Brindisi Nature Parks and Reserves

Southern Italy's Puglia region is home to the beautiful Itria Valley, which spans the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto. Dotted across the Valley are charming towns and historic villages like Ostuni and Alberobello, but there are also several natural parks within an easy drive of Brindisi.

If you are interested in marine life, the Marine Nature Reserve Torre Guaceto lies within the Brindisi and Carovigno municipalities, about half-way between Brindisi and Ostuni. This protected area is managed in combination by the two municipalities with the help of the World Wildlife Fund. The nature reserve is divided into three distinctive habitats, of which one runs along the Punta Penna Grossa at the coast. The nature reserve boasts its own museum and visitor center as well as a 16th century tower that was erected to protect the coastline. The Marine Park is located at Carovigno, tel +39 (0) 831 989976.

The Regional Natural Park of Punta della Contessa is a beautiful saline wetland area that lies between Capo di Torre Cavallo and Punta della Contessa. It was historically used for the extraction of salt. Now these wetlands are home to rare flora and fauna, giving shelter to migratory and domestic birds. The nature reserve is split into two areas, the Salina Vecchia, which spans around 165 hectares, and the slightly smaller Salinella, a terrain not open to the public - it is used by the Military as a firing range. The Saline Vecchia attracts many birdwatchers, as it is a favourite habitat for egrets, mallards, grebes, oyster catchers and redshanks to mention but a few bird species.

A protected area of two forests makes up the Regional Nature Reserve Bosco Santa Teresa and Lucci. It is an ideal for long walks on hot summer days. The forest contains, among many interesting tree species, cork oaks and strawberry trees. In the undergrowth live dormice, hares and porcupines.

Forest life can also be explored at the Regional Nature Reserve Forest Cerano, which is located a short drive from Brindisi at 72027 San Pietro Vernotico.