Nestled in the southern part of the Venetian lagoon, Ca' Roman is an extraordinary natural reserve and offers one of the best preserved dune environments of the Northern Adriatic which is uniquely rich in fauna. Because of its natural value, Ca' Roman has been declared a Site of Community Importance (SCI) and a Special Protection Area (SPA).

Nearly 200 species of bird were counted: from the common kingfisher and the Mediterranean gull, which permanently stay on the island, to the European bee-eater who spends the summer here, from the winter sparrow hawk to the very rare Kentish plover and little tern.

The Reserve is uninhabited and barely touched by tourism, except during the months of July and August. The best time to visit is from March to June and from September to November. These are the best times to see the birds that stop on the island during their migrations and to take in the surrounding environment. The Fortress of Ca' Roman is another of the island's highlights. It was built at the beginnings of the 1800s and was a strategic outpost during Austrian rule: it was used to control the entrance to Chioggia's port and was surrounded by a moat.

How to get there: from Chioggia, get the boat to Pellestrina which stops at Ca' Roman ten minutes into the journey. From Lido of Venice, get a bus to Pellestrina (boat trip). Although the best way to explore the oasis is by bike, which allows you to also visit nearby Pellestrina.

Riserva Naturale Ca' Roman
Link: www.lipu.it/oasi-naturale-ca-roman
Tel: 340 6192175