Riserva naturale Po di Volano

The Po di Volano Reserve is a protected natural area along the Adriatic coast in Ferrara Province featuring pine forests, wetlands, and sandy dunes formed by marine deposits. The landscape extends between two beach towns and displays different habitats within a relatively compact zone.

The protected area was established by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture in 1977 to safeguard the coastal dunes. This designation marked the start of systematic management of the land as a conservation zone.

The reserve demonstrates how forest management and conservation work together, with maritime pines and native oaks sharing the coastal landscape. Visitors walk through these woods to watch birds that nest and rest here throughout the year.

The area can be explored via a network of marked trails connecting two beach towns and open to cyclists. Spring and autumn offer the best visiting conditions, with pleasant weather and large numbers of migrating birds passing through.

Natural sand bars created by marine sediment deposits serve as nesting grounds for herons, coots, and cormorants. These bird species use the shallow waters for feeding and the quieter areas for breeding.