Spring

The Gargano National Park, an island full of biodiversity The Gargano National Park is situated in the spur of Italy, the promontory extending into the Adriatic Sea in the northern part of Apulia. It is a unique area, where 35 per cent of all Italian botanical species can be found, reflecting an equally wide variety of landscapes, from the sea of the Tremiti Islands to important wetlands that lap against dense forests. This is an ancient land, rich in culture, art and spirituality, with a diverse beauty. A surprising microcosm of different habitats The guiding thread of every visit to the Gargano National Park is to observe the variety of its habitats, which is reflected in a mosaic of landscapes. In an area no larger than an average Italian province, you will discover fine sandy beaches interspersed with high cliffs with caves and natural archways, coastal lakes and wetlands, stretches of Mediterranean bush bordering on thousand-year-old forest, karstic plateaus with sinkholes alternating with hills and steppe plains on which there are white villages such as Rodi Garganico, Vieste, Peschici on the coast or Ischitella, Mattina or Monte Sant'Angelo, all with sea views. If we add to this the fact that, from a geological perspective, the promontory was originally an island separated from the rest of the Italian peninsula, the variety is further increased by the presence of endemisms, i.e. species that only exist in this region, for example the campanula garganica or the Tremiti cornflower. This explains why the Gargano promontory astonishes naturalists and will amaze you too. The sculpted landscape of the Gargano The high white cliffs of the Adriatic coast seem sculpted, and the karst valleys that the action of rain makes deeper and deeper also appear sculpted. There are at least 4,000 sinkholes, cavities of karstic origin, to be found in the park: the one at Pozzatina, in the municipality of San Nicandro Garganico, is the most impressive. It is 132 metres deep and looks like a basin covered by a dense wood of holm oaks and oak trees. On the coast are several caves and natural arches formed by the force of the sea, which can be visited by boat from the ports of Vieste and Peschici. The wetlands of the Varano and Lesina lagoons The first person to chronicle the wetlands in the Gargano park was none other than the Swabian emperor Frederick II (1194-1250). In his treatise De arte venandi cum avibus (the art of hunting with birds), he describes falconry and the birdlife he observed mainly in Apulia in the marshy areas of Frattarolo and Lake Salso, today in the municipality of Manfredonia, known as the Swamps of Frederick II, which are rich in reed thickets, ideal places for birdwatching. In the northern area of the park, behind the dunes, are the lakes of Varano and Lesina, basins of brackish water that were created by the accumulation of debris that filled in coastal bays. Today, the lakes are considered important wetlands, as resting stations for migratory birds on their way from northern Europe to Africa. The entire limestone area of the Gargano is also rich in springs and pools of water that are vital for amphibians and reptiles. The animals and plants of the Gargano park Among the animals you can see in their natural habitat in the park is the Italian roe deer, an endemic subspecies that only lives here, as well as numerous wild boars, fallow deer, weasels and wild cats. There are numerous birds nesting in the Gargano, around 170 species, including five different types of woodpeckers, diurnal birds of prey, ospreys, the rare lesser duck eagle, as well as ducks, herons, wild geese and flamingos. There are some centuries-old trees, true monuments of nature, such as the 13-metre carob tree in the park of Pugnochiuso, in the municipality of Vieste, or the two 30-metre high Aleppo pines in Vico Gargano, where there is also a 17-metre high holm oak with a 5-metre diameter trunk, near the Capuchin monastery. As for the beech forests of the Foresta Umbra, these were designated a Unesco Natural World Heritage Site in 2017. And then come the flowers: 85 species of wild orchids of all colours and shapes bloom in the clearings and steppe grasslands. The Tremiti Islands The archipelago of the Tremiti Islands, 12 miles off the Gargano coast, is also part of the park and is one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. Due to the crystal clear waters, the caves and the wealth of underwater life, they are a paradise for diving enthusiasts. There are five small islands, of which only two (San Domino and San Nicola) are inhabited, two others (Capraia and Cretaccio) are little more than rocks, while Pianosa is inaccessible because it is in the Protected Marine Area nature reserve. San Domino, where the accommodation establishments are located, is covered by a dense forest of Aleppo pines that descend to the sea, shading small sandy coves and rocks: the ideal place for those who love to be surrounded by nature alone for a holiday by the sea.

