Lake Santa Luce

Although situated in Pisa Province, this artificial lake, an LlPU nature reserve since 1992, is just a stone’s throw from Rosignano. Access it via the SS206 towards Pisa, following signs for the village of Santa Luce.
Shortly after, you’ll encounter the lake, which appears as a mirror of water surrounded by dense reed beds. The LlPU visitor centre sits right beside the dam.
The entrance fee gives you access to cross the dam, beyond which lies the nature trail (roughly 2 km); complete with educational signage and a couple of hides with viewing slots so you can observe the wildlife without disturbing it.

Yet spring remains the most spectacular season: flowering hillsides provide the backdrop for the elaborate courtship displays of Great Crested Grebes, which have become the nature reserve’s symbol. Migratory birds also appear on the lake and along its shores, particularly herons such as Night Herons, Little Egrets, Little Bitterns and Purple Herons. In an ecosystem like this lake, there’s an enormous wealth of life and biological diversity, including elegant dragonflies, colourful peacock butterflies and other butterfly species, and large nocturnal hawk-moths. Reptiles and amphibians are constant residents too.

Fishing is also permitted on the lake. However, fishing is restricted to a limited number of anglers per day. In addition to a standard fishing licence, you’ll need a permit issued by Pisa Provincial Administration, available upon payment of a modest fee.

Fish stocks are abundant and spectacular catches are not uncommon; particularly carp and other bottom-feeding fish, or enormous pike.

How to reach Lake Santa Luce

Take the SS206 from Pisa towards Cecina; before reaching Cecina, turn left following signs for Santa Luce and after approximately 1 kilometre, the nature reserve entrance is on your right. Park along the roadside and walk to the reserve entrance via the visitor centre.

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