Nature
Santa Gilla Lagoon
Cagliari
A large lagoon west of Cagliari, a Ramsar site and year-round flamingo ground.
Location
Cagliari
Coordinates: 39.20000, 9.05000
Santa Gilla lagoon stretches west of Cagliari between the airport, salt pans and the mouths of the Cixerri and Mannu rivers. At around 3,500 hectares it is one of Sardinia's largest wetlands and is protected as a Ramsar site. Shallow brackish water, mudflats and saltmarsh feed thousands of waterbirds: greater flamingos, avocets, terns and waders are regular. The lagoon is also traditionally fished; observation is possible from the shoreline paths near Elmas and Assemini.
Highlights
- Ramsar wetland of about 3,500 hectares
- Greater flamingos all year
- Mudflats with waders and avocets
Tips
- Bring binoculars – the birds keep well away from the shore.
- Do not enter the fishery installations; the lagoon is actively worked.
Best time
October to April for the largest bird numbers.
Getting there
Viewing points near Elmas, Assemini and along the SS195 west of Cagliari.
