Salento, with its wild and uncontaminated beauty, is a true paradise for nature lovers: between oases and natural reserves, it has 32 protected sites with a great landscape impact. A few days of vacation here will allow you to observe an extraordinarily rich fauna, which includes endangered species and a vegetation surprising for its variety and colors. In this article, we will take you to discover some parks and reserves that dot the Salento landscape both on the western and eastern coasts but also in the hinterland, very easy to reach starting from a location surrounded by greenery: the Tenuta Rocci Cerasoli.

1. Bosco del Rauccio, an oasis of biodiversity

Located in the Salento hinterland just 15km from Lecce, the Rauccio Regional Natural Park is a protected area that hosts an extraordinary variety of habitats, including woods, pine forests and Mediterranean scrub. The best-known part is the holm oak forest, which survived the deforestation of the 1930s and regrown spontaneously among wild flax, orchids and red cistus plants. Many animals can be encountered including foxes, hedgehogs and badgers as well as tree frogs and toads and, looking up at the sky, also goldfinches, finches, nightingales and robins. An excellent destination for excursions on foot or by bike along its panoramic and suggestive paths.

2. Cesine and Alimini Lakes, a bird paradise

The “Le Cesine” Nature Reserve is a precious and long-lived protected area (dating back to 1980) that extends from San Cataldo and into the territories of the municipality of Vernole. With its ponds, sand dunes and coastal pine forests, it is a refuge for numerous species of migratory birds, especially aquatic ones, which come here en masse to nest. We are therefore talking about a true paradise for birdwatchers, who depending on the different periods of the year can observe flamingos, mallards, marsh harriers and ospreys, peregrine herons and pelicans. Also along the Adriatic coast of Salento is the Alimini protected oasis which includes the two lakes of the same name: Alimini Grande, fed by the sea, and Alimini Piccolo, fed by fresh spring water. Around the lakes, spontaneous vegetation reigns supreme, rich in Mediterranean plants, including rare ones such as the marsh orchid, the perfect home for flamingos, wild geese, mallards, cranes, as well as many species of diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey, amphibians and reptiles, but also frequented by foxes, wild boars, squirrels, badgers, dormice and wild rabbits.

3.Porto Cesareo and Porto Selvaggio: the treasures of the Ionian coast

The Marine Protected Area of Porto Cesareo and the Porto Selvaggio Park represent true jewels of the Ionian coast of Salento. While the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area protects the crystalline waters and the seabed rich in biodiversity, offering snorkeling and diving enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore the marine wealth of the area, the Porto Selvaggio Regional Natural Park – saved from property speculation thanks to the sacrifice of the Salento heroine Renata Fonte – enchants with its majestic cliffs, secluded coves and lush Mediterranean scrub that extends to the sea. Both areas invite visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, offering moments of peace and serenity in a still uncontaminated environment.

4.Walking along the Ugento Riviera

Still remaining on the “West Coast” of Salento, Punta Pizzo and the Ugento Coast Regional Natural Park offer a mix of breathtaking landscapes and rich marine and terrestrial biodiversity. Punta Pizzo, with its rocky cliffs and golden sandy beaches, enchants visitors with crystalline waters and sunsets with Calabria on the horizon. In the Ugento Coastal Park, on the other hand, there is an endless sandy coast, flanked by coastal dunes and characterized by lush Mediterranean vegetation. Both areas offer the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the healthiness of nature, with the possibility of hiking or cycling along the tourist paths or simply enjoying the sun and sea in an extraordinary natural setting.

5. From Otranto to Tricase on the “East Coast”

The Costa Otranto – Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase Regional Natural Park extends for 3000 hectares along the eastern coast of Salento, boasting breathtaking landscapes, vertiginous cliffs and hidden bays. An area where history is dominant: pajare, masserie, coastal towers from the sixteenth century, dry stone walls, numerous caves and spectacular inlets such as that of Ciolo in Novaglie will leave you speechless. The Bosco di Tricase is also unique in Italy for the presence of the Vallonea oak, in particular the “Vallonea dei cento cavalieri” which is found on the road between Tricase and Tricase Porto. Finally, deviating further inland, you can visit the Botanical Garden of Cutura in Giuggianello, an oasis of freshness and tranquility, ideal for relaxing walks in nature. Exploring the parks and nature reserves of Salento is an experience that allows you to completely immerse yourself in the wild and authentic beauty of this region. Book your stay at Tenuta Rocci Cerasoli now and get ready to discover the greenery of Salento, exploring its protected oases, its woods and its pristine coasts, for an unforgettable experience in close contact with nature.