Nature and nature travel in Italy (The best places for nature lovers)

You don’t have to have the experience of a legend like Reinhold Messner to experience an active adventure vacation in Italy, discovering the natural wonders that the Bel Paese generously offers. The Italian peninsula is the keeper of wonderful beaches, many child-friendly, and offers breathtaking hiking trails suitable for any tourist. And what about the pristine islands and rolling hillside landscapes worthy of a Monet painting? Below we have selected for you some suggestions on the best nature destinations in Italy.

At the natural hot springs of Lake Garda

Lake Garda holds treasures capable of providing an unforgettable nature vacation. Dotting the shores of the lake, revered in Roman times as a deity, are charming towns such as Gardone Riviera and Lazise, Limone and Brenzone. Several natural spas will also be waiting for you. The cool waters of the lake provide a rejuvenating break, as do walks in the enchanting nature areas. Are you passionate about hiking? Here is the amazing ring-shaped itinerary of Dro’s Marocche biotope.

Trekking in the Maritime Alps Park

Once a hunting reserve of the Savoy family, it is the largest protected area in Piedmont. We are talking about the Maritime Alps Park in the Cuneo area, adjacent to the Mercantour National Park. Among the best national parks in Italy, it features virgin forests, lush nature and wolves. Starting from Entracque, Municipality of the Men and Wolves Wildlife Center, you can tackle the 10 stages of the “Wolf Trekking.” Give yourself an exciting adventure among waterfalls and lakes, witnessing the appearances of chamois on the horizon.

Relaxation in the sun of the Cinque Terre

Even the most rugged nature can be irresistibly captivating. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cinque Terre coastline stretches for 18 kilometers among rocks and small bays. You’ll get a perfect tan placidly relaxed in the Monterosso shoreline, distinguished by fine gravel and unusual-looking rocks. Equally popular is Corniglia, the “balcony” of the Cinque Terre, located on a rocky promontory situated in a basin covered with vineyards. It will be the starting point for a walk through trails and overhanging rocks.

The waterfalls of the thermal baths of Saturnia

The thermal baths of Saturnia, in the Province of Grosseto, belong to the thermal spring complex in the municipality of Manciano, near the medieval village of Saturnia. Originating from a volcanic crater, they see water flowing over different gradients, forming waterfalls and natural pools. Body and mind benefit from the hot vapors, the result of the 37° sulfurous waters. One legend links the appearance of the baths to the quarrel between Saturn and Jupiter and the lightning bolt thrown at the Roman Olympian king.

The ring around the little waterfalls of Cerveteri

Few people know about the Cerveteri waterfalls, among the most amazing natural attractions in Italy. The place, just a stone’s throw from Rome, is completely surrounded by greenery. The small waterfalls, originating from the stream that springs from the Ceriti Mountains, continue their course among red and white rocks, surrounded by a valley covered with dense vegetation. Slip on your hiking shoes and launch into the present loop trail, admiring the bathing lakes among dense forests, pastures and tuffaceous walls.

Walking along the Tirino River

The natural wonders in Italy are for all tastes. The clearest river on the Old Continent is called the Tirino and flows through Abruzzo-a pearl of karst origin that runs through the provinces of L’Aquila and Pescara. Staying nearby, it is possible to set off on hikes or mountain bike rides on trails suitable even for young children. To satisfy your craving for adventure leave Capestrano together with environmental guides, navigating the clear waters of the river.

Taking the perfect photo at the Scala dei Turchi in Agrigento

The Scala dei Turchi in the Province of Agrigento constitutes one of the most admired naturalistic destinations in the Italian territory: a snow-white rock face with an undulating shape. You will appreciate the smoothness and roundness of its lines. The wall falls sheer to the sea, and owes its name to a legend. In the 1500s, local people used to mistakenly refer to the Saracen invaders as Turks, who, as they climbed the rocks, would give rise to the famous steps.

The urban waterfalls of Isola del Liri

The town of Isola del Liri, in the province of Frosinone, which is crossed by the river of the same name, bewitches tourists thanks to two beautiful waterfalls: the Grande waterfall and the Valcatoio waterfall. The former, 27 meters high and surrounded by rich vegetation, is theonly European waterfall located in the middle of a built-up area. Also emerging is the Boncompagni Viscogliosi castle. Those who have planned a tour in Ciociaria will see their spirits brightened by the natural landscapes in Italy offered by this area.

Diving at the Fjord of Furore

For relaxing in nature, there is also Fiordo di Furore, a small body of water on the Amalfi coast. The inlet, born from the waters of the Schiato Creek, has the distinction of being topped by a bridge. If you like to see divers at work, get there in the summer, when one of the stages of the World High Diving Championships takes place. The Fiordo di Furore area is said to be home to the janare, women engaged in occult rituals that would fly thanks to magical powers.

On the Moon… in Valdarno

Finally, among the best places surrounded by nature in our country are the Balze del Valdarno, which can be admired along the road connecting Florence and Arezzo. Clay, sand, gravel and pebbles are the elements that allow the reliefs to have many points in common with the typical moonscape. You will be amazed as you observe the rock formations that, in some cases, reach 100 meters in height. And no less surprising are the deep gorges located in the same area.