Woods and green pinewoods, a rich population of flora and fauna, valleys and basins of freshwater and salted water, fresh and brackish water valleys and rivers that flow into the Adriatic: these are the quintessential elements of the Po Delta, a marvellous example of biodiversity, whose beating heart is water. Here, where the line between land and sky is blurred, it’s easy to bump into natural treasures, capable of leaving you in awe like no other, so unique as to be declared World Heritage Sites in 1999.

Pinewood of San Vitale (Ravenna) | Photo Archive – Municipality of Ravenna

Two parks are in charge of preserving this incredible natural area, that stretches over 66.000 hectares and that contains a wealth of incomparable natural landscapes. On the one side, on the northern bank of the river, the Po Delta Natural Park of the region Veneto; while on the other side, on the opposite bank of the river, the Po Delta Natural Park of the Emilia-Romagna region.

Over 300 species of birds chose this land as their own habitat or reproductive site during their migratory movements. Thus making the Delta an appealing area for birdwatchers. Specific itineraries, equipped areas, and observation towers contribute to the promotion of the land and its inhabitants, respecting at the same time the fragility and uniqueness of the ecosystem.

And there’s much more than that behind it! A visit to this territory will give you the opportunity to create and experience a direct contact with nature, local traditions and local produce, far away from urban centres, in a land that has remained isolated thanks to its particular natural isolation.

Birdwatching in the Po Delta Park | Photo Archive – Municipality of Ravenna

The best period to visit the park is in early spring when the winter “pause” is over and nature starts taking back its strength. In that very moment the Po Delta Park is at its best, and for some years it has been promoting an event for the lovers of open-air activities.

That’s why – if you love nature and outdoor excursions – you shouldn’t miss the initiative PRIMAVERA SLOW, an event taking place in Emilia Romagna from 21th March to 21th June. You’ll be pleased with its wide variety of excursions on foot, by bike and on boat, horse-riding sessions, didactic workshops, guided tours, sports events, food&wine tours and a lot more.

It’s the perfect occasion to discover the six nature and landscape centres of Po Delta Park in Emilia-Romagna, and at the same time a unique chance to taste the flavours and smell the scents typical of the area – villages from Rosolina to Goro, from Mesola to Comacchio, from Ravenna to Cervia, and then the hinterland in the Argenta Valleys, on the oasis of Bando and in the Vallette di Ostellato, and finally the territories of the province of Ravenna, the so-called Bassa Romagna.

This event is aimed not only at promoting the natural excellences of the Park but also at enhancing the appeal of culture that is embodied by this land.

Every two years it hosts also the International Po Delta Birdwatching Fair in Comacchio, an unmissable event, second only to the British Birdwatching Fair of London, perfect for all the photo enthusiasts, as well as the slow tourism, biodiversity, and sustainability lovers.

Comacchio (Ferrara) | Photo taken from parcodeltapo.it

Add to the list the traditional hiking in nature; food&wine tours for those interested in local products and good food; didactic workshops for youngsters and kids in order to enhance their approach towards the flora and fauna of the Po Delta Park in an entertaining and educational way. As you can see, there’s plenty of options, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

You can opt for a boat itinerary and discover the arms of the rivers Goro and Gnocca, reaching the Love Isle and the inlet Sacca di Scardovari, or maybe you can choose a trip on an electric boat, sailing through the Argenta Valleys. There is the chance to see the Mesola Wood and cross the Sacca di Goro with a motor vessel, discovering the mouth and the Abbey of Pomposa. Once you are in Comacchio, visit the territory with a boat or a bike excursion.

Leading southwards to the Ravenna area, another must is an excursion on electric boat in the wet oasis Ortazzo and Ortazzino, privileged observation point to enjoy the wealth of flora and fauna that characterises the Bevano area, or a guided tour across the Mandriole Valley and the paths of the green areas of Bardello, where the amazing mosaic of flowers and scents will bewitch you.

Last but not least, the archaeological site of Classe and the city of Ravenna with its mosaics is definitely worth a visit. Dulcis in fundo, a romantic walk at twilight at the salt mines of Cervia.