Fažana

Fažana, a small coastal village in southwestern Istria, sits 8 kilometers from Pula and across from the Brijuni Islands. From its active fishing port, you'll see fishermen unloading fresh sardines each morning. Walk through narrow streets past the 15th-century Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano, stop at one of the waterfront restaurants for grilled fish, or swim at the calm beaches while looking out to the Brijuni archipelago.

Getting to Fažana

Pula Airport is 20 minutes away by taxi or rental car. From Pula's bus station, regular buses run to Fažana throughout the day. If driving, take the Istrian Y motorway to Vodnjan south exit, then follow road 21 and Galižanska cesta to reach the village.

Swimming and Beaches

Stara Fažana Beach extends 300 meters north of the harbor, with pebbles and concrete platforms for sunbathing. The South Beach runs along an olive tree-lined avenue and has a mix of pebbles and rocky areas. Both beaches have shallow waters reaching knee-depth for about 20 meters out, making them safe for children. You'll find showers, changing rooms, and beach bars at both locations. The Hidrobaza beach near Štinjan, built around a former Italian seaplane base, has concrete platforms and deeper water for swimming.

Brijuni National Park Access

All boat excursions to Brijuni National Park depart from Fažana's harbor. The crossing takes 15 minutes, with boats leaving every hour during summer (less frequently in winter). The archipelago includes 14 islands with Roman ruins, a safari park, and former presidential residences. Book your boat tour at the reception building on the waterfront.

Local Food and Fishing Culture

Each morning, you can watch local fishermen use flat-bottomed batana boats to bring in their catch. The August Sardine Festival includes cooking demonstrations where you can learn local preparation methods. Waterfront restaurants serve fresh seafood straight from the morning catch, with sardines grilled, marinated, or salt-cured. Local olive groves produce oil using both modern and centuries-old pressing techniques.

Religious Architecture

The Church of Saints Cosma and Damiano stands one meter above sea level near the harbor. Its 27-meter Gothic bell tower contains Renaissance paintings, including Giorgio Ventura's Ultima Cena from 1598. Inside the Church of Santa Maria del Carmelo, you'll find 15th-century frescoes. The Church of Sant'Eliseo, dating to the 6th century, incorporates stones from an earlier Roman palace in its walls.

Day Trips from Fažana

Visit Pula's Roman amphitheater, 15 minutes away by car or bus. Drive 30 minutes to explore Rovinj's narrow streets and art galleries. The Punta Christo fortress, an Austro-Hungarian military structure with intact gun emplacements and underground tunnels, lies just outside Fažana.