For all lovers of the northern lagoon the salt marshes, fish farms and small townships of Treporti, Lio Piccolo and Le Mesole are areas of great interest, hidden corners to be discovered, vantage points for discretely observing lagoon flora and fauna.

The landscape along which this long but most interesting itinerary unfolds touches upon several scenic backdrops, ranging from fish farms to small rural villages - Le Mesole and Lio Piccolo - the courgette and artichoke market gardens that make this corner of the lagoon particularly picturesque.

The environment is one of the most evocative ones, its main feature being the fish farms; and there are cormorants, and white and grey herons in wintertime; common redshanks, stilt plovers and egrets in summertime, and sandbank formations with their characteristic flora and fauna.When following the long road that coasts alongside the embankments separating the fish hatcheries, you almost feel as though you are advancing into the waters of the lagoon. Beyond Sacchetta Valley you can visit the village of Le Mesole, known for its special fruit and vegetable crops, and reach an oratory (with an ancient curved cypress in the garden) and the restored 16th century monastery.
Northwards we find the village of Lio Piccolo, with its 17th century church and Palazzetto Boldù (late 17th century) overlooking the piazza. The road runs along the west embankment of Valle Paleazza, a most important area from the point of view of wildlife: the fish farm, in point of fact, acts as a refuge for ducks during storms. Moreover, the low vegetation characteristic of salt marshes conceals a wide variety of interesting fauna.

The best period for the observation of the local bird life is no doubt spring: for about ten years the Lio Piccolo lagoon has been a privileged nesting area for the stilt-plover with its unmistakable black and white plumage. In the period of late spring.

It is possible to observe other nesting species, in particular the rare redshank, the herring gull, the shearwater, tern and mallard. Also interesting are the migration periods, during which meetings with the numerous migrating species can be pleasurable and unexpected. It would be appropriate to stop only briefly to observe the birds, so as not to disturb their delicate nesting period.

Means of transport: on foot
Route: Punta Sabbioni - il Prà - Valle Sacchetta - Valle Sacchettina - Le Mesole - Valle Paleazza - Valle Sparasera - Lio Piccolo - Valle Liona
Distance: 18 km
Estimated time: 6 hours (stops not included)

Viability: for a third of the way, the route is on an asphalted road and otherwise on a metal country road
Points of support: the bar and grocery at Saccagnana, the farm restaurant at Lio Piccolo - but nothing along the rest of the route
Suggested period: all year
Clothing: appropriate for the season, with good footwear. In winter and on windy spring days it is best to protect oneself from the cold. The route offers no shady stretches