Fažana: The Gateway to the Brijuni Islands
Fažana (Italian: Fasana) is a quiet fishing village on the south-western coast of Istria, 10 kilometres north of Pula. The municipality has 3,463 inhabitants (2021 census) and serves as the main embarkation point for the Brijuni National Park, the 14-island archipelago that was once Yugoslav President Tito's summer residence and was declared a National Park in 1983.
History Fažana has Roman origins: in antiquity it was known as Vasianum and later Phasiana, a name derived from the mass production of ceramic vessels and amphorae in its workshops. Istrian amphorae, used to export olive oil and wine, left this port for destinations throughout the Roman Empire. The Lecanii family, with Senator Gaius Laecanius Bassus at its head, was the first documented owner of the workshops. The Via Flavia, the Roman consular road linking Aquileia with Rijeka, passed through its territory.
Heritage and tourism Daily life in Fažana revolves around its small fishing harbour, sardine fishing, and the Antonio Smareglia seafront promenade. Josip Broz Tito, President of Yugoslavia, spent up to six months a year on the nearby Brijuni Islands, accessible exclusively from Fažana on a 15-minute boat crossing. The National Park Brijuni headquarters, where tickets are purchased, stands beside the pier. A statue dedicated to boxer Mate Parlov —Olympic and world champion— commemorates the athlete who chose Fažana as his final home.
Points of interest: - Population: 3,463 inhabitants (2021 census). - Distances: 10 km from Pula, 50 km from Poreč. - Getting there: By road from Pula (20 min); public bus from Pula. The nearest airport is Pula (12 km).