Green holidays: gardens and parks to discover

Green holidays: gardens and parks to discover

The colour blue will always dominate a holiday at the Fabulous Village, from the blue sea lapping on the Lazio coast between Torvaianica, Ostia and Fregene to the swimming pools of the water park. But the surrounding area also offers plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in greenery: from ancient pine forests to enchanting historical gardens and WWF Oases.

The Pine Forest of Castelfusano and Cork-oak Forest of Pomezia

Not far from the Fabulous Village (take the 070 bus and get off at the Colombo/Villa Plinio stop) and the mouth of the River Tiber, the Pine Forest of Castel Fusano extends over 916 hectares and is part of the Riserva Naturale Litorale Romano – Rome’s largest green area. This nature reserve boasts the ruins of what was thought to be the ancient Villa of Pliny. However, it is probably that of Hortensius, a famous orator in ancient Rome and considered to be Cicero’s main rival.

In any case, nature reigns supreme here. Unfortunately the centuries-old pine trees that made the environment so unique have been decimated by fire and pests, but the area is still dominated by holm oaks and Mediterranean shrubs, including myrtle, rosemary, mastic trees and arbutus. Not too far away, there is another interesting natural area, the Cork-oak Forest of Pomezia, which is part of the Parco dei Castelli Romani. Recovered and enhanced thanks to a public petition, it is now a small but valuable green lung for the area and offers pleasant and relaxing walks.

The Gardino di Ninfa

At the heart of Agro Pontino, not far from the medieval village of Sermoneta, lies the enchanting Gardino di Ninfa. Check the website for seasonal opening dates to plan – and book – a visit to this incredible treasure trove of history and natural biodiversity managed by the Roffredo Caetani Foundation, which has been entrusted with its upkeep by the heirs of the noble family who, over centuries, created the beauty of this site, turning it into a cultural and artistic centre.

The eight hectares, surrounded by a larger park that is now a WWF Oasis, are home to over a thousand botanical varieties that flourish, covering the garden in just as many colours from season to season. The garden can be visited from spring to autumn with a guide who will explain the history and natural wealth of this enchanting microcosm: from its ruins and idyllic corners that look like pre-Romantic paintings to the many species of plants and flowers.

While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to visit two other nearby villages: Sermoneta, where, in addition to visiting the castle, you can buy or taste Trombolotto (a sauce made with lemon and herbs, ideal for pasta) at Il Simposio, and Bassiano where you can see how the delicious local ham is made.

The Giardini della Landriana

Flanking the Lazio coastline at Tor San Lorenzo (Ardea), there is another enchanting patch of greenery, the Giardini della Landriana. It is a garden consisting of 10 hectares within a large estate that divided into en-plein-air ‘rooms’, each with a particular botanical theme, such as the Valley of Antique Roses, the Orange Garden and the Magnolia Corner.

The Marquis Gallarati Scotti and his wife Lavinia Taverna, who bought the estate in 1956 and with the help of the famous landscape architect Russell Page, transformed the barren land into a lush garden. Today the estate also hosts events and ceremonies. To visit it, check online for opening dates and bookings for a chance to immerse yourself in the peace and beauty of this unique site.

The WWF Oases of Macchiagrande and Foce dell’Arrone

Heading north towards the Fiumicino area, along the Lazio coastline,  there are several important nature areas managed by the WWF. These are reclaimed wetlands managed with complex drainage systems still in operation that offer remarkable landscapes and provide unique habitats for flora and fauna.

The WWF Oasis of Macchiagrande is a stone’s throw from the beach and extends over 300 hectares within a Special Area of Conservation where the environment behind the dunes meets the forest and the fragrant Mediterranean scrub. On Saturdays and Sundays you can visit the Oasis, choosing between the guided tours (which also touch on the palaeontology of the area) and independent visits to be booked online.

A short distance away, at the mouth of the River Arrone is the Oasis of Bosco Foce dell'Arrone(open from February to November) where you can discover a unique and fascinating landscape made up of different environments. It covers approximately 200 hectares and consists of natural meadows, a precious hygrophilous forest of ash, elm and dogwood trees, wetlands lush with riverine vegetation, and coastal dunes. There are three nature trails that run through the Oasis for a total length of about 2.5 km. Contact the visitor centre of the WWF Oasis of Macchiagrande to find out how to access the area.

The Vasche di Maccarese

The Vasche di Maccarese is located inland from Fiumicino and is another WWF Oasis with unique origins. It consists of five artificial basins created for hunting purposes in 1970 that are located within an area of about 33 hectares surrounded by eucalyptus trees. In successive decades, these pools were converted for aquaculture and then abandoned: the wild vegetation and wetland habitat have made them a refuge for many species, especially birds.

Lookout points along the perimeter offer you the best spots to observe grebes, mallards, coots, herons, ospreys and flamingos among the flowering shrubs, with spring and autumn providing highpoints in the year. Book your Sunday visit by writing to [email protected] and remember to pick up your tickets at the visitors centre at Macchiagrande.