The Lago Preola and Gorghi Tondi strict nature reserve lies in the territory of Mazara del Vallo, towards Torretta Granitola. Protected by the Sicilian Region since 1981, it has been a reserve since 1998, and in July 2011 the Ministry of the Environment recognised it as a wetland protected under the Ramsar Convention, together with the nearby coastal marshes of Capo Feto.
What to see
Inside the reserve are Lake Preola, Lake Murana and three round karst ponds, the Gorghi Alto, Medio and Basso. On the banks and meadows wild orchids, anemones, asphodels, daisies, dandelions and sweet scabious bloom, and the kermes oak grows.
Water birds are plentiful: the marsh harrier, buzzard, kestrel and hoopoe are found here, and in the Gorgo Basso live coots, moorhens, mallards, pochards, teals, little grebes and garganeys. During migration the little bittern, purple heron and grey heron can be seen. Among the reptiles there is a population of the Sicilian pond turtle, a species found only in Sicily.
Visiting
The reserve is reached from provincial road 66 or provincial road 115, at Gorghi Tondi. Opening hours and open paths should be checked with the managing body.
Our editors' tip
The reserve is managed by WWF, which runs its official website: that is the place to look for up-to-date information on guided visits and opening times.
