There are lots of wonderful coastal destinations and natural gems to explore in Apulia and great swathes of this beautiful region in the south of Italy are protected but one particular area that combines all of the above and is a must-see for those who have found a villa in Apulia is the incredible Laghi Alimini, or Alimini Lakes.
Located north of Otranto, the Alimini Lakes is one of the most beautiful natural areas of Salento and Apulia by far and consists of a protected oasis extending over around 1000 hectares, two bodies of water, and a stunning chunk of the coast. These two bodies of water are the main stars of the show here (though the beaches are also quite stunning) and are known as the Alimini Grande and Alimini Piccolo.
Located north of Otranto, the Alimini Lakes is one of the most beautiful natural areas of Salento and Apulia by far and consists of a protected oasis extending over around 1000 hectares, two bodies of water, and a stunning chunk of the coast. These two bodies of water are the main stars of the show here (though the beaches are also quite stunning) and are known as the Alimini Grande and Alimini Piccolo.
The Alimini Grande is around 2.5km in length and up to 4m deep. It is fed mostly by water coming in from the sea and is hugged by a thick pine forest and typical Mediterranean plant life. To the north of this lake is the Traguano Swamp from which there are several springs that flow into the saltwater lake including the main spring, called the Zudrea. As the lake is fed by the sea, the salinity of the body of water is almost the same as that of the sea and the bottom of the lake is rich in both shellfish and the freshwater aquatic plant species ruppia maritima, showing the fascinating dual nature of the lake. The Alimini Piccolo, meanwhile, has only fresh water sources and is far shallower (ergo it is the Piccolo, or “small” lake) due to the fact that it is not affected and deepened by water brought in with the tides, unlike the Alimini Grande. At 2km in length, it does not exceed 2m in depth at any point.
Due to the unique nature of this landscape, there are lots of fascinating different plant species to admire and some particularly rare examples including the Swamp Orchid, the Water Chestnut, and the carnivorous Bladder Grass. In addition to the rich flora of the area, there are lots of wonderful animals that occupy the region around the lakes and beach including majestic cranes, colourful flamingos, wild geese, swans, mallards, coots, kestrels, kites, buzzards, eagles, owls, finches, thrushes, starlings, blackbirds, wrens, nightingales, woodpeckers, pheasants, quail, water and land tortoise, water snakes, toads, frogs, salamanders, newts, field mice, dormice, wild rabbits, badgers, weasels, stone martens, hedgehogs, and more. One of the most precious natural areas of Salento with a unique and immensely valuable ecosystem hosting endless animal and plant species, the area around the Alimini Lakes has been put forward as a Site of European Community Importance.
The stunning Alimini Beach, meanwhile, is wide and long and boasts perfect fine white sand and rich azure waters. Backed by the lakes and the lush pine forest, it is not only a looker in its own right but has the most beautiful backdrop and setting. It is, therefore, an especially picturesque beach to visit and like a little slice of paradise. Just a little further along the coast, within the oasis of the Alimini Lakes, is the famous Baia dei Turchi, a wild, unspoiled, and stunning beach that legend says was where Turkish warriors landed ahead of the Battle of Otranto in the 15th century. So, if you plan a visit to the area, you'll have lots of choice ahead of you with two incredible beaches, two lakes, forests, plants, wildlife, and more to discover. Just browse our vacation rentals in Apulia and come and see this impossibly gorgeous natural gem in Italy for yourself.
Due to the unique nature of this landscape, there are lots of fascinating different plant species to admire and some particularly rare examples including the Swamp Orchid, the Water Chestnut, and the carnivorous Bladder Grass. In addition to the rich flora of the area, there are lots of wonderful animals that occupy the region around the lakes and beach including majestic cranes, colourful flamingos, wild geese, swans, mallards, coots, kestrels, kites, buzzards, eagles, owls, finches, thrushes, starlings, blackbirds, wrens, nightingales, woodpeckers, pheasants, quail, water and land tortoise, water snakes, toads, frogs, salamanders, newts, field mice, dormice, wild rabbits, badgers, weasels, stone martens, hedgehogs, and more. One of the most precious natural areas of Salento with a unique and immensely valuable ecosystem hosting endless animal and plant species, the area around the Alimini Lakes has been put forward as a Site of European Community Importance.
The stunning Alimini Beach, meanwhile, is wide and long and boasts perfect fine white sand and rich azure waters. Backed by the lakes and the lush pine forest, it is not only a looker in its own right but has the most beautiful backdrop and setting. It is, therefore, an especially picturesque beach to visit and like a little slice of paradise. Just a little further along the coast, within the oasis of the Alimini Lakes, is the famous Baia dei Turchi, a wild, unspoiled, and stunning beach that legend says was where Turkish warriors landed ahead of the Battle of Otranto in the 15th century. So, if you plan a visit to the area, you'll have lots of choice ahead of you with two incredible beaches, two lakes, forests, plants, wildlife, and more to discover. Just browse our vacation rentals in Apulia and come and see this impossibly gorgeous natural gem in Italy for yourself.
