The Natural Reserves of Puglia

Riserve in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani

Riserva Naturale Statale Il Monte

State Natural Reserve Il Monte: an oasis of biodiversity

Located near the Salina di Margherita di Savoia, the State Natural Reserve Il Monte is an area of great botanical and faunal importance. Thanks to its variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, pastures and crops, the Reserve is a reference point for the rest, wintering and nesting of numerous avifauna species.

Flora and fauna of the Reserve

The Reserve hosts a rich biodiversity, with a remarkable variety of plant and animal species. Among the birds, the egret, the red heron, the lesser harrier, the Italian knight, the kingfisher and the marsh hawk stand out. These species, along with many others, make the Reserve a place of great interest for birdwatching enthusiasts.

A place of protection and conservation

The State Natural Reserve Il Monte represents an important example of conservation of the natural heritage of the territory. Its management aims at the protection of biodiversity, the preservation of natural habitats and the promotion of scientific research.

Useful information about Riserva Naturale Statale Il Monte

Address: -

City: Margherita di Savoia (BT)

Postal code: 76016

Riserva Naturale Statale Masseria Combattenti

The State Natural Reserve Masseria Combattenti is a fascinating ecosystem located between the rivers Cervone, Candelaro and Celaro. This reserve, once an area of reclaimed alluvial lands, now hosts a rich variety of flora and fauna, making it a place of interest for both nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts.

Salt pan of Margherita di Savoia

One of the most distinctive features of the Reserve is the Salt pan of Margherita di Savoia. This extensive wetland is made up of a series of canals and saltwater basins, where the vegetation is dominated by glassworts, typical of salty lands, and reed beds near the water edges.

Flora and Fauna

The Reserve hosts a variety of plant species such as the gariga, characteristic of Mediterranean environments, and trees like tamarisks and willows. The fauna is equally varied, with migratory avifauna making a stop here during their movements. Among the resident species, we can find the mallard and the marsh hawk, making the Reserve an ideal place for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Thermal center

Beyond its natural wealth, the State Natural Reserve Masseria Combattenti is also a renowned thermal center for salsobromoiodic treatments. These therapies, known for their beneficial properties, attract visitors from all over the world, adding a further element of interest to this fascinating area.

Useful information about Riserva Naturale Statale Masseria Combattenti

Address: -

City: Trinitapoli (BT)

Postal code: 76015

Saline di Margherita di Savoia, Riserve

Discover the Saline of Margherita di Savoia

The Saline of Margherita di Savoia represent an important territorial resource and one of the main tourist attractions of the Tavoliere delle Puglie. They are the largest salt pan in Italy and one of the largest in the Mediterranean, overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

A journey between history and nature

The Saline of Margherita di Savoia are rich in history. Once, this area hosted the Lake Salpi, whose salt deposits were used from the Neolithic, through the Greeks and Romans, to the present day. Territorial changes and evolutions in salt extraction techniques have left important testimonies of industrial archaeology.

Guided tours and educational activities

The place offers a range of services including guided tours, educational activities, ticketing and merchandising. A unique opportunity to discover the charm of the Saline and their important economic and therapeutic role. The red waters or Mother Waters are in fact used in thermal treatments for their therapeutic virtues.

The Historical Museum of the Saline

Worth visiting is the Historical Museum of the Saline, housed in an old salt warehouse adjacent to the sixteenth-century Torre delle Saline. Here you can discover the history and secrets of salt extraction, from Ferdinand I of Bourbon to the present day.

Useful information about Saline di Margherita di Savoia, Riserve

Address: Via Africa Orientale 50

City: Margherita di Savoia (BT)

Postal code: 76016

Services: Visite guidate-Attività didattiche-Biglietteria-Merchandising

Equipment: Sala congressi-Sala Lettura-Sala multimediale-Carta di credito/Bancomat-Parcheggio gratuito

Riserve in the province of Foggia

Area Faunistica del cinghiale

Welcome to the Wild Boar Fauna Area

The Wild Boar Fauna Area extends over an area of about 25 hectares within the Argaria municipal forest. This natural enclosure is the habitat of numerous specimens of wild boar, an animal that is the undisputed protagonist of the Dauni Mountains forests.

