Lago di Ganzirri, Lagoon in Messina, Italy

Lago di Ganzirri is a lagoon in the northern part of Messina, Italy, separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land. The lagoon is divided into two basins, with the larger one to the north and a smaller one to the south, and its shallow waters are dotted with small boats and fishing nets.

The lagoon formed over centuries as sand and sediment gradually closed off a section of the sea. In the past, it was an important source of fish and shellfish for the local population, and fishing has remained a central activity.

Local fishermen still use traditional methods in the lagoon, and you can see their small boats and nets along the water. The place is also known for its mussel and clam farming, which has shaped the daily life of the nearby village.

The lagoon is easy to reach by car or bus from central Messina, and a walk along its shores takes about an hour at an easy pace. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit, when the light is soft and the fishermen are at work.

The lagoon is home to a small population of a rare type of mollusc that is found in very few other places. Visitors often overlook the tiny channels that connect the two basins, which allow water to flow between them.