Ultimate Croatia Birding experience 2026

About this trip

Embark on an unforgettable birding adventure with our 10-day birding trip in May 2025 in Croatia. Experience the bird migration, while exploring some of the most stunning and diverse natural habitats of Croatia. Visit some of the most iconic places in Croatia, accompanied by experienced bird guide who will help you identify and observe a wide variety of bird species. Travel along the breath-taking Adriatic coast, where you can witness a variety of shorebirds, ducks and songbirds, as well as many different migrating birds. Visit some of the best birding hotspots in the region, while we ensure your comfort with comfortable accommodations and transportation. We will provide you with all the necessary information on the bird species and their habitats, making your birding experience both educational and enjoyable.

Expected species count: 160-195 species

Overview

Day 1

Birding tour will start in the Zagreb area, with an easy first day of the trip, going to some of the most visited birding hotspots in the area. Along the birds, we will have a chance to see European Beaver and Roe Deer. Whiskered and Common Terns, along with the Great and Common Reed Warblers will greet us in the reeds and marsh areas, while Great Spotted and Grey-headed Woodpecker will greet us from forests and parks.

Day 2

A short drive from Zagreb will take us to Lonjsko polje Nature Park area, one of the largest wetland areas in Europe and a prime location for birdwatching. Lonjsko polje area has the biggest number of White Stork nests in Croatia, especially in the Čigoč village. Forests area will provide us with many viewing opportunities of Black Stork, Short-toed Treecreeper and Eurasian Nuthatch. Purple Herons, Ferruginous Ducks and many more species will be around the ponds and river Sava.

Day 3

Plitvice lakes National Park needs no introduction. Besides the gorgeous cascades, and roam in the oldest primeval forest in Croatia. Under the stunning waterfalls, find the hopping White-throated Dipper, with many Collared Flycatchers and Eurasian Treecreepers calling from the trees. We will visit the pastures in the area, where we will look for Corn Bunting and Lesser Grey Shrike, while many Eurasian Skylarks fly overhead.

Day 4

First day in northern Dalmatia, we will visit Paklenica National Park area, visit southern Velebit area and observe some of the birds of proper karst habitats, such as Western Rock Nuthatch and Eastern Black-eared Wheatear. Rock cliffs represent the perfect nesting habitats for Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Crag-Marting and Golden Eagle. With just a little bit of luck, we will observe some of the harder to see birds, such as the Ortolan Bunting.

Day 5

Pag island is probably the best place for birding in Croatia. Being the first piece of land when flying over the Adriatic, it is the best place to witness the magnificent bird migration. Eurasian Thick-knee and Little Owl call the Pag island home, and can be seen and heard from many rocky fields and stone walls. The island is also the best place to see the Rock Partridge, one of the most iconic birds of Croatia.

Day 6

The Vransko Lake Nature Park is home to a wide range of bird species. You will have the opportunity to witness several raptor species, such as the Western Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, and Short-toed Snake Eagle. The Park is a significant stopover for several migratory birds, and during spring and autumn, you can witness thousands of birds from different species passing through the Park. The Park is also a vital nesting area for several bird species, including the Pygmy Cormorant, Grey and Purple Heron. Apart from birdwatching, you can also enjoy the park’s natural beauty, including the stunning scenery of the Vransko Lake, the largest natural lake in Croatia, and the breath-taking view of the Kornati Islands.

Day 7

With many unique habitats in Krka National Park area, we will have a chance to observe several unique species. Calandra Lark and Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush will be found in the karst fields, alongside Wood Larks. Many raptor species can be found in the area, such as European Honey Buzzard, Red-footed Falcon and Short-toed Snake Eagle.

Day 8

A thrilling day in the Cetina River area, which includes several adjacent karst fields. These areas offer a variety of habitats, from wet pastures and flooded meadows to dry grasslands and rocky canyons. This tour provides a unique opportunity to observe a range of bird species, including the elusive Pallid Harrier on its northbound migration.

Day 9

In the stunning Neretva delta of Croatia, you will have the opportunity to observe a diverse range of bird species that call this unique wetland home. Our expert bird guides will lead you to the best hotspots in the area, providing valuable insights into the local birdlife and their habitats. You will have the chance to observe a variety of water birds, including the Great Egret, Little Egret, and Spoonbill. Many Pygmy Cormorants are in the area, with Zitting Cisticola singing from the tall grasses. In addition to these species, you can also observe several migratory birds that pass through the region, such as the Northern Wheatear and many flying European Bee-eaters.

Day 10

In the early morning, we will visit the Neretva delta river mouth, before we embark on a boat tour in lake Kuti. Catching some last views of Eurasian Coot, Little Grebe and Eurasian Moorhen, we will slowly bring this trip to the end. After the boat tour, we will slowly head back toward Zagreb.