Coastal lagoons separated from the sea by a ridge of dunes
On the northern coast of the Gargano, west of Rodi Garganico, lie two large coastal lagoons, among the largest in southern Italy: Lake Lesina, about 22 kilometres long, and Lake Varano, the largest lagoon in southern Italy, with about 60 square kilometres. Both are separated from the Adriatic Sea by long narrow strips of sand and dunes, covered with Mediterranean scrub and pine forests, and connected to the sea by channels that allow the exchange of water and fish.
The lagoons are part of the Gargano National Park and are protected as nature reserves: their brackish waters, reed beds and wetlands are a refuge for many species of birds, both resident and migratory, such as herons, cormorants, coots, grebes and ducks. The lakes are also known for their traditional fishing of eels, mullet and sea bream, practised with ancient techniques, and Lesina, a small town on the shore of its lake, is famous for its eels, celebrated with a festival. On the strip of dunes of Lake Varano lies the Isola Varano, a long sandbar covered with pine woods and almost untouched beaches, part of a state nature reserve. In Lesina, a visitor centre of the park tells the story of the lagoon.
Tip: the lagoons can be explored by bicycle along the shores or by boat with local fishermen; sunset over Lake Varano with the Gargano behind is beautiful.
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