Circeo National Park

Circeo National Park is located in Italy, within the Lazio region. It lies along the Tyrrhenian coast, about 100 kilometers south of Rome. Nearby towns include Sabaudia, San Felice Circeo, and Latina. The park covers an area of approximately 85 square kilometers and includes a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal dunes to forests and wetlands. The park was established in 1934, making it one of Italy's oldest national parks. It was created under the fascist regime with the aim of conserving the natural environment and promoting tourism in the area. One significant historical feature is Monte Circeo, which is linked to the legend of Circe from Homer’s Odyssey. The park has also seen important archaeological discoveries, such as prehistoric human remains in the Guattari Cave. Circeo National Park offers several parking areas, especially near key visitor locations such as the beaches of Sabaudia and the town of San Felice Circeo. Some parking areas may charge a small fee, particularly in the more tourist-heavy zones during the summer months. Parking regulations are enforced to protect the environment and reduce congestion during peak seasons. The park’s wildlife is diverse, with species like wild boar, foxes, and the Italian hare roaming the forests. Birdlife is particularly rich, with migratory birds, herons, and marsh harriers often seen in the wetland areas. The park is also home to the European pond turtle and several amphibians. The flora in Circeo National Park is equally impressive. Mediterranean maquis dominates the landscape, featuring shrubs like holm oak, myrtle, and strawberry trees. Wetlands support aquatic plants like water lilies and reeds. Public transportation to the park is available from Rome via regional buses or trains to nearby towns, with additional bus services connecting to the park itself.