Discovering the Comacchio Valleys

A large valley system that has become a natural oasis to be admired thanks to various routes along banks and canals, salt pans and casoni, on foot, by bicycle or motorboat, a true paradise for bird watchers ... 

AROUND THE VALLEYS BY BICYCLE

 The itinerary begins at Lido degli Estensi near the ferry from Porto Garibaldi (also for bicycles). Following the roads leading out of Lido in the direction of the SS309 Romea, we pass along the road under the state road itself and soon reach the Comacchio Valleys. Having left the Logonovo canal, we approach the Salina and continue to Stazione Foce, the starting point for guided tours. We continue along the northern side of the Valleys on a dirt track to Valle Zavelea-Fossa di Porto and then onto the Argine Agosta: the road runs straight for 9 km between the lagoon on the left and the surrounding canal on the right. After the turnoff for Anita, you continue cycling on the white embankment road. Before the ferry, you can see the Boscoforte peninsula on the left.

BOSCOFORTE

Boscoforte is a tongue of land extending into the valley basin, originating from a cordon of dunes that emerged in Etruscan times, on which Delta-Camargue white horses live in the wild. Access to the Oasis is only allowed with a guide and the visit can be done on foot, by bicycle or by electric bus.

A WINDOW TO THE FLAMINGOS

Through the valleys, you reach the old aquaculture facilities by electric bus, then on foot to one of the most enchanting places in the park: the 'flamingo window', from where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of thousands of birds with their characteristic pink plumage.

BOAT TOUR: BETWEEN HISTORY AND NATURE

A truly unforgettable experience is the boat trip through the valleys, fed by the salt water of the sea or the fresh water of the river. The pace is slow and the journey is accompanied by the circling of numerous bird species. The visit includes a stop at the old fishermen's huts, which have been transformed into authentic museums where the furnishings tell the story of the daily life of those who dedicated themselves to fishing. The eels are still fished today following ancient techniques that take advantage of the autumn tides and the natural lure they exert on mature eels: as they attempt to move from the valley and go to sea to reproduce, the eels are caught in the "lavoriero", a V-shaped artefact made up of poles and grids, which designs singular geometries.

• Historical - Naturalistic Route Duration 2 hours
• Embarkation: 20 minutes before departure from Foce Station. 
• Daily excursions from March to the end of October: 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (departure min. 10 pax) - 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (guaranteed departure).

INFO: Tel +39 340 2534267 - vallidicomacchio@parcodeltapo.it