Scardovari: Lagoons, Fishing and Routes in the Po Delta

Scardovari is closely connected to the Sacca degli Scardovari. This large, expansive body of water lies between the mouths of the Po di Gnocca and the Po delle Tolle, extends several kilometres inland and faces the sea. Scardovari thus connects the lagoon landscape with fishing and specific routes through the surrounding area.

The Sacca degli Scardovari as a landscape area

The changing salinity of the Sacca degli Scardovari results from the meeting of river water and the Adriatic’s salt water. This combination of fresh and salt water is one of the defining natural features of the body of water. The landscape also features traditional cavàne, or fishing huts, built and supported on stilts above the water.

The Oasi di Ca’ Mello is located in the immediate surroundings of Scardovari. It overlooks the Sacca degli Scardovari; its paths can be used on foot or by bicycle. This makes it possible to experience the landscape both from the body of water itself and along paths on land, without losing its connection to the lagoon.

Cycling and routes through river branches and lagoons

One specific option for cycle tourists is the 60-kilometre Anello della Donzella cycle route. It passes near the mouth of the Po di Tolle through Scardovari. The stated distance makes the cycle route a clearly defined part of travel planning, while the Oasi di Ca’ Mello also offers paths for shorter excursions on foot or by bicycle.

The “Nei luoghi degli Scardovari” excursion leads through the immediate surroundings of Scardovari, across the embankments of river branches, Buse and lagoons. The route thus connects several typical landscape elements of the area, without reducing Scardovari to a single view of the shore or a river.

Fishing, museum and local speciality

The “Pesca & Dintorni” Fishing Museum provides insights into the world of fishing in the Po Delta through images. Visits must be booked by telephone during office hours. The name Scardovari itself is also revealing for understanding the area culturally: it derives from the scardova, a freshwater fish that was once common in the area.

The Sacca degli Scardovari is also an important point of reference in culinary terms. The “Cozza di Scardovari DOP” mussel must be farmed and produced exclusively in the lagoon of the same name. The meeting of salty seawater and fresh water in the Sacca gives it a particular sweetness as well as especially tender, melt-in-the-mouth flesh. Il Fritulin di Corradin Gianluca is mentioned in connection with culinary boat trips in the Sacca di Scardovari and with the address Via Roma 203/a in Scardovari.

Scardovari in the context of travel planning

A practical geographical reference point is Loreo railway station on the Rovigo–Adria–Chioggia railway line. The Sacca degli Scardovari is approximately 35 kilometres from this station.

In Scardovari, the Sagra di SS. Pietro e Paolo is associated with the month of June.

Discover more places in Veneto

If you would like to compare Scardovari with other places in the same travel area, you can find Rosolina Mare, Cavanella Po, Arquà Polesine, Costa di Rovigo, Adria, Bonelli Di Porto Tolle, Fratta Polesine and Salara here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Rovigo.