area operatoriLake Santa Luce
Lake Santa Luce originated from 1958 to 1960 as a reservoir designed to supply water to local industries.
The spontaneous colonisation by marsh vegetation and numerous species of aquatic fauna rapidly transformed the reservoir into a natural haven. It has become a resting point for the many birds on their migration between Africa and Europe and each year sees an increasing number and variety of birdlife.
In 1992 the Santa Luce LIPU Bird Sancturary was founded by the Italian League for Bird Protection, giving bird watching and photo hunting lovers the chance to take home some excellent naturalist shots.
The Great Crested Grebe, the Little Bittern, the Mallard and the Savi's Warbler deserve special mention from among the species of nesting birds. The Teal and the Common Pochard and the Sandpiper and Passerines winter in this area, while the Reserve is an important resting and feeding place for many bird species in the migratory periods.
The Reserve features a Visitor Centre, an educational and artistic workshop, toilets and restrooms, two equipped nature trails (approx. 2 km), a watch hut and car park. The first part of the trail (500 metres along the artificial dam) is wheelchair accessible with a scenic view of the lake.
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Directions from Pisa
SS 206 towards Cecina. Turn left before reaching Cecina following the signposts for Santa Luce; the entrance to the Oasis is approx. 1 km along on the right. Visitors park along the roadside and pass the Visitor Centre to reach the entrance.
Facilities
The reserve offers a visitor centre, a learning and artistic workshop, restrooms, a 2-km nature route, a sighting hut, an area used as a bird garden and an outside parking area.
Opening hours
The reserve is open on Saturday and Sunday:
• autumn/winter 9.30am to 4.30pm
• spring 9.30am to 5.00pm
• summer 9.00am to noon and 4.00pm to 8.00pm
Guide tours art to be booked at least 3 days in advance.
