Macchiagrande Oasis

Are you looking for an unspoilt location to spend a pleasant day surrounded by greenery and nature? We know the right place for you!

Macchiagrande Oasis is really an ecological paradise nestled along the Tirrenic coast near the towns of Fregene and Focene, close to Fiumicino Airport and not so far from Rome.

The oasis, currently managed by WWF, stretches for about 280 hectares alternating sand dune, Mediterranean maquis and forest, among the most beautiful and better preserved territories of the Lazio coast.

Macchiagrande Oasis - Photo by Il Cantore Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0

Macchiagrande Oasis hosts a number of waterbirds species like the mallard, the teal, the great cormorant, the grey heron, the purple heron, the little egret, among others, and many birds of prey like the marsh harrier, the kestrel, the fish hawk or the buzzard.

A great cormoran in Macchiagrande Oasis - Photo by Franco1246 Wikipedia CC BY-SA 3.0

While you enjoy the three natural routes traced within the reserve, it won't be difficult to find some mammals like porcupines, rabbits, foxes, martens and harvest mouses.

In the maquis you might bump into a magnificient Hermann's tortoise, symbol of the Oasis.

A visit inside the reserve takes about two or three hours. We suggest you start exploring the maquis to identify the different species and look for the tracks left by the mammals. If you are lucky you might encounter some funny friend!

A magnificient Hermann's tortoise, symbol of Macchiagrande Oasis

A nice specimen of British kingfisher in Macchiagrande Oasis

Continue then along the wildlife areas and stop by for a break under the shade casted by the pine forest. If you are carrying a pair of binoculars you can enjoy yourself going birdwatching, trying to identify some of the birds.

Inside the park you will also find a sensory itinerary designed for the elderly and children with stopping points, an educational pool, some observation hides and a educational hive. We would like to remind you that the Nature Route is accessible for disabled persons.

Did you like the article? Tell us about the impressions of your trip and your suggestions. Leave you messages in the box at the bottom.

Useful information

Macchiagrande Oasis

Visitor Centre landline: +39 066685487

Mobile phone: +39 3391588245 | +39 3290562763

macchiagrande@wwf.it

HOW TO GET THERE: By car

The entrance is at south Fregene, at the crossing between via Castellammare and via Veneziana. You can easily reach it by car from Rome or Civitavecchia taking the highway A12 E80 or the Aurelia SS1.

Public transports

You can reach the Oasis from Rome and from Civitacchia by COTRAL bus lines. For further information click here.
TIMETABLES: - September to June: every Sunday from 10.00 until 17.00 with guided visits available at 10.30 and 14.30 (reservation is not necessary).

- July: every Sunday from 10.00 until 20.00 with guided visits available at 17.30 (reservation is not necessary).

- August: closed

In case of bad weather the oasis will be closed and it is advisable to contact the Visitor Center beforehand on Bank Holidays. For groups and school trips guided visits are bookable all the year round, booking before the previous Friday. For photographers and birdwatchers it is possible, in some periods, to access the park in particular times, upon agreement with the management.