Biodiversity: the best destinations for spring, combining nature and tradition
2 minutes
Amid flowering meadows, paths immersed in the woods and villages that celebrate ancient farming traditions, spring is the ideal season to rediscover slow tourism. On the occasion of World Biodiversity Day, which is celebrated on 22 May, Italian and European trails become an invitation to travel following the rhythm of nature, crossing landscapes where botanical and cultural variety have coexisted for centuries.
From the hills of Lombardy to the Swiss vineyards, via the Apennine routes and the Mediterranean trails, more and more travellers are choosing itineraries that combine sustainability, authentic experiences and environmental protection. Walking in spring means witnessing the moment when biodiversity manifests itself with the greatest intensity: wildflowers, cultivated fields, aromatic herbs, fruit trees and natural habitats once again take centre stage in the landscape.
The Via Francigena among blossoms and agricultural landscapes
One of the most evocative itineraries for the spring season remains the Via Francigena, which crosses territories rich in biodiversity and rural traditions. In Lombardy, the stretch that runs through the Po Valley is transformed between April and May into a mosaic of rice fields, irrigation ditches and rows of trees. Poppies, wild irises and water flowers alternate in the fields, while the small historic centres host popular festivals dedicated to the harvest and seasonal cuisine.
Further south, between Tuscany and Lazio, the route crosses hills dotted with broom, cypresses and vineyards. Here, biodiversity is not only natural, but also agricultural: local varieties of olive trees, historic grape varieties and traditional crops tell the story of a heritage built over time by the encounter between man and landscape.
The Apennines and southern Italy, among transhumance, citrus fruits and olive trees
Between Abruzzo, Molise and Campania, the ancient transhumance sheep tracks are experiencing a new tourist season. These grassy paths, once used by shepherds to move their flocks, pass through ecosystems rich in plant and animal species.
In spring, the trails of the central Apennines are filled with wild orchids, broom and wildflowers that colour plateaus and pastures. The small villages organise festivals dedicated to local products, while many associations promote environmental education activities related to the conservation of the area.
Southern Italy also offers ideal routes for those who want to experience biodiversity through slow travel. In Sicily, the trails of the Madonie and Mount Etna cross landscapes dominated by broom, prickly pears and flowering citrus groves. Moving further south, however, rural paths, including the Via Francigena in Puglia among centuries-old olive groves and dry stone walls, tell of a delicate balance between humans and the environment.
Along these routes, spring coincides with the period of patron saint festivals and agricultural celebrations, occasions when the natural heritage is interwoven with the gastronomic and cultural heritage.
Slow tourism and biodiversity: an increasingly strong bond
In recent years, walking tourism has also grown thanks to greater attention to environmental issues. According to many companies in the sector, travellers today are looking for experiences that reduce environmental impact and enhance local economies.
Walking means slowly crossing fragile territories, observing ecosystems without altering them and contributing to the survival of small towns that preserve agricultural and cultural traditions that are often at risk of disappearing. In this sense, biodiversity is not only about nature, but also about the communities, dialects, historical crops and artisanal knowledge that make each region unique.
In the European spring, flower-filled paths represent a different way of inhabiting the landscape, rediscovering the value of slowness and the balance between man and nature.
