Traveling along this itinerary on foot or by bike is an experience not to be missed, both for the magical sensation you get when observing the imposing trees from below, and for the encounters you have with the animals that inhabit the reserve. The fronds of the trees protect from the sun’s rays, which filter only at the top, and even in the height of summer the temperature inside the pine forest is very pleasant. In July and August, thousands of cicadas make their sound, creating a unique background music that will accompany you during your walk.

On the Ansedonia side there is a large car park. Usually you can find a place even if you arrive around eleven. To be on the safe side, maybe bring it forward a little in the summer. From the car park, a short walk takes you to the entrance to the reserve. Inside there is a garrison of forest rangers who supervise the safety of visitors and animals.

Some remains of Roman buildings are located on the left side of the path.
They are not visible from there, but it is interesting to make a small detour to go and see them. Pieces that appear to have belonged to earthenware pottery are still present around the ruins.

Proceeding along the path, you will come to a clearing. This place was chosen by fallow deer and roe deer as their residence. They graze on the area, but they don’t disdain to accept food even from tourists. In the morning you will find them next to the path, waiting for some offers. If you want to bring them something to eat, make sure it is food suitable for them: apples, carrots, salad and other food suitable for herbivorous animals. Don’t give them bread, crackers or biscuits. They are not afraid of people and approach confidently. In the afternoon you will see them crouched to ruminate in the clearing, or under the plants. At that point it will be difficult for them to come closer, since they will be full.

Someone has also seen wild boar entering the forest. Instead, it frequently happens to see a deer or a fawn running across the path.

On the side that leads to the sea, passages open up every kilometer or so that lead to the beach. They are indicated and, depending on where you are, you have to walk more or less to get to the sea. The further you go from the town, towards the central part of the beach, the clearer the water becomes. Although, even near the villages, the water is decidedly clean. Since it is a nature reserve, for a long stretch there are no drains reaching the sea.
Anche in agosto è sempre possibile raggiungere un punto della spiaggia poco affollato, se solo non si hanno problemi a camminare un po’.

Near the sea, visitors to the reserve indulge themselves in creating shelters, on the model of those made in the Maremma Park, using the branches and beached trunks. There is a sense of freedom and oneness with nature.

Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for those who prefer equipped beaches, but only at the two ends of the reserve, in the points closest to the two locations already indicated. There are also restaurants here, especially on the Porto Ercole side, where it is possible to find other car parks.

On the side opposite the sea there are other paths that connect the main route with the other secondary paths that lead to the side of the lagoon. In some places you can glimpse it among the trees. If you are lucky, in the months from autumn to spring you may come across groups of flamingos and other birds. But the points where you can spot them are not many and if you want to be sure of being able to observe them, it is better to contact a local naturalistic guide. For those interested in the ornithological theme nearby there is also the WWF Oasis of the Orbetello Lagoon, reachable from the Aurelia.

Feniglia, like other beaches in the Maremma, is also perfect both for those who want to spend the whole day at the seaside, perhaps interrupting with a nice walk along the shore, and for those who love to alternate the sea with other types of sporting activity, such as hiking, running or cycling.

To best end an already perfect day, we recommend a visit to Porto Ercole or Porto Santo Stefano, on the Argentario, or to Orbetello, to taste the fish specialties and other local products, in a very pleasant atmosphere.

How to reach it