A place to observe and learn

The area offers a unique opportunity to observe the wild boar up close and safely. Born from a research on the ethology of the species conducted by the Apennine Ecology Observatory of Roseto Valfortore, today this reserve has an important educational purpose.

Management and Conservation

The management of the area is entrusted to local hunting associations that take care of the specimens, providing them with food supplements so as not to exhaust the reserves of the undergrowth.

Services offered

At the Wild Boar Fauna Area, it is possible to take advantage of guided tours and educational activities, with the possibility of accepting groups. A unique experience to get closer to nature and the world of wild boars.

Useful information about Area Faunistica del cinghiale

Address: SP 130 Alberona - Lucera

City: Alberona (FG)

Postal code: 71031

Services: Visite guidate-Attività didattiche-Accettazione gruppi

Riserva degli Sfilzi

Discover the Sfilzi Reserve in the Gargano National Park

Immersed in the majestic Umbra Forest, the Sfilzi Reserve is a woodland area of considerable naturalistic interest. It extends for about 56 hectares in a mountainous area of Gargano, at an altitude of 359 meters above sea level. The environment, unique in its kind, reflects a habitat very widespread in the Mediterranean basin in prehistoric times, now almost disappeared.

The flora and fauna of the Reserve

The reserve is a true paradise for nature lovers. Visitors can admire interesting examples of vegetation such as beech, oak, and maple bushes. In addition, it is possible to observe several animal species, including the wild cat and the blackbird.

The Sfilzi fountain

A particularly interesting element in the Reserve is the Sfilzi fountain, the only perennial source existing in the area. This source of pure and crystalline water represents an essential element for the survival of the rich local fauna.

Visit the Reserve

The Sfilzi Reserve is accessible, with prior authorization, only for educational and scientific purposes. A visit to this place allows you to discover a rare and precious ecosystem, a witness to a distant past.

Useful information about Riserva degli Sfilzi

Address: Riserva Statale Sfilzi

City: Vico del Gargano (FG)

Postal code: 71018

Services: Biglietteria-Offerte ricreative

Riserva Monte Barone

Welcome to the Monte Barone Nature Reserve

The Monte Barone Nature Reserve is located in the heart of the province of Foggia, on a southern slope of the Gargano promontory. This nature reserve extends over an area of 124 hectares, and represents one of the areas of greatest biodiversity in the territory.

Flora and Fauna of the Reserve

The reserve is distinguished by the presence of a lush Aleppo pine forest. The undergrowth is characterized by a rich variety of tree and shrub species of the Mediterranean scrub, among which stand out the holm oak, the mastic, the Phillyrea, the wild olive and the rosemary. This floristic diversity makes the Reserve an ideal habitat for numerous animals.

The fauna present in the reserve is very varied. Among the mammals you can meet the hare, the hedgehog, the fox and the badger. The sky is dominated by numerous species of birds, including the wood pigeon, the dove, the blackbird, and various species of tits and finches.

Non-wooded areas and rocky habitats

Outside the wooded areas, the Monte Barone nature reserve offers interesting views of macchia-gariga and pseudo-steppe with herbaceous plants. In addition, in some areas of the reserve fascinating rocky habitats emerge, making this place even more unique and fascinating.

Useful information about Riserva Monte Barone

Address: -

City: Mattinata (FG)

Postal code: 71030

Riserva Naturale Statale Falascone

Welcome to the State Natural Reserve Falascone

Immersed in the Gargano National Park, the State Natural Reserve Falascone is an authentic pearl of biodiversity. Born in 1971, this reserve is located in the territory of Monte Sant'Angelo and extends over an area of 48 hectares.

The Flora of the Reserve

The reserve is a fragment of the famous Umbra Forest. Its vegetation is rich in broadleaf and beech, with a predominance of maples and hornbeams that create a green and lush landscape.

The Fauna of the Reserve

Among the wildlife, you can spot the roe deer, the badger, the wild cat, the marten, the dormouse and a variety of bird species. A wealth of biodiversity that makes the Reserve a fascinating place for nature lovers.