A pleasant locality on the shores of Lake Barrea, in the Abruzzo National Park, on the southern slopes of Monte Mattone, it is immersed in a suggestive natural environment where the beautiful pine forest of black pine, a local variety, stands out. The present village is built around a small 14th century castle built in the upper part of the town; the many stately homes dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries are interesting, recognizable by their rich decorations, the coats of arms of the most important families, and the enormous portals, so built because they had to let through the mighty carriages used at the time as means of transport. It is possible to reach Lake Barrea and follow the cyclo-pedestrian paths that run along its shores on both sides, while a fascinating alternative is the more demanding route that from Decontra, the mountain facing Villetta Barrea, reaches Camosciara, so called because of the high presence of wild chamois, one of the most popular destinations in the Abruzzo National Park. Particularly striking is the footpath parallel to the Sangro river that runs through the centre of Villetta Barrea. Here it is not uncommon to encounter deer and fawns grazing on the grass or cooling off in the waters of the river.

It seems impossible, but the chaotic urbanisation of the Naples area has had respect for Lake Avernus, which occupies the mouth of an ancient volcano. This is dormant, but in the bowels of the earth, the phenomena are still active, as evidenced by the exhalations that caused the ancients to place the entrance to hell here. In any case, the place is not at all scary, in fact it is quiet. Vineyards and cultivations around the vast expanse of water offer picturesque settings, and the mouths of Roman tunnels open up along the slopes. In the so-called cave of the Sibyl, tradition had placed the seat of the prophetess, and her 'washings' in the smaller rooms next door. In reality, it is a tunnel that was built as part of the work to develop the military port area. Along the road to Baia, near Lake Lucrino, you will come across the Stufe di Nerone, an ancient sudatorium that was part of a now well-equipped, modern spa facility.

It is the village chosen by the popes as their holiday resort, even before Urban VIII called the Ticino-born Carlo Maderno to build the papal residence there. In the centre of the settlement is theFreedom Squarewith theChurch of St Thomas of Villanovaand the fountain, both designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The same square is overlooked by thepapal palacewhich with the gardens and the Villa Barberini forms a complex that enjoys the right of extraterritoriality, i.e. it is directly dependent on the Vatican City State; a dome, towering over the pontifical complex, marks the presence of the astronomical observatory known as the Vatican Observatory. The pope's traditional summer sojourn makes Castel Gandolfo the most tourist resort of the Castelli, especially during the Sunday recitation of the Angelus or the audiences.

Albani are the volcanic hills on which it stands, Albano the lake that stretches out before the town. The town, which preserves remnants from Roman and medieval times, originates from a property owned by Domitian in the territory of Alba Longa, the town founded by Aeneas's son Ascanius, believed to be the birthplace of Romulus and the heart of the League of Latin Villages. It is one of the most renowned of the Castelli Romani. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, it became a compulsory stop for poets, writers and painters who came to portray the views of the Roman countryside. It preserves archaeological finds linked to the memory of the castra Albana, a military camp of imperial times that occupied almost the entire urban area: the Porta Pretoria, with three arches and flanked by towers, brought to light by bombings during World War II, and the Cisternone, a grandiose water storage structure, still in use today, the remains of the Baths built by Caracalla, and the Severian Amphitheatre. Other unique monuments are the Romanesque church of Santa Maria della Rotonda, built over the nymphaeum of a 1st-century villa, and, in the suburbs, the Tomb of the Horatii and Curiatii, popularly believed to be the tomb of the legendary heroes.

