Overview

The nature park born from the salt pans near Cagliari

Between Cagliari and Quartu Sant’Elena, in the far south of the island of Sardinia, lies the large Molentargius-Saline Regional Park, one of the most important wetlands in Europe. This vast area covers two freshwater ponds, Bellarosa Minore and Perdalonga, and a saltwater pond, known as Bellarosa Maggiore or Molentargius, where a large colony of pink flamingos, the true symbols of Cagliari, have lived undisturbed for decades.

Until 1985, the Molentargius wetland was the site of salt extraction, but thanks to extensive redevelopment work, it now boasts one of the richest populations of bird species in the whole of Sardinia. To explore and experience this place with the utmost respect for the precious species that call it home, you can leave your car behind in the car parks and then walk or cycle along the many well-marked paths. For a more comfortable travel experience, you can also choose to take a boat trip or hop on an electric minibus.

Access to the park is free for visitors who want to explore the reserve under their own steam, either from Cagliari or from Quartu Sant’Elena via the Lungomare del Poetto. For a learning experience, the information centre provides microscopes, audio-visual aids and electronic tools that help visitors to better understand the dynamics of this precious ecosystem.