Lesina – Lagoon, Nature and Culture

Lesina and the Lagoon

Lesina lies on the southwestern shore of the lagoon of the same name. The Centro Visite del Parco della Laguna is a useful point of reference for finding your way around: it is located near the lagoon, within the built-up area. Here, local life meets the themes of the lagoon area.

The Museo Etnografico della Laguna brings together nature and culture in an engaging way. The museum includes a brackish-water aquarium with 14 tanks directly connected to the lagoon. The Casa del Pescatore section focuses on material culture and the local community’s everyday relationship with its environment. The focus is therefore not only on the aquatic habitat, but also on the experiences of the people who live by the lake.

Wetlands, Dunes and Distinctive Landscapes

The Sacca Orientale lies in the eastern part of the lagoon. It is a natural wetland designated as Natura 2000 site IT9110015. The state nature reserve on the eastern side of Lago di Lesina covers 930 hectares of a lagoon that is predominantly freshwater and has dense reed beds. These details give an impression of the scale and character of this landscape of water and reeds.

Bosco Isola is a 15-kilometre-long dune habitat with extensive Mediterranean scrub. As a dune ridge, it separates the lagoon from the sea. The Isthmus of Schiapparo also separates the lagoon from the Adriatic and lies within a protected area. West of the mouth of the Fortore, Palude Le Marinelle extends across farmland, wet meadows and ponds behind the dunes.

At the mouth of the Canale Acquarotta, dark igneous rocks, black limestone and gypsum are exposed at Punta delle Pietre Nere. Nearby, there are also small areas of biocalcarenite deposits containing Cladocora caespitosa, just above today’s sea level. Thus, alongside wetlands and dunes, the area around the lagoon also features unusual geological formations.

Archaeology and Historic Towers

San Clemente brings together different periods of local history: the remains of a Roman villa have been preserved on the island in Lago di Lesina, which emerges from the lagoon at low tide. Lesina’s Bronze Age finds include numerous pottery fragments, most of them from San Clemente. Those interested in archaeology will encounter both Roman remains and a much earlier history of finds here.

The towers also set history in the landscape. Construction of Torre Fortore began after a concession was granted in 1485 and was completed around 1540. The tower lies between the Fortore River and Lago di Lesina. Torre Scampamorte stands on the strip of land separating the sea from the lagoon. The ruined Torre Mozza stands at the mouth of the Fortore, opposite Torre Fortore.

Excursions and Routes around Lesina

The Centro Visite del Parco della Laguna organises nature, culture and history excursions in the lagoon area. A boat trip on the lagoon passes through the western basin to the Acquarotta Canal and provides historical and natural-history information. Check current availability when planning a trip.

There are different destinations and points of interest along the routes through Bosco Isola. One route runs for 11.5 kilometres from Canale Acquarotta through Bosco Isola to Torre Scampamorte. Another follows an unpaved path from Torre Scampamorte to Foce Schiapparo and a metal bridge over the drainage canal. The path across Bosco Isola to the sea uses a boardwalk that protects the dunes and makes access easier for people with disabilities.

A guided excursion through Bosco Isola explains the function of the Lavoriero and includes a visit to the Pagliaio, an old fishing hut used during the fishing season. Depending on the weather, it also includes a walk from the lagoon shore to the sea. Oasi Duna di Lesina offers trails through reeds, Mediterranean scrub and lagoon basins, and is also suitable for mountain biking excursions.

Festivals and Eel Cuisine

The feast of the patron saint San Primiano takes place annually from 14 to 16 May and includes a sacred regatta on the lake. Eel is another hallmark of local tradition: it is recognised as a Slow Food “Presidio del gusto” and prepared according to traditional local recipes. Traditional eel fishing used paranze, or pagghiari, on the shore, as well as traps known as Bertovelli; fishing took place from October to December.

The Sagra delle anguille celebrates dishes made with Lesina eel and is usually held in the second week of December. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the exact event date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Ischitella, Volturara Appula, Rocchetta Sant'antonio, Torremaggiore, Troia, Foce Varano, Zapponeta, San Paolo Di Civitate.

For the regional travel overview: Foggia.