The park’s importance is recognized internationally: since 2004, it has been part of the UNESCO “Tuscan Coastal Forests” Biosphere Reserve, a designation that highlights its crucial role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
What Makes the Park Unique
The Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Regional Park is not just a vast green area between Pisa and Lucca, but a mosaic of diverse and precious ecosystems.
Founded in 1979, the park spans over 23,000 hectares and includes unique areas: the coastal pine forest of Marina di Vecchiano, the wetland of Lake Massaciuccoli, the historic estates of San Rossore, Migliarino, and Tombolo, all the way to the mouth of the Serchio River. This mix of landscapes—from the coast to the sand dunes, from the marshes to the centuries-old forests—makes it a true natural gem.
A paradise of flora and fauna
Biodiversity is the beating heart of the park. The flora is a riot of scents and colors: from the majestic Italian stone pine forests, which create postcard-perfect landscapes, to the holm oaks and centuries-old oaks. In the wetlands of Massaciuccoli, reeds and water lilies thrive, while along the coastal dunes you can admire the Mediterranean scrub and rare plants such as the tamarisk.
The fauna is equally rich. The park is famous for its fallow deer and wild boars, which roam freely across the estates. It is also a prime spot for birdwatching, with over 300 species of birds, including herons and ospreys. The wildlife is equally abundant. The park is famous for its fallow deer and wild boars, which roam freely throughout the estates. It is also a prime spot for birdwatching, with over 300 species of birds, including herons, ospreys, and great white egrets. The marshy areas are home to turtles, frogs, and a wide variety of fish.
Activities and experiences not to be missed: San Rossore Massaciuccoli Park offers countless opportunities to enjoy nature.
Hiking and cycling: There are numerous well-marked trails that wind through the pine forests and along the river. You can rent bicycles and ride along the bike paths all the way to the beach, or explore the ancient grand ducal estates.
Horseback riding: You can gallop along the park’s trails, through the pine forests, and out to the wide beaches.
Boat trips: To admire the landscape from a different perspective, you can sail along the Arno River and reach its mouth, where the river meets the sea.
Honey production: The area around Pisa is known for the production—albeit limited—of a very unique variety: beach honey. Produced using organic methods exclusively along the park’s coastline, it has a light amber color.
Relaxing on the beach: The beaches of Marina di Vecchiano and Bocca di Serchio are ideal for those seeking a wild and unspoiled stretch of coastline, far from the crowds.