Belene Island

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Belene Island

Belene Island, also known as Persin Island, is the largest island in Bulgarian waters in the Danube River. The Danube splits around the island, with the north branch forming Bulgaria’s border with Romania, so Belene Island is Bulgarian territory. It is about 14.5 kilometers long and up to 6 kilometers wide, covering about 41 square kilometers on average (parts of the island can be flooded at high tide). The island lies north of the town of Belene and is connected to it by a pontoon bridge.

Belene Island is part of the Belene Islands Complex and Persina Natural Park. It is home to more than 170 bird species, including the glossy ibis, pygmy cormorant, lesser grey shrike, and red-breasted goose. The flora includes willows, poplars, and aspens, with some arable land. The island was formed from alluvial sediments.

Historically, the island is known for the Belene concentration camp, which held political prisoners from 1949–1953 and 1956–1959. Today the western part houses Belene Prison, while the eastern part is a managed natural reserve.

Nearby Cinghinarele Island saw a battle in early October 1916 during World War I.

See also: List of islands in Bulgaria.