Palud near Rovinj: birdwatching in the wetland reserve

Updated October 14, 2026.

Palud is a wetland reserve south of Rovinj with a hide beside the trail. Its birdlife changes with migration, breeding and wintering seasons.

A wetland connected to the sea

At Palud, freshwater from the surrounding land and springs mixes with seawater. A canal about 200 metres long was dug during Austro-Hungarian rule, when a military base operated at Barbariga, in an attempt to control mosquitoes that carried malaria. This created a brackish habitat where mullet and eels live alongside the wetland birds.

Around 230 bird species have been recorded across the reserve over the years. That total includes passage migrants, so what you see on any visit depends on the season.

Walking to the bird hide

From the road between Rovinj and Pula, turn towards Veštar, then follow the gravel road towards Cisterna and Palud. Parking is at the main entrance, beneath the old oak tree. Continue on foot along the trail, with its bird hide. Wear footwear suitable for walking outdoors.

Binoculars let you watch birds feeding and resting from a distance, without approaching the wetland edge. Inside the ranger station is a small permanent exhibition of photographs of Palud's birds. For families with children, this is a slow outing with plenty of pauses to look and listen, keeping quiet at the hide.

Visiting without disturbing the birds

Disturbing wildlife, picking plants, camping and lighting fires are prohibited in the reserve. Leave your car at the entrance and take your litter away. Organised bird ringing and expert-led visits are separate Natura Histrica programmes with announced dates and registration, not a regular service available on every independent visit.

Local cooperation also plays a part in protecting Palud. A wetland management agreement signed by 17 stakeholders through the CREW project formed the basis of the story that placed Istria among the world's 100 examples of good practice in sustainable destinations in 2021.

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