana?
A long weekend is enough for the town itself, with a whole day set aside for the trip to the Brijuni; with the surrounding beaches and Pula it is nice to stay longer.
How far is Fažana from Belgrade?
About 650 km, a drive of 7–8 hours. With a night departure from Belgrade (around 23:00h), you reach Fažana in the morning.
