On the Adriatic coast of Puglia, Margherita di Savoia is best known for its sea and its spa tradition. Yet the real show often happens above the water. Ali sulla Laguna, or "Wings over the Lagoon", is a guided birdwatching outing that starts from the town's Infopoint and invites you to look up, slow down and listen.
A landscape made for wings
Few places in Puglia feel as wide open as this one. Margherita di Savoia sits beside enormous salt pans, among the largest in Europe, and the surrounding wetland is a protected habitat.
Shallow, brackish water and quiet banks create a natural stopover for waterbirds. The horizon is flat, the sky is huge, and every movement on the water stands out.
What a guided morning among the birds feels like
Birdwatching here is less about chasing and more about waiting. The guide helps you spot shapes you would otherwise walk past and tells one species from another.
You will soon notice how much happens when everyone goes quiet. What you see depends on the season and the day, and that unpredictability is part of the charm.
- Elegant silhouettes wading in the shallows, from tiny waders to long-legged herons
- Mirror-like water that doubles the sky, especially in soft morning or late-afternoon light
- The soundscape of calls, wingbeats and wind through the reeds
- The geometric salt pans, with their pale edges and shifting colours
- Small tips on identifying species by shape, flight and behaviour
Tips for a better sighting
Preparation makes a real difference when you are watching wildlife. Bring binoculars if you have them, and a camera with a zoom if you like photography.
Wear muted colours and comfortable shoes, and add a hat, sunscreen and water because the lagoon offers little shade. Move gently and keep your voice low, so the birds stay relaxed and so do you.
Spring and autumn are traditionally good moments to watch migrating birds, while cooler months can bring wintering species. Ask the guide what to expect on your day.
Make a day of the coast
After the walk, Margherita di Savoia's seafront is perfect for a slow passeggiata and a coffee or an ice cream. The town's thermal heritage gives it a calm, old-fashioned seaside feel.
If you have time, the Adriatic towns nearby are easy to add. Trani, with its cathedral right beside the sea, and Barletta, with its castle, make a rewarding next stop.
This outing suits families curious about nature, couples looking for a quiet morning, friends travelling together, and solo travellers who like to observe at their own pace.