Alimini's Lakes

The two Alimini lakes (Grande and Piccolo), located north of the city of Otranto and connected by a canal, called ‘Lu Strittu’, enclose a protected natural oasis and one of the most enchanting places in the Salento, a treasure chest with a unique ecosystem that is home to various animal and plant species, a ‘Special Protection Area’ (SPA), proposed as Site of Community Importance (SIC).

The two lake basins are of karstic origin, i.e. generated by sea erosion. The northernmost and largest (extending for about 2.5 km) is called Alimini Grande; its waters are salty because it communicates directly with the Adriatic Sea and can reach a depth of up to 4 metres. It has a rocky crown richly covered with Mediterranean scrub and a northern stretch, called Palude Traguano, which is almost low and sandy, where there are numerous springs, including the main one, called Zudrea, which feeds the lake by mixing its waters with those of the sea. The sea bed is rich in molluscs and largely covered by Ruppia maritima, a species of aquatic plant commonly Big AliminiIts waters are salty because it communicates directly with the Adriatic Sea and can reach a depth of up to 4 metres. It has a rocky crown richly covered with Mediterranean maquis and a northern stretch, called Palude Traguano, which is almost shallow and sandy and where there are numerous springs, including the main one, called Zudrea, which feeds the lake by mixing its waters with those of the sea. The sea bed is rich in molluscs and largely covered by Ruppia maritima, a species of aquatic plant commonly known as chiozzi grass or sea hay. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

The other lake, also goes by the name of Fontanelle and is fed by the rich water table of the Rio Grande canal, generated by the springs of the nearby Serra di Montevergine, which keeps its waters constantly fresh, allowing them to be used for irrigation. It stretches for about 2 km with low, flat banks and its waters do not exceed a depth of 2 metres.

The vegetation around the two water basins is very rich and various plant species can be admired, including the extremely rare marsh orchid (Anacamptis palustris), the water chestnut (Trapa natans), an endangered species in Italy, and the bladderwort (Utricularia vulgaris), a carnivorous plant. The presence of the greater periploca, an endangered species, is important.

The reserve is also very rich in migratory species such as the white stork, flamingo, cranes, wild geese and some groups of swans. Other water birds include mallards, grebes, garganeys, coots, moorhens and black-winged stilts. There are also species of birds of prey such as hen harriers and marsh harriers, kestrels, kites, peregrine falcons, buzzards and Bonelli's and imperial eagles, as well as nocturnal birds of prey such as eagle owls, tawny owls, owls and barn owls. Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

An ideal place for lovers of the , with areas designed for this purpose, in order to fully enjoy this great and varied beauty.

During the summer period, it is possible to rent a boat to admire the inlets surrounding the shores of Lake Grande that are not otherwise accessible from land, and be carried away by the calm water of the lake through the sounds and scents of the reserve.

Photos by Author