As part of the Interreg project DestiMED PLUS, coordinated by the Lazio Region, we are currently working, as ITO (Inbound Tour Operator), on the design, assembly and executive realization of an ecotourism package together with the MPA/SNR “Islands of Ventotene and Santo Stefano”.
After an first preparatory phase, the first test foreseen by the project was held from the 21st to 23rd of September.
The test (or Audit) begins near the Formia/Gaeta train station: after meeting with the two testers we head to the port of Formia, destination Ventotene!
Once on the island, the group walks through the Roman Port – dug into the tuff many centuries ago – and the characteristic ramps of the Bourbon period, to reach the main square. Here it is welcomed by the staff of the MPA/SNR with a brief introduction to the landscape and nature heritage and the conservation and scientific dissemination projects carried out by the Reserve. After checking in at the accomodation facility, the first lunch based on local agricultural products takes place.
In the early afternoon, testers are led on a birdwatching walk. Among the viewpoints of the historic center and the edges of Villa Giulia ruins, both sedentary and migratory species are observed, such as the European Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) and the Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe).
Subsequently, the group joints in the very interesting guided tour of the Roman Cisterns, tunnels used for various functions throughout the history of the island, from structures built for the supply of rainwater to shelter for men and cattle.
Back in the village, after a stop at the famous “Ultima Spiaggia” bookshop located in the main square, the group has a brief meeting with a local expert, to listen about anecdotes and curiosities about the island’s tradition of hot air balloons launched on the occasion of the patronal feast of Santa Candida. The day ends with a dinner based on local fish.
Due to adverse weather conditions, unfortunately, the following morning it is not possible to carry out the guided tour on the island of Santo Stefano and the time available is used to visit some of the structures involved in the construction of the LEC.
The group then spends the packed lunch time on the main beach of the island: Cala Nave. After a regenerating bath, it moves on to the lighthouse rocky area, where the experts of K’ Nature provide information regarding the Roman Peschiera, the tide pools biodiversity, the vegetational associations and the floristic species present here (including the endemic Limonium pontium pandatarium).
In the afternoon, after discussing and commenting on some aspects of the project togheter with the MPA, the group visits the Bird Migration Museum, the first of its kind in Italy and one of the first in all of Europe.
During the walk to reach the this institution, the local nature guide illustrates some of the typical Mediterranean essences and the characteristic steep cliffs that testify the geological history of the island.
The day ends with a dinner based on local legumes and vegetables, including the famous Ventotene lentil soup.
During the last day, two other facilities included in the LEC are visited, both perfectly integrated into the agricultural context of the place. Here one of the owners shows the most innovative agricoltural techniques carried out by young local entrepreneurs in perfect harmony with the historical family traditions.
After a last meeting with the MPA, during which the strengths and weakness of the package are highlighted, and a quick lunch at the Roman Port, it is now time to leave this enchanted place, with the complete awareness that the island has left in the memory of the testers indelible memories.
The project will continue in the coming weeks with the improvement of the ecotourism package thanks to the indications provided by the testers and further meetings within the LEC with the aim of defining all the activities and facilities to be included in the full test in the spring.
Foto di Andrea Senese
To refer the online documents relating to the project click here.
To request information about the project and the LEC, contact us through the following contact form: