The Migliarino Natural Park In Italy

Many of the travelers who undertake a trip through Italy do not miss the opportunity to visit the city of Pisa, since its famous leaning tower is one of the icons of this Mediterranean country. However, if you are a nature lover and you are tired of visiting cities, monuments and ruins, the Migliarino natural park is going to appeal to you.

This park is located in the area where the Arno River deposits its waters in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is a protected place with great biodiversity. There you can find swamps, coastal dunes, large wetlands and a lake, the Massaciuccoli. Do you want to know a little better this park and the visits or activities that you can undertake in it?

What is the function of the Migliarino natural park?

This park was born in 1979 and, according to the constitution, its creation had different objectives. On the one hand, it sought to protect the environmental and historical features of the Pisa and Lucchese coastline.

On the other, it sought to stimulate scientific research and environmental education and training. Finally, another objective was to improve territorial economic activities.

In order to achieve these goals, various projects have been developed in recent decades. Some of them are those destined to the recovery of wetlands, environmental protection and maintenance of the ecological balance of the area.

To boost economic activities, projects have been undertaken to safeguard, qualify and strengthen agroforestry and agricultural activities. Initiatives have also been developed to condition the place and favor and encourage the cultural and recreational use of this wonderful natural environment.

Ultimately, it has been decided to open it to the public. Now, why is it necessary to protect this natural environment? What is your wealth based on? We will try to answer these questions below.

What is the natural wealth of the park?

One element that makes this park an exceptional place is its position, since the fact that it is located on a highly industrialized and urbanized coast makes it a true oasis that must be preserved.

Within the Migliarino natural park there are 16 natural reserves, which cover approximately 10% of the park’s territory. Its objective is to offer a high level of protection to safeguard different ecosystems as much as possible.

The nature reserves can be divided into six different areas: the Massaciuccoli lake and marshes, the finca or  tenuta di Borbone,  the  tenuta di Coltano,  the  tenuta di Migliarino, the  tenuta di San Rossore and that of Tambolo. Within each of these areas we find the different nature reserves that make up the park.

50% of the park is covered by wooded areas, both humid and dry forest. However, what is a delight for the senses are its beaches, which have not been overexploited by tourism and can be seen in their natural state. Unfortunately, the protection arrived late and the only beach that preserves its ecological properties is that of San Rossore.

Those who are passionate about fauna and especially birds, will be able to enjoy admiring the large number of migratory birds that, fleeing the winter cold of northern Europe and Siberia, move to the warmer lands of the Mediterranean.

Keys to visit this park

As we mentioned, some of the projects implemented in the park have consisted of preparing spaces so that it can be accessed. To do this, roads have been opened and elevated wooden paths have been built, so that access to the different areas is easier.

The park offers many activities and tours. Therefore, one way to find out and undertake the adventure that best suits your interests or needs is to start by accessing the different visitor centers. These are the La Brille Visiting Center and San Rossore.

Visitor centers are not simply park tourist offices. In them there is a great variety of services, ranging from restoration, horse rental, hiring guided tours, acquisition of material and publications about the park, and there is even the possibility of lodging.

We cannot dedicate ourselves to talking about the multitude of routes that exist in the park but, summarizing a little, you will be able to know different places by following the recommended routes. These pass through different areas: through the forest area, along the beaches, by water or those that take you to farms or farms in the region.

They can also have purely sporting purposes, focus on the historical and cultural aspects of the site or with the aim of acquiring new knowledge in environmental education. Depending on the type of tour, you can do it on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or by boat. 

A tour of the Migliarino park

Perhaps one of the most interesting places to admire the nature of the Migliarino natural park is in the La Reservation Nature Reserve. The paths that cross this reserve will allow you to enter the wild nature and, through them, you will reach one of the largest and wildest beaches in Tuscany, the beach of San Rossore.

From this beach you will enter the dunes of Calambrone, which are accessible thanks to a spectacular network of elevated trails built in wood. This tour can only be undertaken with a guide.

An ideal destination for everyone

Undoubtedly, this place is ideal for traveling with children, as it is a way to enjoy nature while learning about the environment. Making future generations aware of the importance of caring for the planet will contribute to the future of humanity, and this park can be a very fun way to do it!