Visit the State Natural Reserve Falascone

A visit to the State Natural Reserve Falascone is an unforgettable experience for every nature enthusiast, a unique opportunity to discover the beauty and variety of the flora and fauna of the Gargano National Park.

Useful information about Riserva Naturale Statale Falascone

Address: -

City: Monte Sant'Angelo (FG)

Postal code: 71037

Foresta Umbra

Useful information about Foresta Umbra

Address: Strada Statale 89 Vieste - Peschici

City: Vico del Gargano (FG)

Postal code: 71037

Bosco di Ischitella e Carpino

Wood of Ischitella and Carpino: a green oasis in the Gargano National Park

The Wood of Ischitella and Carpino stands out as a unique natural reserve for the variety of species present in its woodland surface. This reserve is a real jewel of the Gargano National Park, offering a total immersion in nature and an escape from the chaos of everyday life.

Flora of the Wood of Ischitella and Carpino

The wood is mainly made up of holm oaks and beeches, which in some points reach such low altitudes that they are defined as 'depressed beech forests'. Descending in altitude, up to 250 meters above sea level, you will encounter lush and majestic beeches, which thrive despite the conditions of sunny soil and water scarcity, thanks to the microclimate and exposure to prevailing winds.

Fauna of the Wood of Ischitella and Carpino

As for the fauna, the reserve hosts various mammals such as the wild cat and the roe deer. It is also an ideal habitat for various birds, including birds of prey and the woodpecker. The presence of these species contributes to making the Wood of Ischitella and Carpino a place of great interest for birdwatching enthusiasts and wild nature.

Useful information about Bosco di Ischitella e Carpino

Address: Via Sant'Antonio Abate - Frazione Foce Varano 121

City: Ischitella (FG)

Postal code: 71010

Lago di Lesina, Riserve

Introduction to Lake Lesina

Located in the heart of the Gargano National Park, Lake Lesina is a brackish lagoon of incomparable beauty. This unique ecosystem is located between the Tavoliere delle Puglie and the Gargano promontory, offering a natural spectacle of rare beauty.

Characteristics of Lake Lesina

22 km long and 2.4 km wide, it is considered the second largest lake in southern Italy. The lagoon communicates with the Adriatic Sea through two channels, the Acquarotta and the Schiapparo. Note that the lake is separated from the sea by an impressive 16 km dune cord, known as Bosco Isola.

Avifauna of Lake Lesina

Lake Lesina is a real paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, thanks to the presence of a rich avifauna. Among the species present stand out the cormorant, the egret, the marsh hawk, the knight of Italy, the pink seagull and the kingfisher.

Natural Reserve

Lake Lesina is one of the most important natural reserves of the Gargano National Park, an area of great environmental and landscape value. Its importance is recognized internationally, so much so that it is included among the protected areas of Europe.

Useful information about Lago di Lesina, Riserve

Address: Lago di Lesina

City: Lesina (FG)

Postal code: 71010

Palude di Frattarolo

Frattarolo Swamp Nature Reserve: a jewel in the Gargano National Park

The Frattarolo Swamp Nature Reserve is a protected area of considerable importance located in the Municipality of Manfredonia, in the province of Foggia. It occupies an extensive territory of 257 hectares in the heart of the Gargano National Park, one of the most beautiful and biodiverse natural areas in the whole of Puglia.

Flora and Fauna of the Frattarolo Swamp

The reserve offers a marshy habitat that stands out for the variety and richness of its flora and fauna. Among the birds that find rest and nesting are the grey heron, the Italian knight, the water hen, the coot and the marsh hawk. The vegetation is equally varied and depends on the type of soil and salinity: you can observe expanses of salicornia, tamarisks and willows.

Visit to the Frattarolo Swamp Nature Reserve

The visit to the Frattarolo Swamp Nature Reserve represents a unique experience for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The area, easily accessible, offers routes and itineraries to observe flora and fauna up close, immersing yourself in a natural environment of rare beauty.

