Palud Bay is located 8 kilometers southwest of the town of Rovinj, and today is the only ornithological park in Istria. Water from neighboring hills and valleys, as well as northern side springs, intertwines, thus turning this natural depression near the sea into a unique swamp.

During the existence of the Austro-Hungarian military base in Barbariga, a 200 m long canal was dug all the way to the sea in order to prevent the development of mosquito larvae, i.e. malaria vectors. Connecting the sea and the swamp, Palud has attracted new inhabitants such as gray mullet and eel, species that love brackish water. The diversity of migratory bird species is the most important feature of this swamp. Ornithologists have noticed the stay of over 200 species of birds on Palud. Numerous spring and autumn migrations are an excellent opportunity to observe them. As the park is forbidden to hunters, it is rich in pheasants, partridges and quails. The northern part of Palud hides a real rainforest, and seagulls nest on its small islands. Along the arranged trail there is an observation point that facilitates the unobstructed observation of birds in their natural environment and their behavior during feeding, nesting or resting.

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№1 of 37 places in Rovinj
№20 of 2178 places in Croatia
№1 of 1 natural areas in Rovinj
№1 of 88 natural areas in Croatia

Guides in this place

• 27 Unique Places and Attractions That You Must Visit and Try in Croatia
• A Guide for a Three-Day Trip around Istria