Velo blato, protected area in Croatia
Velo blato is a large wetland area on the island of Pag in Croatia, situated in a natural depression filled with fresh water and covering about 462 hectares. The landscape consists of shallow waters and marshes with dense reeds, rushes, and marsh plants, while rocky terrain with hardy vegetation transitions the southern edges.
The area was designated as a protected reserve in 1988 and is part of the European Natura 2000 network for safeguarding threatened habitats. The wetland formed over centuries through sea level changes and became a critical stopover for migratory birds traveling south across Europe.
The name Velo blato means "Big Marsh" and has long been watched by local people who view the yearly arrival of birds as signs of weather changes and shifting seasons. Today, visitors experience the quiet harmony of water and land, observing how nature functions in a space that remains largely undisturbed by human activity.
You can reach the area via a paved road toward the village of Vlasici and find simple wooden trails and observation towers for viewing. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best conditions for spotting animals and experiencing the peaceful setting without large crowds.
The area once hosted one of Europe's earliest fish farms, established by the Košćina family who took advantage of the natural conditions for raising fish. This early use shows how people traditionally worked with the marsh, while today its protection for birds remains the priority.
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