The Laguna di Orbetello is a 27 km² brackish lagoon enclosed by two long sand tomboli, declared a WWF nature reserve in 1971. It is one of the most important wetlands in the western Mediterranean, with greater flamingos, ospreys, herons, spoonbills, and clouds of ducks and waders depending on the season. Winter and early spring are the best times for birds.
The main entrance to the reserve is on the Giannella side, near Casale della Giannella, with hides and a 4 km marked trail through pinewoods and along the shoreline. A second oasis at Bosco di Patanella covers a stretch of holm oak forest and reedbeds. Guided walks are run on weekends.
The lagoon is also a working fishery — the bottarga (cured grey mullet roe) and eel from here are sold across Italy, and the smoked-fish shop of the I Pescatori di Orbetello cooperative on the main causeway is the place to taste them.