Its development spanned four phases, which correspond to the formation of four lagoons, separated by littoral cordons.

The whole area is flat and characterized by an intensive tectonic process and numerous underground water bodies.

The physical characteristics and habitat diversity of the lagoon are closely related to the biodiversity of the wetland complex.

The most common marine plants are the underwater meadows of fucus virsoides and posidonia oceanica.

The invertebrate fauna of the lagoon and its catchment basin—including surrounding freshwater bodies, canals, marshes, estuaries and shores—are characterized by a variety of groups and species, from molluscs to mammals to crabs and insects.