WWF Oasis Lagoon of Orbetello

It is the largest coastal lagoon in Italy and among those that overlook it
on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is part of a series of protected natural areas that affect the Orbetello lagoon. The others are the Dune di Feniglia nature reserve and the Laguna di Orbetello di Ponente nature reserve.

It represents a wetland of international importance. The nature reserve was established in 1998 and occupies an area of 1,533 ha.

Until the sixties, the Orbetello lagoon, a resting and nesting area for numerous species of migratory birds, was an area open to hunting. “The protection of this splendid territory is linked to that of a beautiful
bird, the knight of Italy. In fact, in 1965 Fulco Pratesi and Hardy Reichelt
they discovered that this species had returned to nest in the lagoon and launched an awareness campaign in its defense.” In 1971, at the request of the WWF, a first oasis of approximately 800 hectares was created. It was in 1977 that the area was declared a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar convention and later became a nature reserve.

In addition to the vast bodies of water, which are home to countless species of birds, there are rather large areas with vegetation typical of brackish soils.
A section of the Tombolo della Giannella is included in the protected area. Here the vegetation consists of trees and shrubs, behind a beach characterized by dunes. Agricultural pasture areas, some surfaces of freshwater marshes and maritime pine forests complete the territory of this splendid natural area.

The most important component of the reserve’s fauna is represented by rare species of birds, including the lesser spotted eagle (Aquila pomarina), the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) to name the rarer. Then there are herons, flamingos and ducks in quantity (mallard, teal, shoveler, wigeon, in addition to the elegant pintail).
In the nineties there were the first cases of nesting of the flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus), which today is present in groups of thousands of specimens.
These animals in particular have become one of the symbols of the Maremma and a large number of them have chosen the Maremma area as a place to stay. The others migrate in spring to return to the African coasts.

The lagoon is a paradise for birdwatchers. In addition to the species already indicated, it is also possible to observe the crested cuckoo, the lanner falcon, the marsh harrier, the ferruginous duck, the shelduck, the gray shrike, the stone curlew, the bittern.

One of the most representative presences during the wintering period are the Northern Bald Ibis, extinct in Europe for 400 years, which have returned to Italy thanks to a project started by the Waldrappteam of Vienna.

From the WWF website we quote a description of the routes in the reserve.
“The Orbetello oasis includes three itineraries.

The first itinerary is the Ornithological Trail, which can be traveled from September to April, both freely and with a guided tour; allows the observation of birdlife through a path with 9 observatories; the total length is approximately 1.2 km.

The second is the Sentiero del Bosco di Patanella, where a botanical itinerary is set up, and there are some observatories, which can be visited all year round freely or with a guided tour by reservation; it is about 1 km long.

The third itinerary is the hiking path, which connects the Ceriolo visitor center with the Patanella wood: it is a longer path (about 3 km) that crosses various environments and can be followed all year round, but only with a guided tour on reservation.

Furthermore there is a small nature trail at Casale Giannella, home to the “A. Environmental Education Centre”. Peccei”, where it is possible to visit the exhibition on wetlands and the butterfly garden.

Along the paths there are educational panels that help the visitor in understanding the territory and in recognizing the species present.

Management is carried out by WWF Italy, in agreement with the Ministry of the Environment; part of the area is owned by the Association.

We recommend a visit to this site to all trekking and nature enthusiasts. The presence of numerous observatories allows frequent breaks, and the fact that the entire route is flat means that even the littlest ones can try their hand at the proposed itineraries. Check in advance or on site, depending on the age and training of the children, which path to choose.

The experiences made in nature form the character and are transformed into the most indelible memories of a person. Happy exploring!

After the visit, we advise you to continue to Orbetello and take a walk along the lagoon, up to the point where the Spanish mill is located.
The last remaining of the nine which were built by the Sienese in the fifteenth century and then restored by the Spaniards (hence the name) and which were used to grind wheat, using the power of the current.

If you like to photograph sunset time, it is the most suitable. The sunsets seen from here are among the most unforgettable. In Porto Santo Stefano and Porto Ercole there are many quality restaurants where you can eat fresh fish and taste the specialties prepared with mullet bottarga, a typical local product.

How to reach it