Nature and landscapes in Italy

Porto San Giorgio is a beautiful town on the Marche coastline, washed by the Adriatic Sea and a popular seaside tourist destination with a long history and many traditions.

Rimini stands between hills and sea, close to other beautiful tourist and cultural Emilia Romagna towns, and offers quiet boarding houses, large hotels, hostels and aparthotels suitable for all tastes along its shoreline. The ample and diversified tourist offer ensures any type of holiday requirement for those seeking relaxation, fun, sports, entertainment and culture.

The Langhe, Roero and Monferrato hills are UNESCO World Heritage Sites ideal for slow-active cycling suitable for all ages over trails that can be used by ebikes and mountain bikes. Here are five cycling itineraries immersed in nature to discover the excellent food and wine of the area, complete with stop-offs and tastings in wine cellars.

The Island of Elba is the largest in the Tuscan Island chain an itinerary in itself, it contains a secluded charm, yet is rich in history, civilization and flora. A tour through this splendid island’s different municipalities, each of which reveal themselves to be tiny worlds apart, begins in Portoferraio, one of the Island’s mooring points.

The Island of Elba is the largest in the Tuscan Island chain, and by itself it contains a secluded charm, yet is rich in history, civilization and nature life. It is thanks to its geological structure and its particular geographic position that this island is considered an open-air laboratory for geologists, naturalists and botanists.

This stunning cove with white sand and emerald waters sits in the Bandite di Scarlino Nature Reserve. It sits nestled between the two promontories of Punta Martina to the north, separating it from the neighbouring Cala Martina, and Punta Le Canne to the south. This renowned beach can only be reached on foot or by bicycle, via a path that takes less than half an hour through the Mediterranean scrubland, or by sea. The lack of easy access has probably contributed to keeping this evocative Tuscan beach natural and pristine, making it a real jewel of a landscape, with a very rare quality...

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.

In Abruzzo, the Apennines show their “dolomitic” side, the mountains are imposing, rugged rock that lends itself to the passion of climbers, and the routes are varied and endless. When you get up there, your gaze is free to sweep from the mountains to the plateaus to the sea. The Gran Sasso massif, on the eastern ridge of the Abruzzo Apennines, consists of limestone rock, which is among the most suitable for sports climbing and bouldering. The panorama is varied and the climbing routes draw a dense map. The climbing world includes the Brizio and Ventricini via ferrata, the Sentiero del Centenario and the Ferrata Danesi, the routes on Corno Grande and Corno Piccolo and numerous other routes.

Jagged coastlines and cool golden sand, lively beaches and quiet lidos, but also a nature characterised by mountains and forests, rich in plant species and unique fauna in a natural habitat inhabited by deer, chamois, wolves, bears, foxes and lynx.

From being an abandoned land, Basilicata today is a national and international destination, one that can surprise with its great hospitality and unexpected and enthralling experiences. Today's region is only a part of ancient Lucania, whose borders reached further west, but the name Basilicata also has a history stretching back thousands of years, allegedly of Byzantine origin. However you want to call it, this land in the very heart of the South, contained within a few kilometres, has outstanding historic centres, landscapes of sea, mountains and hills, and spectacular countryside that will conquer you with its variety and intensity. In Basilicata you will be breathing tradition, distinctively experiencing those flavours and scents that are a true gift for those in search of authentic places.

The Calabria Italia Trail, among the ministerial-approved Paths of Calabria, was created in 2022 involving the region's 3 national parks (Pollino, Sila and Aspromonte) and the Serre Regional Natural Park. The Calabria Italia Trail is a 654 km-long path that runs along the entire Calabrian Apennine ridge in one large path, divided into 34 stages, connecting sea and mountains, villages, towns and provincial capitals.

FEATURES Routes that pass through different types of natural environments (pastures, undergrowth, scree, scree slopes) and that are travelled along mule tracks, paths and sometimes tracks; they are generally signposted and may have steep sections. Any exposed points are generally protected. ABILITIES AND SKILLS They require a sense of direction, hiking experience and an adequate level of fitness. EQUIPMENT Appropriate equipment is recommended, with particular regard to footwear.

In the heart of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, between Bologna and Florence, the BOMBA – Bologna Montana Bike Area – project offers a network of mountain bike and outdoor tourism routes that showcase the area through well-maintained, signposted trails suitable for various experience levels. BOMBA promotes sustainable, responsible enjoyment of the mountains, giving outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to explore the Apennines in an active, safe and engaging way. The route requires good physical fitness and familiarity with technical terrain: uneven sections, changes in gradient and paths through lush greenery make the Lake Trail a challenge for hikers and more experienced outdoor adventurers. The effort is amply rewarded by the beauty of the landscape and the feeling of traversing an area far from the beaten track. This vast, scenic area is home to two main hubs – Alpe Trail Gravity and Loiano Trail Gravity – connected by a network of trails designed for all levels, from beginners to experts. Downhill, enduro, all-mountain and cross-country cycling can be enjoyed on technical trails, long, smooth descents, scenic loops and tracks through the Apennine forests. The Bike Area is designed to provide comprehensive services: e-MTB hire, guided tours, cycling lessons for adults and children, charging points, picnic areas and hospitality facilities along the routes. Lift access and organised trails make the experience accessible and sustainable, bringing the area to life in all seasons.

