Molentargius - Saline Regional Park, Regional park and Ramsar site in Metropolitan City of Cagliari, Italy
Molentargius-Saline Regional Park is a protected natural area with freshwater and saltwater lakes separated by a sandy plain, stretching across a large territory between two cities. The park includes viewing huts positioned to help visitors explore on foot, by bicycle, or by boat.
The area was used for salt production starting in the 1830s, maintaining this industry for over a century until operations ended in 1985. In its earlier years, donkeys played an important role in transporting salt across the terrain.
The site still bears traces of its salt-making past, with old canals and buildings from the 1800s left behind by workers who labored here. These structures are woven into the landscape and show how people lived and worked in this wetland for generations.
Visiting is possible year-round, though the migration seasons are best for seeing water birds in large numbers and activity at its peak. The viewing huts are positioned to minimize disturbance to the animals, so watching from them and moving quietly makes the experience better.
The area serves as a critical stopping point for migrating birds traveling between Africa and Europe, as the lakes offer abundant food resources. Raptors and rare species regularly use the site to rest and hunt during their long journeys.
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