With its ancient caves, breathtaking landscapes and uncontaminated nature, the Circeo National Park is a true treasure chest of biodiversity. In this place you can immerse yourself in myths, legends and the most extraordinary beauties that Mother Nature can offer.
Ancient caves, forests, coastal landscapes and wetlands: the Circeo National Parka UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is one of the most appreciated natural ecosystems in Lazio, a natural reserve with very ancient origins, which was founded way back in 1934.
For decades now, numerous animal and plant species have found shelter and refuge in this little piece of paradise; badgers, hedgehogs and dormice live here undisturbed, as well as numerous species of insects, amphibians and birds.
The Circeo Park surprises and conquers with its history and its legends, as well as with its uncontaminated nature and rich in colors and scents.
A “legendary” park
It is said that it was in this very place that the Circe herselfwho welcomed Ulysses and his companions, as narrated in the myth of Ulysses in the Odyssey. The reference to Circe is probably due to the characteristic shape of the Circeo promontorywhich somewhat resembles the shape of a sleeping woman or, according to some, that of a hippopotamus.
Returning to the wonders of the park, there are many attractions that await nature lovers. Let’s find out what there is to see in the Circeo Park, which animals populate it and where this natural oasis is located.
What is the characteristic of the Circeo National Park?
Probably, one of the most famous features of the Circeo National Park is precisely the multiplicity of natural environmentsThis earthly paradise has an extension of almost 9000 hectares, and climbs along the south coast of Lazioon the stretch of coast that extends between Anzio and Terracina.
In this place you can find different habitats and ecosystems depending on the different areas.
You can admire lakes, promontories, dunes, mountains and beaches with very fine sand, forests (particularly well-known is the “plain forest” of Circeo), wetlands, such as the splendid Verdesca pool. One of the peculiar characteristics of this green oasis are the marshy pools, which form during the rainier seasons.
One of the attractions of the Park is undoubtedly the aforementioned promontory of Circeo, a mountain that overlooks a turquoise and crystalline sea. But it is not “only” nature that conquers our gaze. The Circeo National Park is also dotted with numerous cavessome of which contain evidence of ancient timesdating back even to the Paleolithic.
Finally, if you find yourself in these areas you cannot miss visiting the villages that surround and protect the Park, such as Sabaudia e San Felice Circeosmall corners of Italy with a fairytale atmosphere.
Circeo National Park: flora and fauna
For those wondering what to see in Circeo National Parkin addition to the many wonders that we have just mentioned, we cannot forget the rich flora and fauna of the place. The Park is one treasure chest of biodiversity mostly dotted with tall scrub and Mediterranean forest, rich in pines, holm oaks and cork oaks.
Il undergrowth It hosts plants such as holly, ferns and wild asparagus.
In this protected and uncontaminated place you can walk among the trees of the Circe’s Foresta lowland forest that extends for about 3,000 hectares. If, however, you love trekking and more challenging walks, you will find what you are looking for on one of the many paths of Monte Circeo.
What animals are there in Circeo National Park?
In addition to the flora, the following are also noteworthy: animals of the Circeo National Parkamong which the wild boar, the beech marten, the fallow deer, the cute dormouse and the badger stand out, which coexist with birds of all species, especially hawks and kestrels, but also woodpeckers, wrens and finches.
In the woods you can also meet hedgehogs, weasels and foxes, turtlesvipers, as well as numerous insects and amphibians, frogs, toads and newts.
Guided and virtual tours
If you too can’t wait to visit the Circeo Park, you should know that there are numerous options available guided toursfor both adults and children.
By consulting the official website of the Park, you can find out the news regarding the educational activities and excursions. In addition, to have a preview of the Park you could treat yourself to a virtual walkto admire some of the most beautiful areas, such as the forest, the wetlands or the promontory.
Circeo National Park: map, opening hours and prices
The Circeo Park is located about 100 kilometers from Rome, is open to everyone and is free. You can reach this natural oasis by car or by train: Rome-Naples line, stop Stazione FS Priverno-Fossanova, from where you can take the bus to Sabaudia.
There are picnic areas inside the park. To view the map and for further information, we recommend you visit the official website of the Circeo National Park.
Sources
Photo from Facebook Circeo National Park
Source: www.greenstyle.it
