Extending parallel to the coast, Lake Burano and the immediately surrounding district make up one of the most important wetland habitats in Italy in terms of the integrity of the environment and accommodation and teaching facilities. Lago di Burano is a typical Mediterranean coastal lagoon behind a line of sand dunes. A nature trail, with no architectural features to deny access, leads visitors through the various habitats in the sanctuary: from agricultural areas and woodland with oaks of the holm, cork, sessile and downy variety, a residue of the vast tracts of forest that once characterised the Maremma plains, to the dune vegetation at the beach, which is also extremely interesting and rich from the naturalistic point of view. Numerous look-out points allow visitors to observe and photograph the countless bird species that stop off or habitually frequent the reserve: ducks of all kinds, coots, cormorants, herons, little egrets, fish hawks, flamingos and cranes… The scrub is populated by wild rabbits, porcupines, foxes and it is not uncommon to come across tortoises and four-lined snakes. A beautiful Spanish watch-tower with a square plan completes the atmospheric panorama of the lake.

The promontory of Monte Argentario is connected to the mainland by two narrow strips of sand known as tombolo. In between these tomboli is a brackish lagoon which is a haven tor wading birds. The southern tombolo, is completely closed to traffic and is protected as a nature reserve, established by the World Wildlife Fund. This protected area, the Tombola di Feniglia, is known for its long sandy beach lined with pines and protected lagoons for birds including herons, pink Flamingos and Corsican Seagulls.

There are numerous trails and tire breaks that span the entire length of the tombolo or cross over from the lagoon to the beach, allowing a comfortable and peaceful exploration of this rare dune habitat. The Tombolo di Feniglia is 6 kilometers long and only 800 meters wide, so you can chose to walk as little or as tar as you wish. The map and description below details a short 5 kilometer loop that encompasses every habitat on the tombolo, as well as the bird-watching blinds on the lagoon, and the short botanical nature loop. However, it is certainly possible to walk or ride your bike the entire 6 kilometer length, tor a route of more than 12 kilometers, round trip.

Links

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

WWF Oasi

www.wwf.it | Riserva Naturale dello Stato Lago di Burano (it)

Riserva Naturale della Laguna di Orbetello (Grosseto)

Oasi Affiliata Capra Matilda (Grosseto)
In de comune of Roccalbegna, in Cancellone and in dl comune of Semproniano, in Selvignana.

Orbetello