Casaraccio Pond

The Casaraccio pond is located on the Capo Falcone peninsula, in the western part of the Gulf of Asinara, about three kilometres from Stintino, in the territory of the same municipality, enclosed by low hills and bordered from the sea, to the east, by a coastal cordon. It is fed by a number of small streams, while the sea water exchange is ensured by an artificial canal; the road jumps the canal with a small bridge from which two small roads branch off to the right and left, allowing the pond to be skirted. The pond has an extension of approximately 85 hectares and the maximum depth is 2 m; its catchment area has an extension of 11.7 km².

The Casaraccio Pond is an important wetland in Sardinia. Under the 'Council Directive on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora', it has been classified as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). In addition, the Autonomous Region of Sardinia has included it in a 'permanent oasis of wildlife protection and capture'.

Given that the pond's water is brackish, the vegetation can only consist of species with a high resistance to salinity; these are shrub formations and junipers, and in the innermost parts, tamarisks. The area is home to several nesting species such as the Purple Heron, the Plover Hen and the Kingfisher, with a significant number of individuals nationwide (50). In addition, this area is important for the wintering of the Pink Flamingo and other migratory birds. This wetland is one of the areas in the north of Sardinia with the most interesting sightings: in the past winters, the Four-eyed Stork and the Black Stork have been spotted in single specimens, the Crane also in small groups.

Although the Casaraccio Pond is on private property, it is still usable, as is the case in all Sites of Community Importance, access to the public area is free and unrestricted, but it is not permitted to remove and damage the flora, light fires, disturb or take away the fauna or collect sand or rocks.

Although there is no Environmental Education Centre on site that provides guides to accompany visitors in birdwatching, it is possible to carry out this activity independently, in total freedom.