Alimini lakes protected oasis

The Aliminis are located north of Otranto in Lecce's province; they are connected by a canal, called "Lu Strittu".
Great Alimini was generated by the continuing sea's erosion, and extends for about 2.5 km in length and has a depth of about 4 meters.
The percentage of salinity of the lake is almost the same value as that of the sea because, obviously, the sea flows into it.
Small alimini is generated by numerous sources of fresh water, and is also called Fontanelle . It extends for about 2 km in length and the depth does not exceed five feet. The lake, which has low and flat banks, is fed by the phreatic zone of the Rio Grande canal, which in turn is generated from a number of sources present at the nearby Serra di Montevergine. The waters of the lake are almost always sweet , although during the summer season, with the phenomenon of evaporation of water, the lake tends to become saline.
The vegetation around the two bodies of water is very rich and houses various plants; the lakes are also important habitats for many animals.