
Riserva Naturale Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala
A stunning coastal reserve in Marsala, Sicily, featuring salt pans, windmills, flamingos, and the ancient island of Mozia.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets

Riserva Naturale Isole dello Stagnone di Marsala
Best Time
Golden hour for stunning sunsets

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning coastal reserve in Marsala, Sicily, featuring salt pans, windmills, flamingos, and the ancient island of Mozia.
"A peaceful, picture-perfect stop with breathtaking sunsets over salt pans and windmills."

🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch the magical sunset over the salt pans; it's a must-see! Consider an aperitivo nearby.
🚤 Mozia Boat Tour
Highly recommended guided boat tour to Phoenician Mozia, with historical insights.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Over the Salt Pans
Saline Ettore e Infersa
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky in vibrant hues over the shimmering salt pans and iconic windmills.

Ancient Mozia (Mothia)
Isola di San Pantaleo
Explore the ruins of this ancient Phoenician settlement, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history.

Windmills of Stagnone
Lagoon edge
Iconic windmills dot the landscape, remnants of traditional salt harvesting, offering a picturesque and historical view.

Flamingo Habitats
Salt pan habitats
Observe flamingos and other migratory birds in their natural habitat within the shallow lagoon waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Light
Embrace the Salt Pan Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch the magical sunset over the salt pans; it's a must-see! Consider an aperitivo nearby.
🚤 Mozia Boat Tour
Highly recommended guided boat tour to Phoenician Mozia, with historical insights.
🚶♀️ Walk the Isola Lunga
The Isola Grande (Isola Lunga) is walkable and offers unique experiences like salt spa treatments.
🥾 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the salt pans and walking paths around the lagoon.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch the magical sunset over the salt pans; it's a must-see! Consider an aperitivo nearby.
🚤 Mozia Boat Tour
Highly recommended guided boat tour to Phoenician Mozia, with historical insights.
🚶♀️ Walk the Isola Lunga
The Isola Grande (Isola Lunga) is walkable and offers unique experiences like salt spa treatments.
🥾 Comfortable Shoes
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the salt pans and walking paths around the lagoon.
📸 Photography Paradise
Bring your camera for incredible shots of windmills, salt pans, and vibrant sunsets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Riserva Naturale for its breathtaking sunsets over the salt pans and windmills, calling it a 'peaceful, picture-perfect stop.' The historical significance of ancient Mozia, accessible via boat tours, is also a major draw. While some found boat tours informative, others felt they were not essential. The natural beauty and unique landscape are consistently highlighted as major positives.
"A Peaceful, Picture-Perfect Stop in Marsala
The Riserva Naturale offers a beautiful glimpse into the old way of making salt, with shimmering salt pans that are truly picture-perfect. It’s fascinating to see how the traditional process works as you wander the paths.
We also took the boat tour around the island, not really worth it for the information or sights, but I always enjoy a boat ride, so it was still a pleasant little break.
Overall, it’s absolutely worth a stop for a peaceful walk, unique scenery, and a touch of history."
Jonas Goderis
"I highly recommend the guided boat tour about the Phoenician site of Mozia.45 minutes around the isle with recorded guide plus extra info from the captain about the reserve and the other islands. Disembark on Mozia to see the ruines and Whitaker Museum rich of archeological finds.
Stop forna granite a table the bar😁"
Federica Cecchini
"Hi all, I live pretty near here so I have the privilege to be able to see beautiful sunsets every day! The salt evaporation ponds are also really beautiful, some have different colours! I also recommend a visit to Favignana, one of the islands.
Visit Marsala ❤️"
Matteo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Riserva Naturale is easily accessible by car from Marsala. Follow signs for the Stagnone. Parking is available along the coastal road near the salt pans and windmills. Some visitors mention it's part of an 'on the road' itinerary in Sicily.
While direct public transport to specific points within the reserve might be limited, local buses can take you to Marsala town, from where you can arrange a taxi or a short drive to the Stagnone.
Yes, cycling is a great way to explore the area, especially along the paved paths. It offers flexibility to stop and admire the views.
For Mozia, a guided boat tour is highly recommended, often including historical information. Other islands like Isola Lunga can be explored on foot or by boat.
The reserve is a lagoon area, and access points are along the coastal road. Key areas to focus on include the Saline Ettore e Infersa and the vicinity of Mozia.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the general areas of the Riserva Naturale, including the salt pans and walking paths, is typically free. However, specific attractions like the Mozia archaeological site or boat tours will have separate admission fees.
The natural reserve is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Specific attractions like the Mozia museum or salt pan facilities may have their own operating hours. It's best to check in advance for any specific sites.
Yes, guided boat tours to Mozia are highly recommended and offer valuable historical context. Some local operators may also offer tours of the salt pans.
The salt pans themselves are part of the natural landscape and generally do not have an entrance fee. However, some facilities or museums associated with them might charge a fee.
