Holiday apartment in Giannella between beach and lagoon

Giannella between lagoon and sea

Between the lagoon and the sea, the Tombolo della Giannella shapes the landscape. The sandy strip of land separates the lagoon from the sea and is covered with trees and Mediterranean maquis. The Spiaggia di Giannella stretches for eight kilometres between Santa Liberata and Le Saline. Along this stretch of coast, lagoon, sea, sand and vegetation therefore come together to form a clearly recognisable landscape. Reach the coast via the Albinia exit of the SS Aurelia; then follow the signs to Porto Santo Stefano.

Coast and cycling route for active days

The cycle route from Orbetello to Santa Liberata offers views of the Tombolo della Giannella. After the Diga, it reaches the village of Santa Liberata.

Birdwatching at the Oasi di Orbetello

A second highlight is the Oasi di Orbetello. It is designated as a Zona Speciale di Conservazione (IT51A0026), a Zona di Protezione Speciale (ZPS IT51A0026) and a Ramsar site. Visitors can observe thousands of birds there, including flamingos, herons, cranes, waders, birds of prey and numerous songbirds. Guided tours begin at the Casale della Giannella. Visitors then travel by their own car or motorbike for around seven kilometres to the entrance of the Oasi. This entrance cannot be reached on foot or by bicycle. When planning the visit, the sequence of meeting point followed by travel by vehicle is a distinct part of the route.

Pelagos themes at Casale Giannella

Since August 2023, the historic Casale Giannella has housed an interactive museum dedicated to the Pelagos Sanctuary. Through immersive projections and interactive installations, the museum provides information about the species of the Pelagos area, the threats to its biodiversity and possible conservation measures. The museum thus connects the specific location of Casale Giannella with the conservation theme of the Pelagos area.

Fortresses and destinations in the surrounding area

Historical sites also complement the coastal and lagoon landscape. Torre e Forte delle Saline is a coastal fortification at the mouth of the Albegna. It was built in 1660 on the orders of Philip IV to protect the Via Aurelia and the isthmus of the Tombolo della Giannella. The ancient site of Vulci is located in the immediate surroundings of Giannella. Also nearby are the Museo della Fortezza spagnola, the Acquario Mediterraneo dell'Argentario zoo, Tantulli Ulisse beach and Braccio beach. The surrounding area also includes Forte Filippo, Forte Stella and Riva del Marchese beach. Forte Filippo and Forte Stella complement the coastal fortification with two additional fortresses in the area.

Further places for orientation

San Donato Vecchio, Talamone, Fonteblanda, Ansedonia, Orbetello Scalo and Albinia

For the overarching travel overview: Orbetello.