Orange Flag of the Italian Touring Club Scanno is certainly one of the best known towns in the Abruzzo mountains, and has been portrayed by famous photographers such as Cartier-Bresson, Giacomelli and Berengo Gardin. In the evocative context of the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park, it is an ideal destination both in summer and winter. The historic centre is unmistakable, with its terraced houses, stairways, arches and views. Don't miss the church of Santa Maria della Valle, with the bell tower of Romanesque forms with a sixteenth-century pinnacle, and the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, with stucco decoration by Pietro Piazzoli. Numerous ancient and elegant buildings (for example, Palazzo Mosca and Palazzo Tanturri) enhance the narrow streets, which converge in Piazza San Rocco. As for the nature aspect, Lake Scanno, the largest natural basin in Abruzzo, is ideal for activities such as canoeing and windsurfing, walks and biking excursions, and is the perfect background for photos, thanks to its heart shape. In winter, the ski area of Monte Rotondo and the Godi Pass is a destination for many sports and ski enthusiasts, while in summer, visitors can explore the dense network of trails in the park on foot, on horseback or by mountain bike. Scanno is rich in traditions: the traditional women's costume is the most famous in Abruzzo and even today the women of the village wear black or turquoise skirts, baggy shirts and colorful jackets closed by rows of silver buttons and the "cappellitto" that protects their heads. At the table, excellence is linked to sheep farming (sheep and lamb meat, sheep cheeses and cured meats) together with some characteristic and tasty desserts, such as Pan dell 'orso and Mostacciuoli.

The Tuscan countryside around Siena takes in spas as well as excellent food and wine with these five delightful cycling routes through picture postcard nature. The spectacular countryside around Siena, in Tuscany, offers slow rides immersed in nature with the bouquet of wines and truffles, natural spas and very old villages still pervaded by the presence of the ancient Etruscans. Here are five essential itineraries for a truly complete sensory experience. These enchanting landscapes will also welcome stages of the Giro d'Italia 2023.

A sort of an uncharted territory in regards to mass tourism, Molise, which lies between the regions of Abruzzo and Apulia, is a region that hosts numerous art treasures, breathtaking natural sceneries, and thousand-year-old traditions. A very characteristic aspect of Molise is its network of tratturi, the ancient grassy paths of transhumance from the pre-Roman Era up to only a few centuries ago, our ancestors traveled these trails, driving their animal herds from season to season. Livestock transhumance, the principal mainstay of the Southern peasant, was (and is still, in some cases) based on a very rigorous journey from the cool mountain pastures of Abruzzo in autumn, to the hot and humid Apulian Plateaus (where they reverse direction in summer).

A farmer on his way back from the fields, an ancient Roman on a road heading North, a never-forgotten champion holding the handlebar with all his might. What about you? Who are you dreaming to be? The hinterland in Le Marche plays the main role in the second to last stage of Tirreno-Adriatico, the coast-to-coast race in which the cycling top contenders face off. The itinerary we are describing in these lines, however, lends itself to the (perhaps down-scaled) effort of the cycling enthusiasts. The merit goes to its mild slopes, immersed in the woods or surrounded by sunflower fields, its artistic richness and its wide culinary offer. Who among you, once off the bike, can say ‘no’ to a dish of cold cuts paired with some Vernaccia?

If in doubt, we certainly recommend a visit here, with its patchwork of small vineyards that carpet the hillsides and valleys of the area, dotted with the precious vines that have been cultivated for centuries with hard work and passion, which can even make teetotallers jump out of their skin with enthusiasm.

Thanks to the mild climate, the festive bridges and the Easter holidays, spring is the right time for a long weekend at the Terme di Abano and Montegrotto. Located at the foot of the Euganean Hills, in the province of Padua, this large spa area offers many opportunities suitable for all tastes: targeted treatments, nature walks, parks to visit and tasty seasonal dishes. If you are looking for ideas for your Easter out of town, for example, in this article you will find some advice for a mini-vacation between the Spa and the Euganean Hills.

The Prosecco hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, in the province of Treviso, represent an ancient world that has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019. Choosing the Prosecco Hills as a destination means admiring small vineyards on narrow grassy terraces called “ciglioni”, beautiful hill ridges, medieval villages and hamlets, forests and cultivations. A rugged but enchanting terrain, long shaped and adapted by man, who has nevertheless thoroughly respected its nature, resulting in a distinctive chequered landscape characterised by rows of vines parallel and vertical to the slope. A destination full of beauty and overwhelming flavours accompanied by good drink.

