The Orbetello Lagoon is one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes on the Italian coast - a vast, shallow body of water stretching between the mainland and Monte Argentario, connected to the promontory by two narrow sand strips known as tomboli. This fragile coastal ecosystem is home to pink flamingos, ospreys, kingfishers and hundreds of other bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Protected by a WWF nature reserve, the lagoon is also a place of quiet beauty, stunning light and a rich history that stretches back to the Etruscans. From our apartment in Montiano, you can reach the lagoon in just 10 minutes.
The Tomboli - A Geological Marvel
Monte Argentario was once an island. Over millennia, two sand bars - the Tombolo della Feniglia to the south and the Tombolo della Giannella to the north - formed naturally, connecting the rocky promontory to the Tuscan mainland and enclosing the lagoon between them. A man-made causeway, the Diga di Orbetello, provides a third link straight through the middle. This unique double-tombolo formation is one of the best-preserved examples in the Mediterranean and gives the area its distinctive geography: lagoon on one side, open sea on the other, and long, sandy beaches running the entire length of both tomboli.
Pink Flamingos & Birdwatching
The lagoon's shallow, brackish waters and abundant fish make it an ideal habitat for birdlife, and the undisputed stars are the greater flamingos. A resident colony of several hundred flamingos can be seen year-round, their pale pink plumage a striking contrast against the blue water and green wetland grasses. The best time for flamingo sightings is early morning or late afternoon, when the birds feed in the shallows closest to the shore.
Beyond flamingos, the lagoon hosts over 200 recorded bird species across the seasons. Winter brings thousands of migratory ducks, coots and grebes. Spring and autumn see passage migrants including marsh harriers, spoonbills and stilts. In summer, bee-eaters and hoopoes add flashes of colour to the surrounding countryside. The Orbetello Lagoon is widely considered one of the top birdwatching sites in central Italy.
WWF Oasi di Orbetello
The WWF manages a dedicated nature reserve on the western shore of the lagoon, the Oasi di Orbetello. Open from September to May (closed in summer to protect nesting birds), the reserve offers well-maintained walking trails and strategically placed bird hides that bring you remarkably close to the wildlife without causing disturbance. Guided visits are available and highly recommended - expert naturalists help you identify species and explain the lagoon's ecology. Entry is affordable and proceeds support ongoing conservation. Check the WWF website for current opening days and times, as they vary by season.
Orbetello Town
The town of Orbetello sits on the central causeway, surrounded by water on three sides. Its historic centre is a pleasant maze of pastel-coloured buildings, the imposing Spanish-era Polveriera Guzman, and a lovely cathedral. The main corso is lined with shops, cafés and gelaterie, and the promenade along the lagoon is perfect for an evening passeggiata as the sun sets behind Argentario. Orbetello is also famous for its bottarga - salt-cured fish roe produced from the lagoon's grey mullet - a local delicacy you can sample in restaurants or buy at the cooperativa on the waterfront.
Cycling the Lagoon
One of the best ways to experience the lagoon is by bicycle. A flat, scenic cycle path runs along the Duna Feniglia nature reserve on the southern tombolo, winding through a shaded pine forest with the lagoon on one side and the sea on the other. The route is about 6 kilometres each way and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Bikes can be rented in Orbetello or at the Feniglia entrance. Combine it with a swim at Feniglia Beach at the far end for a perfect half-day outing.
Sunset over the Lagoon
Few sights in the Maremma match a sunset over the Orbetello Lagoon. The broad, flat expanse of water catches the light in extraordinary ways - golds, pinks and violets reflected across the surface, with the silhouette of Argentario framing the horizon. The best vantage points are along the Orbetello promenade, from the road crossing the Feniglia tombolo, or from the elevated road above the Giannella side. Bring a camera - and plan dinner in Orbetello afterwards to round off the experience.
The Orbetello Lagoon offers a completely different side of the Argentario area - one of tranquil water, wild birds and timeless coastal landscapes. From our apartment in Montiano, it's one of the easiest and most rewarding nature excursions you can make during your Maremma holiday.
