When can you see flamingos?

In Maremma, you have the best chance of seeing flamingos in autumn and winter, especially in the Orbetello lagoon. However, some stay there all year round: it is therefore possible to spot them in other seasons too, with no guarantee of seeing a large group.

Numbers vary according to the birds' movements and the conditions of the lagoon. In winter, thousands may gather there in some years, while in spring and summer, part of the flock heads to breeding sites elsewhere in the Mediterranean. To observe them, head for theWWF Oasis of the Orbetello lagoon ; the Lake Burano, further south, can also be worth a visit. Bring binoculars: the birds often stay at a distance and the number visible changes from one day to the next.

If you plan to visit an oasis, check its opening days and hours before setting off: they can vary depending on the season. And if you don't see any flamingos, the lagoon is also home to other water birds, notably herons and ducks.