riserva naturale marina torre guaceto
wwf nature reserve
Torre Guaceto is a World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Nature Reserve and Protected Marine area between sea and land, accessible only on foot or by bicycle. In this oasis rich in biodiversity, nature reigns and it enchants visitors from all over the world. The name originates from the old sighting tower that is part of the system of coastal sighting towers built by Holy Roman Emperor Charl V (1500-1558) to protect the regional territory from potential marine attacks.
beautiful oasis: fauna and flora
The oasis includes different habitats: the freshwater wetland, the Mediterranean maquis, the dune belt with dunes up to 10 meters high, the coastal seabed. The marine reserve concerns a stretch of sea between the rocks of Apani in the south and Punta Penna Grossa in the north, for an extension of approximately 5 nautical miles.
The bodies of water are fed by fresh water springs that come from the hinterland. The Mediterranean scrub is particularly present in the North and East of the reserve. The reed thicket can be found in the humid area, while on the beach plants such as the sea creppola, the maritime euphorbia, the maritime cakile, the beach gramigna, the beach santolina grow. In the scrub there are juniper, mastic tree, myrtle, hairy sparzio, cistus, thyme, prickly rush and holm oak in arboreal form.
Birds
The birds are very numerous: marsh harrier, warbler, reed warbler, whisker, strawberry, moorhen, water rail, great plover, purple heron, gray heron, bittern, little bittern, kingfisher and coot. There are also several species of reptiles and amphibians. In the sea it is rich in fish, molluscs and other invertebrates.
well organised parc
The use system of the reserve is organized in: reception services (service areas and parking lots, intermodal exchanges, sustainable mobility), in catering services based on the culture of slow food (Lido Punta Penna Grossa) and in services to deepen the knowledge of the area (Al Gawsit Visitor Center - 4 km inland, Aragonese Tower museum and activities).
activities
Many people visit the reserve and the marine area to study and observe the fauna and flora. The vegetation diversity of Mediterranean maquis and the number of different animal species offer the opportunity to enjoy nature to the max. Birdwatching, snorkeling and sea watching, trekking, cycling, hiking, and walking across the reserve are some of the many activities to do in this area.
The parc also holds the Torre Guaceto Sea Turtle Recovery Center. Located in Punta Penna Grossa. The center's main objective is the protection and conservation of sea turtles, through the rescue, care and rehabilitation of specimens found in difficulty. Its activities include research, conservation, information and raising awareness among the population on the topic of protecting marine fauna and in particular turtles.
or just relax in pure nature....
Furthermore, for the sandy beaches and sun lovers, the Torre Guaceto’s beach 'Punta Penna Grossa' is a must to enjoy and relax in, and maybe you’ll also be lucky to meet up a beautiful giant sea turtle.
how to get there
You may only enter this park on foot or by bicycle on the designated paths.
During the summer season Torre Guaeto can be reached by bus from Brindisi.
To get to Torre Guaceto by car you need to take the SS 379 road. If you opt for the Serranova exit, following the road signs for Punta Penna Grossa you will reach a large paid car parking 500 meters from the beach: in summer there is a train-shuttle service and a bicycle rental.
If you have some time and like to be active, you can also rent a (e-) bike in Brindisi and take a nice ride north along the coast towards the parc.