Useful information about Palude di Frattarolo

Address: -

City: Manfredonia (FG)

Postal code: 71043

Riserve in the province of Brindisi

Riserva naturale regionale orientata Bosco di Cerano

Regional Nature Reserve Bosco di Cerano: a corner of paradise

The Regional Nature Reserve Bosco di Cerano, also known as 'Tramazzone', is a precious oasis of biodiversity located between the municipalities of Brindisi and San Pietro Vernotico. This reserve guards the last remnant of what was once a vast forest that covered much of the coast.

Flora and fauna of the Reserve

The Bosco di Cerano extends over an area of about a thousand hectares, and its flora is dominated by the presence of the oak, the elm and the black hornbeam. But it's not just the vegetation that reigns: the reserve is populated by a wide variety of fauna. Badgers, foxes and rodents are just some of the species that can be encountered. In addition, the reserve is a real paradise for bird lovers, hosting about 60 different species, including owlets, goldfinches, finches, blackcaps and nightingales.

A place of interest for everyone

The Regional Nature Reserve Bosco di Cerano represents a point of interest not only for nature and birdwatching enthusiasts, but also for those looking for a place to relax and enjoy some tranquility. A real jewel of nature to discover and preserve.

Useful information about Riserva naturale regionale orientata Bosco di Cerano

Address: SP87

City: San Pietro Vernotico (BR)

Postal code: 72027

Services: Informazioni

Equipment: Punto di sosta

Riserva Naturale Statale Torre Guaceto

State Natural Reserve Torre Guaceto: a jewel of Alto Salento

Located about 30 kilometers from Brindisi, the State Natural Reserve Torre Guaceto is a corner of paradise that extends for about 1,200 hectares along the Adriatic coast. This natural reserve is divided into two areas: the first characterized by imposing dunes, marshes and centuries-old olive groves, the second, a wetland, is a perfect habitat for birds, amphibians and insects.

Services and Activities

The reserve offers a variety of services including shuttle service, guided tours, bike rental, educational activities, a refreshment point and much more. The numerous sports and recreational activities available include trekking, cycling and seawatching, making the State Natural Reserve Torre Guaceto an ideal place for nature and adventure lovers.

Al Gawsit Visitor Center

To start your visit to Torre Guaceto, the starting point is the Al Gawsit Visitor Center. From here you can organize your visit and discover everything the reserve has to offer. Whether you are a birdwatching enthusiast, a hiking lover or simply looking for a bit of tranquility, the State Natural Reserve Torre Guaceto has something to offer everyone.

Useful information about Riserva Naturale Statale Torre Guaceto

Address: Via SS. Crocifisso

City: Carovigno (BR)

Postal code: 72012

Services: Servizio Navetta-Visite guidate-Disponibilità e noleggio bici-Attività didattiche-Bar - Punto ristoro-Accettazione gruppi-Merchandising -Offerte ricreative

Equipment: Sala multimediale-Carta di credito/Bancomat-Parcheggio gratuito

Riserva naturale regionale orientata Boschi di Santa Teresa e dei Lucci

Natural Reserve Boschi di Santa Teresa and dei Lucci: A Treasure of Salento

The Natural Reserve Boschi di Santa Teresa and dei Lucci represents an invaluable heritage in the heart of Salento. This oriented regional reserve is one of the few places where you can admire the cork oak forest, a species of rare beauty and fundamental importance from a bio-geographical point of view.

The lush and fragrant undergrowth hosts typical species of the Mediterranean scrub, among which the elusive Apulian heather and the strawberry tree stand out, plants that cannot be traced in other corners of Salento.

A Refuge for Local Fauna

The reserve constitutes a safe refuge for numerous animal species. Here you can find the porcupine, the hare, the squirrel and the dormouse, creatures that have made these woods their home. The sky above the reserve is marked by the flight of numerous species of birds, such as the blackbird, the woodpecker, the blackcap and the robin.

An Immersive Experience in Mediterranean Nature

Visiting the Natural Reserve Boschi di Santa Teresa and dei Lucci means immersing yourself in a unique experience, a journey through the diversity and beauty of Mediterranean nature. Framed by cultivated fields, the woods represent an oasis of peace and tranquility, ideal for those who want to reconnect with nature and discover an uncontaminated corner of Salento.

