Lake Arancio

Lake Arancio is an artificial reservoir built between 1949 and 1952 in an area that lies between the territories of Sambuca, Santa Margherita and Sciacca. It can contain up to 32 million square metres of water and has a width of 400 hectares. It was created as a result of the blockage of the waters of the river Carboj through a dam. When the water level drops the ruins of the ancient Mazzallakkar Fort, built by the Arabs in 830, become visible. In 2000, together with the adjacent Resinata Wood, it was transformed into a natural oasis managed by LIPU. Given its position along the migratory routes, in spring and autumn various bird species stop here, while in the winter grey herons, cormorants, great crested grebes, spoonbills, pochards and coots take refuge by the water. Plants that stand out among the flora include garrigue, tamarisk, white willow and soft rush.