As you enter the holm oak forest, the sound of the sea fades away in an instant. The canopy of holm oaks closes in over the path, the air grows three or four degrees cooler, and the forest—evergreen, dense, ancient—tells the story of what the Adriatic coast was like before the concrete. Somewhere above, a woodpecker.
The route crosses the Lecceta Regional Nature Reserve in Torino di Sangro along a shaded dirt path, stops at the birdwatching hut hidden beneath the canopy of trees, and emerges at the Belvedere della Foce Sangro, where the river’s fresh waters meet the sea. It concludes at Costa Verde Beach, with its pebbles and low cliffs.
The uniqueness lies in the combination: the forest and the wetland are less than a kilometer apart. During the seasonal migration periods (March-April and September-October), you can spot passing pink flamingos, as well as gray herons, little egrets, kingfishers, and curlews. The atmosphere calls for silence: in the towers, those who speak in whispers prevail.
Suitable for those with a decent level of fitness, closed-toe shoes, and a desire to see things that require patience. Allow three hours at a leisurely pace. Practical tip: bring binoculars, water, and mosquito repellent; avoid visiting the day after heavy rain (mud). The best months are April–May and October–November.
Good to know
- Bring binoculars: during the seasonal migrations (March–April, September–October), you can spot flamingos passing through
- Water and snacks: there are no shops in the woods
- Mosquito repellent: the wetland has plenty of them, especially at sunset in the summer
- Closed-toe shoes — the trail has unpaved sections and some roots
- Please be quiet: in the observation towers, those who speak in whispers prevail
Best time to visit: March–May (migration season + blooms) and September–November (migration season + fall colors). Summer: intense heat in the afternoon; early morning is best
How to get there: on foot (dirt trails)