Useful information about Riserva naturale regionale orientata Boschi di Santa Teresa e dei Lucci

Address: Via Appia antica

City: Brindisi (BR)

Postal code: 72100

Riserve in the province of Taranto

Riserva Naturale Statale Stornara

Welcome to the Stornara State Natural Reserve

Located between the fascinating regions of Puglia and Basilicata, the Stornara State Natural Reserve is an environmental jewel that extends over 1,501 hectares in the coastal strip of the Ionian Arc of Taranto.

The Flora of the Reserve

The Reserve is famous for its coastal forest, dominated by a lush pine forest of Aleppo pines, a typically Mediterranean conifer capable of withstanding high temperatures and aridity. These pine forests are characterized by an intense scent released by the shrubs and the uninterrupted chirping of cicadas among the branches.

The Wetlands and Coastal Towers

The Reserve preserves important wetlands, including the prominent Lake Salinella. Along the coast, you can find the watchtowers of Torre Marinella, Torre Mattoni, Torre della Marina and Torre Lato.

The Fauna of the Reserve

The name 'Stornara' comes from the numerous starlings that migrate here in winter, but they are not the only inhabitants of the sky of this Reserve. Here you can also admire herons, mallards, white storks, robins, warblers, cuckoos and red woodpeckers.

Useful information about Riserva Naturale Statale Stornara

Address: -

City: Castellaneta (TA)

Postal code: 74011

Riserve naturali regionali orientate del litorale tarantino orientale

Welcome to the Oriented Regional Natural Reserves of the Eastern Taranto Coastline

The Oriented Regional Natural Reserves of the Eastern Taranto Coastline represent a real natural jewel of the municipality of Manduria, in the province of Taranto. Covering an area of 1,113 hectares, the reserves consist of two territorial nuclei that offer a variety of ecosystems and breathtaking landscapes.

Explore the woods of Cuturi and Rosa Marina

The first nucleus includes the woods of Cuturi and Rosa Marina, dominated by the scent of the tall holm oak and the Mediterranean scrub. These woods lead to the coast, where the mouth of the Chidro is located, a karst spring of remarkable beauty.

Discover the salt pans of Torre Colimena and the Palude del Conte

The second nucleus includes the coastal areas of the saline of Torre Colimena and the Palude del Conte, characterized by dunes and salt steppes that host a rich fauna of aquatic migrants. The landscape is enriched by junipers that crown the dunes, creating a natural spectacle not to be missed.

Services offered

• Sanitary services and showers
• Guided tours
• Luggage storage
• Availability and bike rental
• Welcome Desk
• Educational activities
• Group acceptance
• Recreational offers

The Oriented Regional Natural Reserves of the Eastern Taranto Coastline are ideal for nature lovers, offering a wide range of services to ensure a unique and unforgettable experience.

Useful information about Riserve naturali regionali orientate del litorale tarantino orientale

Address: Strada provinciale 137

City: Manduria (TA)

Postal code: 74024

Services: Servizi Igienici e docce-Visite guidate-Deposito bagagli-Disponibilità e noleggio bici-Welcome Desk-Attività didattiche-Accettazione gruppi-Offerte ricreative

Equipment: Sala congressi-Sala multimediale-Parcheggio gratuito-Guardaroba

Murge orientali

Welcome to the Eastern Murge

Discover the Oriented Natural Reserve 'Eastern Murge', a true natural jewel that extends for a good 733 hectares in the territories of Martina Franca and Massafra. The environment is typical of the Murgia, a landscape characterized by outcrops of limestone rocks and derived soils.

Flora and fauna of the reserve

Immerse yourself in the lush vegetation, characterized by coppice forests of downy oak and the fragrant Mediterranean scrub. The reserve is an ideal habitat for numerous mammals, including wild boars, foxes, hedgehogs, martens and hares, as well as a variety of birds such as the robin, the oriole, the goldfinch and the hoopoe.