If you're looking for a complete wellness experience for your summer, the best advice is to reach the thermal waters, with their healing and regenerating properties, and enjoy sunbathing, relaxing by the pool, the leisure and sport offered by Terme di Abano e Montegrotto. Located at the foot of the Euganean Hills, they are equipped with numerous services and offer the possibility of ideal treatments for the summer period. The entire Euganean area is full of recreational, cultural and natural attractions, perfect for a visit, by boat along the waterways, or by bike along the cycle paths at the foot of the hills. There are many things to do during the holiday period in the Euganean territory: here are some things absolutely not to be missed.

A romantic getaway for couples immersed in the fumes of thermal spa waters is ideal for an intimate break. The Wellness Valley of Emilia Romagna has many treatments and rituals in the offering for two people. Enjoy being pampered for a few hours or even entire days: here are some unmissable venues set among cities of art, sea and mountains.

If you know by heart the unforgettable exploits of cycling champion Marco Pantani, you've probably already heard of Campo Imperatore. Just in Abruzzo, “il Pirata” flew in 1999 towards the first of his four stage victories of that Giro d 'Italia. Campo Imperatore is mainly known for its ski area, among the best known and equipped in central Italy. The town of Abruzzo is today a point of reference also for bicycle tourists. In addition to having cable cars, chairlifts and cranks, in fact, Campo Imperatore has a long tradition as a stage venue for the main cycling stage races, which have always attracted a festive crowd of cycling enthusiasts and which still today, in spring and summer, welcomes a constant flow of cyclists and bikepackers, arriving from Italy and abroad.

Whoever mentions springtime to a cycling enthusiast triggers thoughts of the Milan-Sanremo: the first sporting event of the season, a must for any self-respecting fan, this year reaches its 114th edition. Almost 300 kilometers of route, the traditional road competition, also known as the Classicissima, is the longest one-day cycling race in Italy. It engages two-wheeled champions in a route that crosses beautiful landscapes. Along plains, cities, mountain villages, and roads overlooking the sea that connects the Milanese city to the Riviera di Ponente. We’ll take you to the 5 best points where you can watch the Milan-Sanremo race.

Cycling in Abruzzo, between the peaks of the Apennines and the waters of the Adriatic, is an unforgettable adventure. We cross the unspoilt nature of the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park starting from the perched village of Castel del Monte to reach the Campo Imperatore plateau. You will feel like a true champion like Marco Pantani at the 1999 Giro d'Italia tackling the last climb, the toughest but most exciting. That climb is now a must for every cycling fan and will again be the finish of the Giro d’Italia 2023 stage week. The route consists of only one stage for a total of 34.5 km and an altitude difference of 1,115 m. Saddle up, off you go.

Would you ever say that an itinerary in Lombardy is a triumph of lakes and mountains, archaeological finds and nature reserves? Well, that’s exactly it. Get ready to be surprised, then, as well as to struggle on climbs that have made cycling history The Lombardy you don’t expect The name Riviera dei Limoni (Lemon Riviera) already says it all: the western shore of Lake Garda, with its jagged profile of precipices, panoramic hairpin bends and rocky gorges, has such a mild microclimate that it resembles a fragment of the Mediterranean Sea, where citrus trees, palms and oleanders grow. It is a completely different scenario in Valle Sabbia, with the Pre-Alps, Lake Idro with the backdrop of ever more imposing mountains. The same goes for Valcamonica, a flat green valley between the Central Alps, where the River Oglio flows along its entire length. Finally, Valtellina, a slice of Lombardy that goes from the northern end of Lake Como up to Switzerland. The Stelvio National Park, a natural paradise of larch, pine and fir trees, is part of this area. On the saddle from Lake Garda to the mountains Lake Garda, the largest in Italy, and the Lombardy mountains of Valcamonica and Valtellina, with glaciers peeping out of the peaks, are the features of the cycling itinerary. The route that we tell you about here, taking its cue from stage 16 of the Giro d’Italia 2022, has only one risk: seducing you with a shimmering sheet of water and then abandoning you, forcing you to get off your saddle before some testing climbs. A number confirms this: 4,510. These are the metres of elevation gain. Unless you have the physique of champions, be smart: ride along just one of the three segments we propose here and take advantage of the natural and gastronomic riches encountered on the way. You will not regret it.

