A place in equilibrium between mankind and the environment, between bodies of water and vestiges of ancient salt basins for some 400,000 citizens. Within the vast area of Cagliari, it is an oasis for leisure just a short distance from home and for its most famous inhabitants – the pink flamingos – that find the perfect nesting place right here. Without disturbing them, you can admire these majestic birds in Molentargius, which was the richest Sardinian basin for sea-salt extraction for two and a half centuries – an activity that ceased in 1985 – as evidenced by the name itself, deriving from molenti (donkey), an ancient means of transporting the precious loads of salt. Already included in the 1977 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, the area became a regional park in 1999 to protect and enhance one of the main resting and nesting sites of aquatic birds in Europe. The Molentargius-Saline extends across 1,600 hectares in the extreme southern part of the Campidano plain, overlooking the Golfo degli Angeli (Gulf of the Angels) and bordered by Cagliari urbanisation of Quartu Sant’Elena, Quartucciu and Selargius, and by the seafront of the beautiful Poetto. Its uniqueness can be perceived even from the peaks of Monte Urpinu and Sella del Diavolo.
Visiting the park, you will be spoilt for choice – guided tours on foot, by bike or by boat along the canals and on electric buses, together with the operators of the Centre for Environmental Education and Sustainability (CEAS). You will be accompanied to the areas that are best suited to birdwatching, stopping in a hut before the embankment of Bellarosa Maggiore, where the flamingo and slender-billed gull nest. Even the reed of the Minore is a refuge for nesting birds, including the cattle egret, the black-winged stilt, little egret, mallard and numerous species of ducks. With a little luck, you will see the shy sultan chicken, with its metallic blue plumage and scarlet red beak. The free pathways within the green areas offer daily access – just be sure to bring your binoculars with you, so as not to disturb the birdlife from up close. There is even a bikesharing station and rental service available for the bike tours.
Opening hours:
The park is open every day from sunrise to sunset.
Infopoint Edificio Sali Scelti:
From May to August:
every day, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
From September to April:
every day, 9:00 am – 6:30 pm
Prices:
Free entrance.