Landscapes of the Circeo wetlands

The birds living in Europe find here the ideal conditions for resting. Among these species, more than 90 are cited in the EC Directive 79/409. Along the shores grow very rare herbaceous species, such as the Salicorina dolicostachia; reptiles and amphibians species abound in canals and swamps. Fishery is favored by the particular richness of precious species: it is directly managed by the reserve, by sustainable means and limited to modest quantity of fish. Sports fishery is allowed only along some strips of shore and with special permits. The Circeo lagoons are ideal for whoever enjoys fishing in green, bucolic landscapes. Together with the promontory, this part of the park is particularly appreciated from naturalists and birdwatchers that prefer the coastal lakes because they are an important pause-point for the migratory birds.

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With the lagoons, swamps, ponds, canals and the humid fields, the Circeo wetlands are one of the last examples of this type of humid lakes ecosystem preserved in Europe; this ecosystem was once very popular, along all the low Italian coasts, but that today has almost disappeared, for the battle against the malaria and the agricultural needs. The coastal lagoons surrounded by thick mossy vegetation separate Sabaudia and other small villages from the sea and offer a good picture of what the marshes must have been

like before Mussolini turned the hosepipe to drain the larger wetlands. The wetlands offer suggestive scenarios, evocative of a past wilderness that must have been wild and untouched for centuries before the land reclamation works under Mussolini fascist era. A pause on the bridge that crosses the Paolaa's Lake will allow travelers to enjoy the evocative view the Circeo promontory. A good pair of shoes, a flask of water and a tasty pack lunch will make a glorious day for trekkers who want to conquest the peak of Mount Circeo starting their day trip from the coastal dunes. In the right seasons (early autumn and spring time) these landascapes between misty lagoons, sandy dunes, canals and long beaches are great for beautiful and silent walking in close touch with nature.

            Click on Photos to see the photografies of the Park