Easter in the San Rossore Park

There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature all year round: exploring on foot, by bike, by boat, by horse-drawn carriage, on horseback and more – from Lake Massaciuccoli to the San Rossore Estate, and from the beaches of Marina di Vecchiano and Lecciona to the forests of San Rossore and Coltano.

At Easter, four designated areas are available for the traditional barbecue, and, as a special exception, barbecues will also be permitted on the lawn at the Cascine Vecchie roundabout, provided that the roads and footpaths are kept clear. For barbecues, between 11.00 and 16.00, you must bring your own portable braziers, raised off the ground, and take the necessary precautions, ensuring you leave the area in good condition. You must have at least 5 litres of water available for safety and to extinguish the embers, and you must dispose of the ashes in containers without throwing them into bins to avoid the risk of fire.

For those who enjoy walking or outdoor activities, the estate offers plenty of opportunities: open from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm, visitors can explore almost half of the estate independently along the marked trails, whilst the remaining part can only be accessed via an authorised tour accompanied by a nature guide.

The VadoeVedo guides are organising an Easter excursion to the Petrified Forest, setting off at 9.30 am, to explore the remains of maritime pines shaped by the elements and the sea – symbols of the power of nature on the Pisan coast. On Easter Monday, there is a route to the sea, crossing the Selva Pisana to reach the dunes and Gombo beach. Info: 3475870026 Vadoevedo

Throughout the weekend, you can hire bikes and cycle-carriages at Cascine Vecchie at the former Visitor Centre, enjoy guided tours accompanied by a mini-train followed by a walk through the woods and pine forests, and on Sunday at 11.00 am, a guided bike ride
Info: 050.533755 Top5Viaggi

The Equitiamo equestrian centre offers horse rides for beginners and experienced riders alike, allowing you to get close to nature. Booking is recommended; please contact the organisers directly.
Info and bookings: 338-3662431 Facebook page

San Rossore in Carrozza offers guided horse-drawn carriage rides: an experience suitable for everyone.
Info 330-206235 San Rossore in Carrozza

Sunday will also see the ‘136th Premio Pisa’, one of the most important horse racing events taking place at the San Rossore racecourse.

In Coltano, visitors can explore the Medici Villa and the estate, with around 40 km of flat trails through woods, clearings and dirt tracks. Info: 050.989348 Pro Loco Coltano page

There are also numerous events taking place between Vecchiano, Massarosa and Viareggio, starting with a visit to La Brilla, the ‘Gateway to the Park’ on Lake Massaciuccoli, an information centre where visitors can admire the old rice-polishing machinery and the Gragnani-Rontani ornithological collection.
Info: 0584 1780676 La Brilla Visitor Centre

Finally, the Lipu Nature Reserve in Massaciuccoli offers guided tours of the lake and the marsh in small boats, a canoe and rowing boat hire service, and two excursions: on Sunday 5 April to the Macchia Lucchese, through the coastal woodland and the ‘lame’ of the Lecciona, ending at the coastal dunes and the sea
Monday 6 April: visit to the “Enchanted Forest” of Migliarino, a lowland wetland forest with its characteristic “lame”, brought to life by spring blossoms; booking recommended by contacting the organisers. Info: 0584.975567 Lipu Oasis Massaciuccoli