Benevento
- Upcoming datesOn request
- Duration4 days (3 nights)
- Sites of interestVolturno Plain; Sannio and Campolattaro Reservoir; Matese Mountains; Taburno Mountains; Sant’Agata de’ Goti
- Pricefrom 5.250 €
- Number of participants4 or 6
The organization of birdwatching tours in Campania represents a project idea developed within the framework of the F.U.N.T. grant — Finanziamento Unione Nazionale Turismo (National Tourism Union Funding) — aimed at enhancing the natural heritage and promoting sustainable forms of tourism across the territory
The province of Benevento is one of the most understated yet ecologically rich areas in Southern Italy, defined by quiet rural landscapes, forested slopes, open valleys, and high plateaus that create a remarkable variety of habitats within short distances. Its low visitor pressure and extensive natural spaces make it a highly rewarding destination for birdwatching, particularly for those seeking authentic inland environments.
Birdwatching experiences in the wider Sannio area may include the agricultural landscapes surrounding rural villages, the Campolattaro wetlands system, and the interconnected river valleys and reservoirs that shape the central part of the province. These areas represent key lowland birding zones, particularly rich in farmland species and seasonal movements of migratory birds along inland routes.
Campolattaro Lake stands out as one of the most important wetland sites in the province, providing a key refuge for waterbirds such as Pygmy Cormorant, as well as a wide range of migratory and wintering species. Its surrounding countryside is also highly valuable for observing farmland specialists like Lesser Grey Shrike, as well as raptors hunting across open fields and transitional habitats.
In contrast, the Taburno-Camposauro Massif introduces a completely different ecological setting, where beech and oak forests transition into open slopes and cultivated valleys. This upland system supports a wide variety of woodland and open-country species, with particularly high activity during the breeding season, when Bee-eaters, Shrikes, and warblers are commonly observed across sun-exposed slopes and forest edges.
The Matese Mountains, at the border with the province of Caserta, form the natural ecological boundary of Benevento, offering high-altitude grasslands, karstic lakes, and forested slopes. This area is especially important during autumn migration, when raptors and steppe-associated species move along the Apennine corridor, and waterfowl gather on mountain lakes during seasonal stopovers.
The combination of forested mountains, rural valleys, wetlands, and open plateaus makes Benevento a unique and highly atmospheric birdwatching destination, defined by space, silence, and a strong sense of unspoiled nature.
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Volturno Plain: The inland section of the Volturno Plain, located on the border between the provinces of Benevento and Caserta, represents a wide transitional area between riverine environments, agricultural lands, and hilly systems. The area is of particular interest for species associated with farmland and fluvial habitats, especially during migration periods.
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Sannio and Campolattaro Reservoir: The Campolattaro Reservoir is one of the main artificial basins in the Sannio region and an important reference site for inland aquatic birdlife in Campania. Surrounded by cultivated hills, forested areas, and traditional agricultural landscapes, the lake provides a key habitat for numerous migratory and wintering species. Its waters, shores, and riparian vegetation offer ideal feeding, resting, and stopover sites along the internal routes of the southern Apennines. The high habitat diversity supports a rich community of waterbirds, while the surrounding hills and rural landscapes host species typical of open areas, pastures, and traditional agroecosystems. The combination of wetlands and agricultural mosaics makes this area one of the most interesting inland birdwatching destinations in Campania.
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Matese Mountains: The Benevento side of the Matese Massif represents a mountain environment of high landscape value. The wide diversity of habitats supports a rich bird community associated with forested and montane environments, while open areas and ridgelines provide excellent conditions for observing raptors during migration periods.
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Taburno Mountains: The Taburno–Camposauro Massif is characterised by its imposing profile, offering wide panoramic views over the surrounding Sannio landscape. The alternation of wooded areas, upland open spaces, secondary grasslands, rocky cliffs, and agricultural mosaics creates a remarkable environmental diversity capable of supporting particularly rich and varied wildlife communities.
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Sant’Agata de’ Goti: Set dramatically on a tuffaceous spur, Sant’Agata de’ Goti is one of the most picturesque towns in the Sannio region. Its historic centre, characterised by narrow streets, medieval architecture, and panoramic viewpoints, blends harmoniously with a surrounding landscape of hills, vineyards, and river valleys. The built environment, with its cavities, attics, and historic masonry, also provides shelter for several synanthropic species, which find suitable nesting and roosting sites in traditional human settlements.
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Day 1: Meeting in Naples and departure towards Sant’Agata de’ Goti. Birdwatching activities along the Volturno Plain. Visit to the medieval village. Dinner and overnight stay.
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Day 2: Breakfast. Departure towards the Campolattaro Reservoir. Birdwatching activities and packed lunch. In the afternoon, exploration of the mountainous areas of the Benevento region. Dinner and overnight stay in Morcone.
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Day 3: Breakfast. Birdwatching activities at Bocca della Selva. Packed lunch. In the afternoon, transfer towards Telese Terme with an enogastronomic experience in the Solopaca wine-producing area. Arrival in Montesarchio. Dinner and overnight stay.
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Day 4: Breakfast. Birdwatching activities in the Taburno Massif. Packed lunch. Return to Naples and end of the tour.
What is included:
- Accommodation.
- Meals (3 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners).
- Transfers to/from Naples and all internal transfers by private minivan or coach with driver (including tolls and parking fees).
- Scientific accompaniment by an ornithologist throughout the entire trip, including supporting materials for wildlife observation (binoculars, spotting scope, field guides, etc.).
- Guided visit and tasting at a local wine producer.
- Guided visit to the medieval village of Sant’Agata de’ Goti.
- Entrance fees to nature reserves and WWF/LIPU Oases, where included in the itinerary.
- Basic insurance.
What’s not included:
- Optional tips for local guides.
- Anything not explicitly mentioned in the “What is included” section.
Information regarding rates and payment methods will be communicated by email after filling in the request form.
All our tours are organized in collaboration with the Travel Agency “Mama Tours”
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