Giannella: Beach, Tombolo and Oasi di Orbetello

Giannella can be explored through different travel interests: Spiaggia di Giannella represents the coastal landscape, while the Oasi di Orbetello offers nature and visitor experiences. The Tombolo della Giannella is a sandy strip of land that separates the lagoon from the sea and is covered with trees and Mediterranean maquis. When planning a stay, it helps to consider the beach, landscape and visit to the Oasi as distinct aspects.

Beach and landscape

Spiaggia di Giannella stretches for eight kilometres between Santa Liberata and Le Saline. These endpoints provide a geographical reference for the length of the beach; local shore conditions may change. The tombolo is something different: it refers to the sandy strip of land between the lagoon and the sea, not the length of the beach. Its trees and Mediterranean maquis shape the landscape described here. This distinguishes two different features: the extent of Spiaggia di Giannella and the form of the tombolo.

Oasi di Orbetello: protection and visits

The Oasi di Orbetello is designated as a Special Area of Conservation (IT51A0026), a Special Protection Area (ZPS IT51A0026) and a Ramsar site. If you are planning a visit, check the boundaries of the protected area and the applicable management rules.

Guided visits start at Casale della Giannella. From there, visitors travel about seven kilometres to the entrance of the Oasi in their own car or motorcycle. This entrance cannot be reached on foot or by bicycle. The information therefore describes a specific sequence involving a personal vehicle, not access to the entrance on foot or by bicycle. Since arrangements may change, it is advisable to confirm them before travelling.

Since August 2023, the historic Casale Giannella has housed an interactive museum dedicated to the Santuario Pelagos. Immersive projections and interactive installations provide information about species in the Pelagos area, threats to its biodiversity and possible protection measures. The content may be updated; its themes include these species and questions of conservation.

Visitors can observe thousands of birds in the Oasi, including flamingos, herons, cranes, waders, birds of prey and numerous songbirds. Opportunities for birdwatching vary by season; individual sightings are not guaranteed. Nature observation is therefore different from a museum visit: it depends on the season and on which birds actually appear.

Getting there and cycling route

Spiaggia di Giannella can be reached via the Albinia exit of the SS Aurelia; then follow the signs to Porto Santo Stefano. As signage and access rules may change, check the information before travelling. This road description refers to Spiaggia di Giannella. By contrast, access to the entrance of the Oasi follows the conditions for guided visits from Casale della Giannella described above.

Another point of reference is the cycling route from Orbetello to Santa Liberata. After the Diga, it leads into the village of Santa Liberata, with views of the Tombolo della Giannella along the way. The route therefore has a different stated destination from the entrance to the Oasi; crossing options and road conditions may change. Check them before setting off. The route, beach access and access to the Oasi are separate pieces of information and should not be treated as interchangeable when planning.

A coastal landmark with a history

Torre e Forte delle Saline is a coastal fortification at the mouth of the Albegna. It was built in 1660 at the behest of Philip IV to protect the Via Aurelia and the isthmus of the Tombolo della Giannella. The structure adds a specific historical purpose to the nature and beach themes: it was intended to secure a road and the isthmus in the coastal landscape of that period.

Discover more destinations: Albinia, Ansedonia, Talamone, San Donato Vecchio, Fonteblanda, Orbetello Scalo.

Go to the main travel overview: Orbetello.