Palud Ornithological Reserve

Palud is a shallow brackish marsh behind the coast south of Rovinj, and it exists in its present form because of a nineteenth century attempt to drain it: a canal was cut to the sea, which instead let salt water in and produced a permanent brackish lagoon. It was protected in 1955 and is now the most important wetland on the Istrian coast, with over two hundred bird species recorded, including breeding herons and a substantial passage of waders and ducks in spring and autumn. Two hides and a path round the marsh serve visitors. Numbers vary enormously with the season - in high summer it can look empty.

What you actually see

• A marsh made by a failed drainage - the canal let the sea in instead.
• Over two hundred bird species - recorded on the reserve.
• Two hides and a marsh path - the way it is watched.
• Protected since 1955 - the last significant Istrian coastal wetland.

When to go

March to May and September to October for migration; summer is quiet. Half a day.

Honest expectations

In July and August there is often very little to see and the mosquitoes are severe. Binoculars are essential. The track in is gravel. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Rovinj is north; the Premantura peninsula is south.