Lake Varano is the largest coastal lake in Italy and the largest lake in southern Italy. It has a high biodiversity of species and habitats and is partly protected. On the isthmus there is a small, 154-hectare natural reserve, established through the Ministerial Decree of 13th July 1977 and managed by the Carabinieri Forestali.

As a result of researches, studies and excavations in the santeliano countryside, the dynamics of medieval settlements have been reconstructed and traced. To date, the investigations, mostly concentrated on the high ground of Pianisi, have brought to light several testimonies and remains of the inhabited area with large sections of the walls of the upper terracing of the fortified village, the great tower that dominates the inhabited area and the church of Santa Maria ad Nives with its bell tower.