Riserva Naturale di Palo Laziale

The Palo Laziale nature reserve stretches along the coast just east of Ladispoli, protecting one of the last remaining stretches of coastal Mediterranean scrubland in the region. Within the reserve, the WWF operates the Giardino delle Orchidee Spontanee del Mediterraneo — a botanical garden dedicated to wild orchid species. Walking trails wind through macchia (dense Mediterranean scrub) of myrtle, lentisk, and rockrose.

The reserve is also home to several bird species, making it worth a morning walk. Access is from the Via Aurelia.

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The Mediterranean orchid garden within the reserve contains more than 50 species of wild orchid, many of which bloom in March and April. The concentration is unusual — the alkaline soils and proximity to the sea create conditions that suit orchids found nowhere else on the Lazio coast.

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