Full of ancient Roman ruins to medieval castles, all set against the most beautiful natural beauty imaginable, Croatia might just be one of Europe’s more underrated destinations. It is perfect for anyone looking for natural beaches, forests and historic towns.
Found in the Istiran penisula is Papago Park. This park is a lush forest full of walking and hiking trails, oh! And did we forget to mention over 30 different species of birds? In this post, we are going to map out Papago Park Croatia and share what you can see, do and expect here. For travellers planning to explore this area, Solis Poreč is the perfect base camp, with many rental properties located nearby, offering comfort and easy accessibility.
Discover the Natural Beauty of Papago Park Croatia
Found not too far away from the stunning ancient city of Poreč, Papago Park is an eco-park that is 30,000 square meters catering to the preservation of fowl and exotic birds, including cockatoos, budgerigars, blue Indian peafowl and golden diamond pheasants. The area is full of lush greenery and dense forests with plenty of beautiful viewpoints scattered around the park.
Timing your visit to the park is very important! The best times to visit are during the spring and early summer months when all the plants and flowers are in full bloom and many of the birds are nesting. Alternatively, early autumn is also a nice time to visit since temperatures are cooler and more bearable with fewer crowds.
When planning for your visit to Papago Park near Poreč, it is important to pack sturdy walking shoes and depending on the season, comfortable layers of clothing so that you can either add on or take off throughout the day. Of course, essentials like water and snacks are important, but be mindful of where you eat and leave trash, as the birds are highly sensitive to food.
Getting to Papago Park from Poreč is easy, especially by car since it is only a 12-minute drive. Renting a vehicle is the easiest option for those looking to explore nearby areas and do other day trips, but an alternative is to take local transport services as a few buses and shuttles take you near the park’s entrance. For only €4.20 you can hop on a bus from the central Poreč bus station to Červar-porat, where you will need to get off and walk for 10 minutes to the park entrance.
Outdoor Activities in Papago Park Croatia
Papago Park is ideal for a fun day in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature! The park has an intricate variety of walking trails that are perfect and easy to follow for families and beginner hikers. Make sure to get a map of the park provided at the entrance to help you plan your routes and see your desired birds along the way. Undoubtedly, bird watching is the highlight of activities at Papago Park, with its diverse habitats, it’s the perfect place for bird enthusiasts.
Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon are prime times for bird watching, as these are when the birds are most active. Binoculars and a bird guidebook can be a great help to identify different species. However, the park is well-marked and descriptive signs about the specific bird species are indicated along the way.
Explore the Fauna and Flora of Papago Park Croatia
Papago Park Croatia is full of biodiversity, with plenty of different animal and plant species thriving within the park. There are 200 birds living at the bird sanctuary, along with other local forest animals native to the peninsula of Istria, such as tortoises, deer and if you are lucky, a lynx. Apart from the park and walking trails, there is also a nearby meadow full of local wildflowers and the perfect spot for a picnic.
Remember that when exploring Papago Park there are several practices you should follow to be mindful of the environment:
- Stay on designated paths
- Use binoculars for bird watching * This allows you to observe the birds without getting too close and causing stress.
- Do not pick plants or disturb the wildlife
For those interested in learning more, the park offers guided tours and educational programmes, led by the park’s experienced staff. You will learn about endangered bird species and even get to interact with some of the birds on site.
Points of Interest in Papago Park Croatia
The park is the perfect place to spend the afternoon, especially for families and children who are looking for a cool area to beat the heat.
Once you enter the park, you are initially greeted by Tiago, the park’s most famous feathered resident. From there, you are welcome to walk through the many well-indicated paths or take your guided tour to visit the different variations of birds like macowns, parrots, and even emus. There is a small pond and creek in the centre of the park, where all the waterfowl are located, such as ducks and geese. On site, there is also a small cafeteria and indoor pavilion.
Extra Tips
- Entrance fees into the park are €8 for children 15 years old and under and €10 for adults.
- The park is closed for the majority of the winter months, about mid-November until April and opening hours are from 10 am to 5 pm.
*Please make sure to check with the park’s official site and as times are subject to change - There is on-site parking if you are arriving by car.
Come and Visit Papago Park Croatia
A trip to Poreč is the perfect destination for nature lovers and families. Papago Park is a unique plan near the city that not only is educational and interesting but also beautiful! The park is well equipped with all the needed amenities and the staff are extremely friendly and helpful.
Offering comfort and convenience, Solic Poreč is your ideal accommodation provider. With a variety of properties ranging in size and services, plan your trip to the Istrian peninsula with ease.
