When you think of Paestum, Greek temples, the archaeological remains of Magna Graecia, and the extraordinary historical beauty of the place immediately come to mind. Yet, alongside this priceless cultural heritage, there exists a lesser-known but equally precious natural treasure: the Legambiente Dune Oasis in Paestum .
This area, located along the coast, represents a virtuous example of how environmental protection can coexist with sustainable land use. The dunes, pine forest, and Mediterranean scrub offer a unique setting, where nature and sea meet in perfect balance. This is not just a public beach or a pine forest with facilities, but a protected habitat, an integral part of the European ecological network Natura 2000 , which safeguards the continent’s most fragile and significant ecosystems.
In this article, we’ll explore the Oasis’s history, natural features, ecological value, and visitor experience, aiming to demonstrate why this place is both a small paradise and a laboratory for sustainability for the future.
The birth of the Dune Oasis
The Paestum Dune Oasis is managed by the local Legambiente Capaccio-Paestum branch , which has been promoting projects to enhance and protect the area for years. The area extends over approximately 16 hectares , divided into 11 hectares of pine forest and 5 hectares of beach and sand dunes .
In the 1950s, the pine forest was planted with species such as stone pine and Aleppo pine, with the aim of protecting the lands behind it from the erosive action of salty winds. Over time, the environment has spontaneously grown with Mediterranean scrub : junipers, mastic trees, myrtle, phillyrea, heather, and other species typical of the Tyrrhenian coast.
For a long time, however, the area suffered from environmental degradation and neglect. Only thanks to the commitment of volunteers and environmental associations was it possible to restore its dignity. Cleanup campaigns, environmental education initiatives, and the creation of lightweight infrastructure, such as wooden walkways and guided trails, have transformed the area into an oasis of beauty and tranquility.
Natura 2000 and European protection
One of the most important aspects that give value to the Paestum Oasis is its inclusion in the Natura 2000 Network , the European Union’s main instrument for the conservation of biodiversity.
The Oasis is part of the Site of Community Interest (SCI) IT8050010 “Coastal strips to the right and left of the Sele River ,” which includes several coastal areas in the provinces of Salerno and its surroundings. The aim is to ensure the protection of the most vulnerable natural habitats, particularly sand dunes , retro-dune ecosystems, and associated wetlands.
Among the plant species of particular interest, the sea lily (Pancratium maritimum) stands out , a protected white flower that grows right on the dunes and offers a spectacle of rare beauty in summer. The dunes themselves also play a fundamental ecological role: they protect the coast from erosion, host specialized animal and plant species, and maintain the balance between sea and land.
Being part of Natura 2000 means that the Oasis is not just a local asset, but is part of a larger protection system that spans all of Europe, a collective heritage that must be safeguarded for future generations.
A landscape of pine forest, dunes and sea.
Those who visit the Paestum Dune Oasis find themselves immersed in a varied environment, which is divided into three main areas:
- The pine forest:
A cool and shady coastal forest, populated by Aleppo and pine trees, ideal for walks, picnics, and relaxation. It’s the gateway to the Oasis, with marked trails and walkways leading to the sea. - The Mediterranean scrub:
Between the pine forest and the beach lies a mosaic of shrubs and bushes that support extraordinary biodiversity. This environment is essential as a refuge for small animals, birds, and pollinating insects. - The sand dunes and the beach
are the most fascinating sight: sand hills shaped by the wind, covered with pioneer vegetation such as sea lilies, which resist the salty action and protect the hinterland. The public and well-maintained beach offers clean, transparent waters, often awarded for their water quality.
The contrast between the green of the pine forest, the golden yellow of the dunes, and the blue of the sea creates a unique landscape, inviting you to slow down and experience close contact with nature.
Flora and fauna of the Oasis
The Paestum dune oasis is home to a surprising variety of flora and fauna, typical of Mediterranean coastal ecosystems. Among the most representative plants are the sea lily (Pancratium maritimum) , a protected species that blooms in summer on the sand dunes, and the junipers, which consolidate the sand with their roots. The pine forest is dominated by stone pines and Aleppo pines , introduced in the 1950s, accompanied by an undergrowth rich in mastic, myrtle, heather, and phillyrea.
The fauna includes numerous bird species, some sedentary and others migratory, using the coast as a stopover on Mediterranean routes: herons, egrets, gulls, and, more rarely, the Kentish plover, a small wading bird that symbolizes the natural beaches. Reptiles include the wall lizard and the grass snake , while insects such as butterflies and beetles contribute to the pollination and life cycle of the Mediterranean scrub. Mammals also find refuge in the pine forest, including hedgehogs, foxes, and small rodents. This biological richness makes the Oasis not only a place of scenic beauty, but also a precious reservoir of biodiversity.
Visitor experiences
Visiting the Oasis isn’t just about going to the beach. It’s an opportunity to experience the area authentically and consciously.
- Nature walks : The paths through the pine forest and the walkways over the dunes allow you to discover the flora and fauna without causing damage to the environment.
- Environmental education : Legambiente often organizes educational activities for schools and groups, with workshops on biodiversity, recycling, and marine protection.
- Relax and swim : the Oasi beach is free, clean, and quiet, ideal for families and those seeking a pristine sea away from the chaos.
- Spectacular sunsets : the sun setting over the sea, framed by dunes and pine trees, offers unforgettable views, often cited by visitors as one of the most magical moments.
- Volunteering and active citizenship : anyone who wants can join the volunteers on cleaning and maintenance days, becoming part of a community working for the common good.
Sustainable tourism and local development
One of the Oasis’s central objectives is to demonstrate that tourism can be sustainable. The area is free of large establishments and invasive construction: the focus is on a respectful use model that enhances resources without consuming them.
This approach also benefits the local community: nature tourism integrates with cultural tourism, creating a diverse offering that combines sea, nature, and archaeology . Those who visit Paestum for the temples can easily discover the Oasis, and vice versa. Furthermore, promoting the Oasis strengthens the area’s image as an environmentally friendly destination, an added value increasingly sought after by travelers.
Why not miss it?
Legambiente’s Dune Oasis in Paestum is much more than a place to swim or stroll in the shade of pine trees. It is a laboratory of sustainability, a biodiversity sanctuary, and a symbol of how active citizenship can transform a degraded area into a common good of international importance.
Part of the Natura 2000 network, it represents a piece of an ecological mosaic that connects the Italian coasts with those of all of Europe. Visiting it is not only an experience of beauty, but also a gesture of awareness: it supports a model of tourism that respects the environment and looks to the future.
In a world where land use is still widespread, the Paestum Dune Oasis demonstrates that nature, if protected, can become an infinite resource, capable of generating well-being, culture, and identity.
