Tenuta di Tombolo – Coastal Nature and Biodiversity Between Dunes and Forests

The Tenuta di Tombolo is one of the most fascinating areas of the Migliarino, San Rossore and Massaciuccoli Natural Park, extending over approximately 5,000 hectares along the southern coastal strip between the Arno River and Calambrone.
The name “Tombolo” derives from the Latin tumulus, referring to the sandy ridges formed by coastal dune systems, shaped over time by sediments carried by rivers and the sea.

A History Shaped by the Sea, Land Reclamation and Seaside Culture

During Roman and medieval times, the area of the Tenuta di Tombolo was a strategic stretch along inland waterways. Before its current course, the Arno River flowed through this area toward the southwest, near today’s San Piero a Grado and its Romanesque basilica, built between the 10th and 11th centuries on the site where, according to tradition, the Apostle Peter landed.

For centuries, the estate belonged to the Archiepiscopal Mensa of Pisa, which managed the land conservatively until the 19th century. Under the House of Savoy, major land reclamation works were carried out, pine forests were planted, road systems were reorganized, and the Navicelli Canal was expanded—still today a key hydraulic route connecting Pisa and Livorno.

Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, land reclamation and access to the sea encouraged the development of the first seaside resorts such as Marina di Pisa, Tirrenia and Calambrone, now well-known destinations along the Pisan coastline.

Landscape and Biodiversity: From Forests to Mediterranean Dunes

The Tenuta di Tombolo is a territory where natural environments alternate in remarkable harmony:

Coastal dunes and sandy tombolos, shaped by marine and fluvial dynamics
Pine forests and mixed woodlands, remnants of ancient forest formations
Wetlands and depressions, humid areas that host specialized plant and animal species
Human settlements linked to coastal tourism and agriculture

Botanical Interest

The flora of the estate reflects a transition between Mediterranean and sub-Atlantic environments, a distinctive feature that sets Tombolo apart from other areas of the Park.

Stone pine and maritime pine forests, historically planted and now an integral part of the woodland landscape
Holm oak woods and mesophilic forests, dominated by holm oak, pedunculate oak and hornbeam, forming a rich vegetational mosaic

The presence of Mediterranean species such as cork oak (Quercus suber) and periploca highlights the strong Mediterranean character of Tombolo—unique within the Park.

In wetter and marginal areas, salt-tolerant plants thrive, including shrubby glasswort, common glasswort and sea orache, while common sea lavender colors lagoon edges with its blooms in late summer.

Wildlife and Animal Biodiversity

The diversity of habitats supports a rich fauna. In the woodlands of Tombolo, species such as woodpeckers, green woodpeckers, nuthatches, wood pigeons and, in winter, woodcocks can be observed.
Wetland areas provide refuge for reptiles such as freshwater turtles and grass snakes, while mammals including foxes, fallow deer, badgers and porcupines inhabit the forested and agricultural zones.

Dove si trova e come raggiungerla

Location and How to Get There

The Tenuta di Tombolo is located in the southern section of the San Rossore Park, along the coast between Pisa, Calambrone and Tirrenia.

How to reach the area:

By car or bicycle, following Lungarno Gabriele D’Annunzio, Via Livornese and coastal roads toward Calambrone and Tirrenia
Via the Park’s cycling and pedestrian routes, including paths through pine forests and dunes, connected by the Trammino Cycle Path

Useful reference points:

WWF Bosco della Cornacchiaia Oasis – a perfectly preserved lowland forest with rich undergrowth and nature trails (guided visits by reservation)
Sentiero dei Tre Pini (Three Pines Trail) – a hiking route through coastal woods, illustrating traditional forest-related activities through nature and educational panels
WWF Dune di Tirrenia Oasis – a natural area featuring Mediterranean dune vegetation and accessible walking paths

Visiting the Area

The Tenuta di Tombolo can be visited year-round through a network of hiking and cycling routes that wind through forests, dunes, wetlands and coastal areas. Some trails are easily accessible by bike, while others invite slower exploration for observing flora, fauna and landscapes.

Facilities and points of interest:

Bosco della Cornacchiaia – WWF Oasis: marked trails, wildlife observation points and educational areas (visits by reservation during specific periods)
Nearby Park Visitor Centres: information and orientation materials available to help plan your visit

Guided Excursions on Visit Parco San Rossore

On Visit Parco San Rossore, you can find guided excursions dedicated to the Tenuta di Tombolo and its diverse natural and historical features.

Recommended routes:

Naturalistic itinerary in the Tenuta di Tombolo – guided exploration of coastal environments, dunes and Mediterranean forests, ideal for nature lovers and photographers
Walks in the Selva Pisana – trekking through woodland paths and wetlands with a focus on local flora and fauna
Seasonal excursions to the Tirrenia dunes – routes highlighting the colors and blooms of the dune system, especially beautiful in spring and summer

All excursions are led by experienced hiking guides, offering insights into local history, habitats and botanical and wildlife highlights. Visit the Hiking & Guided Tours Calendar section on www.visitparcosanrossore.it for updated dates and details.

Why Visit the Tenuta di Tombolo

Visiting the Tenuta di Tombolo means immersing yourself in a unique environment where sea, forest, dunes and history come together in a deeply enriching experience. It is ideal for:

those who enjoy walking through pine forests and Mediterranean landscapes
birdwatching and coastal nature enthusiasts
families and hikers seeking varied and evocative routes
anyone wishing to discover the natural and cultural heritage of the Pisan coast