Parco naturale regionale Porto Selvaggio e Palude del Capitano

Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano is a protected natural park along the coast near Nardò, featuring pine forests, Mediterranean shrubland, and wetland areas. The park's terrain includes coastal cliffs, marshy sections near the water, and wooded zones that together form distinct ecological zones.

Protection of this coastal area began in 1980 when land was donated to establish a nature reserve, and it received formal status as a regional park in 2006. The expansion reflected growing interest in conserving the area's natural character from development pressures.

The park holds meaning for local people as a place where their connection to the coast and its resources remains visible today. Walking through the trails, you notice how traditional ways of living alongside nature still shape how the land is used and cared for.

Several walking trails wind through the park with varying lengths and difficulty levels to suit different visitors. Spring and autumn provide the most pleasant conditions for exploring, as temperatures are moderate and wildlife is more active.

The wetland section serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds traveling long distances along the coast. This area contains aquatic species rarely seen elsewhere in the region, making it ecologically important beyond what most visitors realize.