Tirrenia Dunes Sanctuary

Tirrenia is home to the most prized dunal area of Tombolo Estate, in the Nature Park of Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli. This site lies along a zone of the coastline run by the WWF featuring thriving Mediterranean scrub, as opposed to the uniform pine forests of the bordering zones.

The area covers around 20 hectares and is crossed by a number of roadways that lead to the beach, some of which is open beach and some occupied by seaside resorts.

The coastal dunes and the walkways are fitted with protective wooden barriers and boards illustrating the natural features and encouraging respect for the environment. There are also some paths featuring information on the dunal coastal ecosystem for the benefit of the guided and naturalist visits, with cards marked with botanical information.

Important pioneer species, such as psammophiles, colonise the sandy dunes nearest to the sea and beaten by the wind. This vegetation is of vital importance on the beaches where the developing seaside resorts have often destroyed all kinds of wild flora.

We find patches of woods along the coastline which host the few remaining old holm oaks spread along the Tuscan coast before the planting of the pine forests.

Further upstream the dunes are consolidated by typically Mediterranean brushy vegetation, with juniper, berries, mock privet, cisti, broom, and also holm oak and maritime pines.

This area hosts another rare plant, the silkvine, which is very similar in appearance to tropical liana, which can be found in the San Rossore Park and in a few other areas of the peninsula. Here rush, reeds and other hygrophilous species are easily found in the small dips between the dunes.

The Tirrenia Dunes Sanctuary is open all year round and organises naturalist visits upon booking with itineraries that follow nature paths in the scrub behind the dunes and routes on the coastal dunes, boasting charming views and landscapes.

For further information: WWF Pisa, tel. 050 580999, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it