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Visitor Center Nature Reserve Lago di Montepulciano

Discover Tuscany's natural beauty at Lago di Montepulciano: birdwatching, hiking, and guided tours in a protected wetland reserve.

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Explore the diverse ecosystem of Lago di Montepulciano, a vital wetland in Tuscany. The visitor center provides information, guided tours, and boat trips for observing the area's rich birdlife and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Visitor Center Nature Reserve Lago di Montepulciano

  • Wednesday 3 pm-7 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-7 pm
  • Friday 9 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 8:30 am-8:30 pm
  • Sunday 8:30 am-8:30 pm

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching; the reserve is home to diverse avian species.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the trails around the lake and through the reserve.
  • Visit during spring or autumn migration for the greatest variety of bird sightings.
  • Book guided tours in advance to ensure availability and gain deeper insights into the reserve's ecosystem.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    From Montepulciano, take the Autolinee Toscane bus towards Acquaviva. Get off at the 'Acquaviva - Via del Lago' stop. From there, walk south on Via del Lago for about 500 meters. Follow the signs directing you to the Visitor Center Nature Reserve Lago di Montepulciano, located at Via del Lago, 10. Bus tickets cost approximately €2-€4.

  • Walking

    From Acquaviva, follow Via del Lago south. The Visitor Center is approximately 1 km from the center of Acquaviva. Walk along Via del Lago, following signs for the Riserva Naturale Lago di Montepulciano. The walk is relatively flat and takes about 15-20 minutes.

  • Taxi

    From Montepulciano, a taxi ride to the Visitor Center costs approximately €30-€40 and takes around 25 minutes. Taxis are available in Montepulciano's city center. Ensure the taxi driver knows the location: Via del Lago, 10, 53045 Acquaviva.

Unlock the Best of Visitor Center Nature Reserve Lago di Montepulciano

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Discover more about Visitor Center Nature Reserve Lago di Montepulciano

The Visitor Center Nature Reserve Lago di Montepulciano serves as the gateway to exploring one of central Italy's most important wetlands. Located in the Valdichiana area of Tuscany, near the border with Umbria, the lake and its surrounding reserve offer a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Once part of a vast marshland, Lago di Montepulciano and neighboring Lago di Chiusi are remnants of a landscape transformed by centuries of reclamation efforts. The visitor center provides valuable information about the reserve, including trail maps and insights into the local flora and fauna. Knowledgeable staff offer guided tours on foot and by electric boat, allowing visitors to experience the diverse ecosystem up close. The reserve is home to almost 200 bird species, with 92 nesting within its boundaries. It is a crucial stopover for migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa. Birdwatchers can spot various species, including the Eurasian Hobby, Kestrel, Buzzard, Black Kite, and, in winter, the Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon, and Hen Harrier. The lake also attracts various water birds, including the Great Crested Grebe, Common Kingfisher, and Ferruginous Duck. The reserve features hiking trails that wind through woods and reeds, leading to observation points like the Watchtower, which offers panoramic views of the lake. The "Sentiero della Bonifica" (Path of Reclamation) is a 65 km trail connecting Arezzo and Chiusi, passing by Lake Montepulciano and offering opportunities for walking and cycling. Visitors can also explore a small path through the reed beds to an observation hut (5€ per person). The visitor center also provides a small refreshment area and a guesthouse.

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