Orbetello Lagoon is one of the best preserved, most unspoiled natural areas in all of Italy as well as Tuscany. This coastal lagoon consists of 1500 hectares of marshland which is separated from the sea on the west and east by two 6km strips of land and by the Argentario headland. The town of Orbetello sits on a third strip of land that stretches into the centre of the lagoon and a bridge connects Orbetello to Mount Argentario, dividing the lagoon into two parts. This all adds up to a visual treat which is both highly unique and supremely beautiful.
With so much to see in this eden-like natural reserve, it's the perfect spot for holidaying nature-lovers. If you happen to fall into that category, just find a holiday rental in Orbetello and get exploring the lagoon.
With so much to see in this eden-like natural reserve, it's the perfect spot for holidaying nature-lovers. If you happen to fall into that category, just find a holiday rental in Orbetello and get exploring the lagoon.
Orbetello Lagoon is partially comprised of a WWF-protected natural reserve which is home to a wide array of wildlife and plants. The area is made up of the lagoon, a sandy tombolo, with fragrant Mediterranean maquis maquis, a pine grove, cultivated fields and is overlooked by Monte Argentario. It is an untouched environment and is situated along one of the most important migratory routes. Therefore, it hosts a rich fauna consisting of about 200 species of water fowls, with ducks, grebes and seagulls and attracts rare migratory birds to nest there such as the pink flamingo and the white heron. The waters of the lagoon, meanwhile, are filled with fish such as bream, eels and snapper. The plant life consists of a coastal pine tree woods and typical Mediterranean scrub vegetation.
The area’s flora includes both marine and domestic pines as well as several varieties of juniper, mirth, holm oaks, mock privets and many more species. In order to admire and explore the area, the WWF organizes guided tours along the “nature paths” which are fitted out with observation spots and huts equipped with illustrative signs. This is necessary to preserve the area which has been carefully protected by the World Environment Fund since 1971.
In addition to this, you can also take time to explore the stunning butterfly garden and the two beaches in the area – the Tombolo della Feniglia and Tombolo della Giannella.
These are beautiful long sandy beaches with coastal pines and Mediterranean shrub. The coasts along Talamone and Ansedonia nearby offer more romantic rocky shores for those after something a little more adventurous.
With so much to see and do, Orbetello Lagoon offers an exciting holiday with plenty of fresh air, time to relax, get away from it all for a while and stretch your legs. This is one corner of Tuscany that you won't want to miss!
In addition to this, you can also take time to explore the stunning butterfly garden and the two beaches in the area – the Tombolo della Feniglia and Tombolo della Giannella.
These are beautiful long sandy beaches with coastal pines and Mediterranean shrub. The coasts along Talamone and Ansedonia nearby offer more romantic rocky shores for those after something a little more adventurous.
With so much to see and do, Orbetello Lagoon offers an exciting holiday with plenty of fresh air, time to relax, get away from it all for a while and stretch your legs. This is one corner of Tuscany that you won't want to miss!
Photo credits
picture 1: GiorgioPro / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: eutrophication&hypoxia / CC BY 2.0;
picture 3: Howardhudson / CC BY 2.5
picture 1: GiorgioPro / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: eutrophication&hypoxia / CC BY 2.0;
picture 3: Howardhudson / CC BY 2.5
