Wildlife Oasis of the Pond of Cagliari – Sardinia: brackish lagoons, light flights and nature in the urban heart. A few minutes from the center of Cagliari is the Permanent Wildlife Oasis of the Molentargius Pond, one of the most important wetlands in the Mediterranean. A delicate ecosystem where fresh and salt water mirrors, canals, reeds and a very rich fauna coexist, nestled between the Poetto and the Pirri district. 🦩 The kingdom of pink flamingos: The pond is famous for hosting thousands of flamingos (locally called 'arrubia people') all year round, which nest, feed and move in elegant flocks among the shallow waters. Grey herons, cormorants, black-winged stilts, coots and many other water birds coexist with them. 👉 Tip: Visit at sunset: the flamingos turn gold and the canals become silent mirrors. 🚴 Cycling routes and nature observation: The park is crisscrossed by well-maintained cycling and walking trails, with lookout towers, educational areas and viewpoints. It is a perfect place to walk, run or explore by bike, admiring nature without leaving the city. It is also a natural laboratory for schools, birdwatchers and photographers. 👉 Tip: Bring binoculars or a zoom camera – each season offers different scenes. 💧 History, water and salt: This area was once linked to the production of salt, and the old salt pans (Saline di Stato) are still visible. The name "Molentargius" derives from "molenti", i.e. the donkeys that transported salt. Today the area is a rare example of how an urban wetland can be regenerated and protected, enhancing history and biodiversity. 👉 Tip: Rent a bike and go all the way around the park: between abandoned salt pans and silent canals, it is a slow immersion in the memory of the landscape. 🌿 A balance between city and nature: The oasis is part of an urban landscape, but manages to create a surprising contrast with the chaos of the city: silence, water and vegetation become the protagonists here. In spring and summer, the wetlands come alive with life, including migrations, nesting and spontaneous blooms. 👉 Tip: Stop by the Visitor Center to learn more about the natural history of the area and get detailed maps of the routes. In an unexpected corner of the city, the water reflects a world that has always existed, but that only those who slow down can really see.