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The eastern coast of Taranto retains several nature reserves, including Palude del Conte and the protected marine area of Porto Cesareo.

The vegetation is mainly made of the Mediterranean scrub evolved into holm oak (Quercus ilex) woods, naturally mutating all the way to the Chidro River, the most important in Salento, which originates in a deep underwater crater.
The local fauna includes several birds, sea and marsh turtles, as well as dolphins.

This Regional Nature Reserve and the nearby Coastal Dune area, were established in 2006, extending along the entire costline in the municipality of Porto Cesario – a total 2.219 acres.

The perimeter of the Reserve is not continuous and includes, starting from the south, the Strea Peninsula, the Cesarino Archipelago, the “Belvedere” Hill, and, along the coast starting from Torre Lapillo watchtower, the “spunnulate” of Torre Castiglione, the remains of Arneo wood on the border with the province of Taranto, and Palude del Conte wetland; the latter is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy, featuring all the typical wetland birds, including pink flamingos.
Several pond turtles also live in this area.

This post is also available in: Italiano (Italian)