Đurđevac sands or Krvavi peski is an area located east of the town of Đurđevac. It is a geographical and botanical reserve that covers an area of 20 hectares. This area is unique in the Republic of Croatia because of the visible shapes of the sand dunes , and that is why it is also known as the Croatian Sahara . The Đurđevački sands were created by the deposition of sediments from glaciers, and in 1891, the afforestation of this area began. Since it is a geographical area that is not found anywhere else in Croatia, we also find various plant endemic species such as fescue beard, smooth grass, rabbit bush, etc., but also animal endemics, such as about thirty species of butterflies.
Due to the uniqueness of Đurđevački pijesak, there was a need for their preservation at the same time, and the economic and touristic potential of this place was noticed. In addition to endemic animal species, Đurđevački pijesci are home to camels, llamas, donkeys, ponies, sheep, goats and other species that are permanent residents of the small zoo within the reserve. In addition, the Visitor Center in the town of Đurđevac was opened with multimedia educational content from which visitors can learn a lot about deserts and the diversity of their living world. Around the Đurđevački pijesak is the Borik Park-Forest , which stretches over 100 hectares. Originally, the forest was on a smaller area and was expanded by afforestation of this desolate area, and it consists of common and black pine trees, acacia and autochthonous birch trees. There are paths in the forest for walking, running, exercising, cycling and other outdoor activities.
Find out more at:
