Pantani della Sicilia sud orientale, Nature reserve in Province of Syracuse, Italy
The Pantani della Sicilia sud orientale is a protected wetland in southeastern Sicily composed of freshwater lakes, brackish lagoons, and salt marshes. The area spans around 1,600 hectares and forms a patchwork of open water, reed beds, and low vegetation.
The area formed through land uplift and sea level changes at the end of the 1700s, which created sand dunes. These natural processes transformed inner bays into marsh areas and shaped the landscape we see today.
The wetlands serve as a living landscape where local people have practiced fishing for generations. Walking through the reserve, visitors notice how daily work and nature conservation coexist in this region.
The best time to visit is during bird migration in autumn and spring when variety is greatest. Trails lead to observation points near the Pantano Cuba and Pantano Longarini lagoons, where binoculars are helpful.
The site hosts over 240 bird species, including migratory birds from Africa that stop here to rest. At the same time, rare plants like Limonium pachynense grow here, found in only a few areas of southern Italy.
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