The ravines of the Eastern Murge

In the heart of the reserve there are as many as 150 ravines, among which the Gravina Madonna della Scala in the Municipality of Massafra stands out. This ravine hosts a fascinating medieval cave village and more than 600 plant species.

Visit the Oriented Natural Reserve 'Eastern Murge' and let yourself be fascinated by its rich ecosystem and its natural beauties.

Useful information about Murge orientali

Address: -

City: Martina Franca (TA)

Postal code: 74015

Riserva naturale regionale orientata Bosco delle Pianelle

Welcome to the Regional Nature Reserve Bosco delle Pianelle

Immersed in the territory of Martina Franca, on the border with the municipalities of Crispiano and Massafra, the reserve extends over an area of 1,205 hectares. A place where nature reigns supreme and offers a unique spectacle for its richness and floral variety.

A treasure of biodiversity

The forest is characterized by the phenomenon of thermal inversion which allows extraordinary plant diversity. You can admire the Gravina del Vuolo, famous for the presence of the Grotta del Sergente Romano, the presumed refuge of the last brigand of Puglia. Among the faunal species present, the weasel, the badger and the fox stand out.

Discover the activities of the reserve

The reserve offers the possibility of hiking or cycling along over 15 kilometers of equipped trails. There are picnic areas for a relaxing break and a guesthouse for those who wish to extend their visit with an overnight stay.

Services offered

• Guided tours
• Availability and bike rental
• Educational activities

Choose Bosco delle Pianelle for your next adventure in nature.

Useful information about Riserva naturale regionale orientata Bosco delle Pianelle

Address: Strada provinciale Martina Franca-Massafra

City: Martina Franca (TA)

Postal code: 74015

Services: Visite guidate-Disponibilità e noleggio bici-Attività didattiche

Equipment: Parcheggio gratuito

Riserva Naturale 'Oasi Gravina di Laterza'

Natural Reserve 'Oasis Gravina di Laterza'

The Natural Reserve 'Oasis Gravina di Laterza' extends over 800 hectares in the heart of the Regional Natural Park Terra delle Gravine. A unique example of the karst-tectonic phenomenon, considered among the most representative at the European level.

A protected oasis

The reserve, under protection since 1984, is managed by the Italian Bird Protection League (Lipu) since 1999. A place of protection and conservation for numerous bird species, including several endangered raptors.

A typically Mediterranean habitat

The Gravina di Laterza offers a typically Mediterranean habitat, with pine forests, fragno oaks and holm oak forests. A wealth of vegetation that reflects the biodiversity of the area.

Services

The reserve offers a guide service, to allow visitors to discover and appreciate the beauties and peculiarities of this fascinating corner of nature.

Useful information about Riserva Naturale 'Oasi Gravina di Laterza'

Address: Via Selva San Vito

City: Laterza (TA)

Postal code: 74014

Services: Guida

Equipment: Punto di sosta

Riserve in the province of Bari

Riserva naturale regionale orientata dei Laghi di Conversano e Gravina di Monsignore, Riserve

The Regional Nature Reserve of Conversano Lakes and Monsignore Gravina is a natural jewel located in the territory of Conversano. The reserve is characterized by a group of ten karst sinkholes, typical geological formations of the Murgia, which function as collection wells for surface water.

The landscape is enriched by the Monsignore Gravina, a karst incision that extends from the highest levels of the south-east Murgia to the coast. This geological phenomenon offers a unique and fascinating naturalistic picture.

Wooded Areas and Karst Landscapes

The alternation of wooded areas, pastures, arable land and olive groves creates a diversified and charming rural landscape. The territory is distinguished by surface karst phenomena and by the dry stone rural landscape with walls, 'casedde' and 'specchie', testimonies of the ancient peasant civilization of the region.

Archaeological Areas

Of particular interest are the archaeological areas located near some lakes. Among these, the Castiglione Tower and Agnano stand out, offering a dive into the historical past of the region. These areas, in fact, have been the scene of important archaeological discoveries that have allowed to reconstruct the history of this area.

Useful information about Riserva naturale regionale orientata dei Laghi di Conversano e Gravina di Monsignore, Riserve

Address: Conversano

City: Conversano (BA)

Postal code: 70014