While you can reach Mozia by boat, the guided tours are often the most informative way to experience the site and learn about its history.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area is a photographer's dream! Focus on the windmills against the sunset, the vibrant colors of the salt pans, and the silhouettes of the islands. The Isola Lunga also offers unique perspectives.
Late afternoon leading into sunset is unparalleled for photography, offering dramatic light and colors. Early morning can also be beautiful with softer light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for spotting distant flamingos. Don't forget a tripod for those stunning sunset shots.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be respectful of private property and any specific signage at historical sites like Mozia.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the reserve management for current rules regarding drone usage to avoid any issues.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several restaurants and bars along the coastal road, particularly near the salt pans, offering aperitivo and meals with scenic views. Some were closed during off-season visits.
Expect fresh Sicilian cuisine, often featuring local seafood. Many places offer aperitivo with local wines, perfect for enjoying the sunset.
Picnicking is a great option, especially if you want to enjoy the scenery at your own pace. There are many scenic spots along the lagoon.
Absolutely! Many venues along the Stagnone lagoon offer aperitivo with stunning sunset views over the salt pans.
Look for dishes featuring fresh fish, local vegetables, and of course, Marsala wine. Granita is also a refreshing treat.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Wildlife
The reserve is a haven for birdlife, most notably flamingos. You can also spot various migratory birds, especially during certain seasons.
Yes, it's an excellent location for birdwatching due to its diverse wetland habitats and position on migratory routes.
The landscape is characterized by shallow salt lagoons, salt pans, iconic windmills, and four islands. It's a unique coastal wetland environment.
There are walking paths along the lagoon and the Isola Lunga, allowing for exploration of the natural environment.
The salt pans are historically significant, representing traditional salt production methods. They also create unique habitats for wildlife and contribute to the stunning visual landscape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing binoculars for birdwatching, especially for flamingos, which can be a highlight for children. Walking along the Isola Lunga is also a good option for a family stroll. Pack plenty of water and snacks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for exploring the natural terrain.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
Beyond the landscapes, the ancient ruins of Mozia offer a historical dimension to your photography. The textures of the old stones and the archaeological finds in the Whitaker Museum provide a rich subject matter. Don't miss the chance to capture the unique atmosphere of traditional salt harvesting.
🧘♀️ Nature & Wellness Seekers
Some unique experiences, like the salt spa treatments on Isola Lunga, offer a novel way to connect with the natural elements of the reserve. Simply walking along the lagoon's edge, breathing in the sea air, and witnessing the stunning sunsets can be a deeply rejuvenating experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Salt Pans and Windmills
Exploring the salt pans offers a serene experience. You can walk along designated paths, observing the intricate network of channels and evaporation ponds. The colors within the pans can vary dramatically depending on the mineral content and the time of day, ranging from stark white to vibrant pinks and blues. This visual spectacle is particularly captivating during the golden hour, just before sunset, when the entire landscape is bathed in warm, ethereal light.
Many visitors recommend visiting the Saline Ettore e Infersa, which is one of the most accessible and well-preserved areas. Here, you can often see the salt being harvested and learn about its production. The presence of flamingos in these shallow waters adds another layer of natural wonder to the experience, making it a prime spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Exploring Ancient Mozia (Mothia)
Many visitors highly recommend taking a guided boat tour to Mozia. These tours not only provide transportation to the island but also offer valuable historical context and insights into the Phoenician settlement and the surrounding lagoon. The captain often shares extra information about the reserve and other islands, enriching the experience. Upon disembarking on Mozia, you can explore the ruins and visit the Whitaker Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of archaeological finds from the site, including the famous 'Youth of Mozia' statue.
Visiting Mozia provides a deeper understanding of the region's rich history, complementing the natural beauty of the salt pans. It's a chance to connect with the ancient past of Sicily and appreciate the strategic importance of this lagoon centuries ago.
The Enchanting Sunsets of Stagnone
Travelers consistently rave about the 'incredibly beautiful' and 'captivating' sunsets. The sky often explodes in a symphony of colors – oranges, pinks, purples, and reds – which are mirrored in the still waters of the salt pans. This spectacle is so renowned that many visitors plan their entire visit around experiencing it. Some even suggest enjoying an 'aperitivo' at one of the seaside venues to fully soak in the enchanting atmosphere.
To make the most of this experience, aim to arrive in the late afternoon. This gives you time to explore the area, perhaps visit Mozia, and then settle in to watch the sky transform. The changing hues created by the setting sun are described as something 'everyone must experience at least once in their lifetime.'




Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit