Next to Sardinia's capital is a lagoon that is one of Europe's largest and most important natural sites, a habitat for numerous species of bird, as well as a site of historical, economic and industrial interest.
Already a port in Punic times, and always a synonym of fishing and salt production, the laguna's importance is now internationally recognised.
The Cagliari lagoon is a wetlands area of 1300 hectares just outside the capital, and has historical and natural value.
The strategic position has made it a port hub, leading to alterations in the ecosystem. Nonetheless, the plants along the shores offer a habitat to nearly 200 bird species, 70 of which remain all year round: herons, ducks, barn owls, black-winged stilts, falcons, gulls and kingfishers.
The symbol of the lagoon are the pink flamingos, that choose to nest in Cagliari as well as in the Molentargius Park. You can observe without disturbing them in birdwatching hides located along the main road that runs around the edge of the Capoterralaguna.