Are you ready to attend one of the most famous and most-watched sports competitions in the country? The Giro d'Italia 2023 will take place from 6 to 28 May and is full of surprises and emotions. The historic road cycling stage race, won last year by the Australian Jai Hindley, will see 176 participants divided into 22 teams face 3,489 kilometres on their bikes. The route, which is divided into 21 stages of varying difficulty, will start in Abruzzo and will end in the heart of Rome, the Eternal City. If you want to know what the stages are, who are the favourites, what the programme is and where you can follow it, you can find all the answers in this article.

Take your time cycling along an easy route, and lose yourself in your own thoughts and in the wild, fragrant nature of the Valnerina. Follow the 28-kilometre Nera River cycle route through the Umbrian section of the valley, you won’t regret it.

If you know by heart the unforgettable exploits of cycling champion Marco Pantani, you've probably already heard of Campo Imperatore. Just in Abruzzo, “il Pirata” flew in 1999 towards the first of his four stage victories of that Giro d 'Italia. Campo Imperatore is mainly known for its ski area, among the best known and equipped in central Italy. The town of Abruzzo is today a point of reference also for bicycle tourists. In addition to having cable cars, chairlifts and cranks, in fact, Campo Imperatore has a long tradition as a stage venue for the main cycling stage races, which have always attracted a festive crowd of cycling enthusiasts and which still today, in spring and summer, welcomes a constant flow of cyclists and bikepackers, arriving from Italy and abroad.

Practised on a roller board of various sizes, skateboarding is not just an extreme sporting activity, but a real lifestyle. It makes use of benches, steps and handrails, as well as specially designed spaces such as skateparks. Rome, between one archaeological site and another, is home to numerous spots, but two locations deserve special attention: the Bunker Skatepark and The Spot Skatepark Ostia. Let's find out together.

Flying over the mountainous landscape of the Veneto Pre-Alps is a spectacular sight, to then glide over the hills of the Veneto foothills, with its hilltop villages, cities of art, and the valleys of the Brenta and Piave rivers. Thanks to its natural updrafts, the climate, the accessibility of the take-off and landing areas and the still scarcely urbanised nature, the area lends itself very well to this pursuit. The Grappa massif, a mecca for free flight, located between the provinces of Vicenza, Belluno and Treviso, is the ideal place for hang-gliding and paragliding.

What does it take to soar through the blue sky aboard a hang glider? Naturally, a hill or a slope where to launch and then take off from with favourable currents, suitable weather conditions, a good dose of courage and the irrepressible desire, which man has cradled since the dawn of time, to observe the world from above. If you are looking for the place where all these conditions come together to create the perfect free flight experience, welcome to Umbria, where you will also have the opportunity to explore one of Italy's sweetest and most prized natural and artistic landscapes from a different point of view (from above). Umbria offers several flight centres for beginners and experts where you can experience the thrill of tandem flying with an experienced pilot for the first time, or get personally involved if you are already good, surrounded by enchanting natural scenery.

In the heart of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will find a perfect new dimension in uncontaminated territory where you can cycle on routes covering over 400 kilometres. Would you like to learn more about the opportunity? We’ll provide you with a few details. Given your particular interest, an ideal location would be Paganella, where the local bike park offers access to a series of routes winding across a spectacular mountain range, with downhill, free-ride and ‘flow’ trails, and also single-track zones. Tracks of various grades for all levels and types of biking activities.

Rocky coastline overlooking the sea paths that wind between the Mediterranean scrub, cliffs overlooking the beaches with vibrant colors and crystal clear waters: Sardinia with its wild interior and spectacular views has long been known as one of the most fascinating destinations for lovers of climbing. Thanks to its mild climate, the island offers the possibility to climb throughout the year and, as of late spring, a vacation that combines relaxation on the beach with sports. Cala Gonone in the province of Nuoro, Jerzu in the province of Ogliastra, Isili in the province of Cagliari, Supramonte in the central-eastern area, and Iglesiente in the southwest of the island, are just some of the places not to miss if you want to explore Sardinia’s walls of rock. Climbable walls are present, however, all over the island and recently areas such as Sassari and Alghero are becoming popular. These courses tend to be well-equipped and periodically checked. They were initially discovered and evaluated by Sardinian and European outdoorsmen, and are now beloved throughout Europe.