I've just got back from Italy where I visited a LIPU site. We found the site on the web and saw that it closed daily at 1pm so went down there in good time. It was in a most unpromising location right behind the marina, surrounded by development and even had an illegal shanty town on its one side. The good news was that it had free parking. Approaching the gate we were informed that it was closed. One of our group spoke Italian and informed them we had come over from Britain. Immediately, although it was clear they were working on the visitor centre, they said they would not only allow us in but accompanied us on our tour and opened up the hides.
I'm glad they did as we were treated to lots of views of Little Crake and our first Swallow of the year. Then we heard Crested Lark singing and also saw Rock Bunting. Siskins and Reed Warblers were also much in evidence. We were given loads of information about the place and one of our guides also knew the English names of the birds that we saw.
We were treated magnificently and offered the keys to the hides if we wanted to go back later in the week! Needless to say we were very happy indeed and all gave them a good donation to their funds. If you're in the area please support them.