Is there a way to unplug and recharge your brain in times of mental fatigue? There are many such options in Italy, but among the most effective is a weekend of walking on Lake Garda. The area is rich in scenic paths and lends itself to wonderful hikes, perfect for relaxing after a tiring week at work. So, what are you waiting for? Go and regenerate yourself in the midst of nature with some healthy exercise and, with your backpack on your shoulders, follow the 6 itineraries we recommend.

Spring is a splendid time of year on these lakes. Energizing nature, relaxing colours and mild temperatures are an invitation to an active open-air holiday with plenty to do, including sports and walks through history. Northern Italy has the three largest lakes in the Italian peninsula - the inspiration for poets, writers and musicians of all periods.

The 2026 Blue Flags confirm Italy as one of the most popular seaside destinations in Europe. The award, presented by the FEE – Foundation for Environmental Education – each year recognises locations that stand out for water quality, environmental sustainability, tourist services and land management. This year, the number of award-winning municipalities has risen to 257, with 525 recognised beaches and 87 certified tourist marinas. The 2026 Blue Flags are an important guide for those who want to choose seaside resorts with clean sea, efficient services and attention to the environment. Every year, thousands of Italian and foreign tourists consult the official list of award-winning beaches to plan their summer holidays and discover the best seaside destinations in Italy.

Italy is not only the perfect destination for a trip, it can also become the magical backdrop to the most wonderful day of your life, when you say 'I do' to your loved one in a fairy-tale setting. Even in mid-winter, when the atmosphere becomes truly enchanting. Here are seven destinations for a winter wedding in Italy: amidst the beauty of the foliage, in a chalet in the Dolomites, on the snowy expanses, by a lake or among the rows of a vineyard.

There are more than 1,500 lakes with different features in Italy - dug by glaciers or of volcanic origin, enclosed by the mountains or a few steps away from the sea - where you can explore villages and natural areas but also engage in sporting activities. Here we have picked up ten Italian lakes among the most suitable for those who wish to spend an active holiday dedicated to sports.

Covering an area that includes three regions, Abruzzo, Lazio and Le Marche, the Park is a very complex area, divided into two distinct biogeographical regions: "Euro-Siberian" and "Mediterranean". The morphological diversity of the mountains and the high altitudes they reach make this protected area a treasure of exceptional biological richness. From the remains of the glaciers at high altitudes, to the vastness of the plains of Campo Imperatore at the foot of Corno Grande, as far as the almond trees, vineyards and olive groves further down the valley, the scenery offered by the Park goes on forever. Silent, except when flowing over jumps and waterfalls, the Tirino (the river with some of the clearest water in Europe!) is another central element of the Park: the local flora and fauna draw all the energy they need to flourish along its banks. In addition to the Tirino, several rivers and streams run through the park, bringing their energy and vitality.

Jagged coastlines and cool golden sand, lively beaches and quiet lidos, but also a nature characterised by mountains and forests, rich in plant species and unique fauna in a natural habitat inhabited by deer, chamois, wolves, bears, foxes and lynx.

The Murgia Materana Park was established in 1990 with the name of Parco Regionale Archeologico Storico Naturale delle Chiese Rupestri del Materano (Natural Historic Archaeological Regional Park of the Rock Churches of the Matera region). This is the spectacular Italian rocky landscape which best testifies the ancient relationship between man and nature in southern Italy.

Five-hundred-thousand hectares of highly-singular natural riches: the Sila Plateau expands over parts of the Provinces of Cosenza, Crotone and Catanzaro. Natural and scenic endowments where the diversity of landscapes, the variety of plant and animal species, and the beauty of all of Sila attest to the importance of the Sila National Park and of the treasures it protects. Although it was established only in 2002, Sila National Park is actually part of one of Italy’s oldest national parks, the National Park of Calabria. This zone, with its rugged and wild, yet pristine side, charms visitors with its quaint and welcoming villages, and with the opportunities to practice a number of outdoor sports. Here, any time of year is right to enjoy this multi-faceted Park.

As a crossroads of peoples and a treasure trove of ancient traditions, the territory is rich in chestnut and holm-oak forests, streams and hamlets overlooking the sea or built on rocks. Here, we find some masterpieces included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998: the magnificent Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, with the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia and Certosa di Padula. Hidden beaches, small fishing villages, unspoilt nature and rich archaeological evidence make Cilento an irresistibly fascinating destination.

The Sulmona-Isernia railway is named Ferrovia dei Parchi on account of the special nature of the places it passes through, in a largely protected area. Its spectacular route passes through the Maiella National Park and the Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park. This structured, panoramic route traverses the heart of Abruzzo, crossing the Apennines to admire the beauty of traditional villages and unspoiled nature reserves, enabling you to enjoy national parks, mountains and narrow gorges from the comfort of a historic train. Opened on 18 September 1897, the Sulmona-Isernia was destroyed by the Germans during World War II. It was rebuilt and relaunched in 1955 as far as Castel di Sangro, and reached Carpinone in 1960. The line, which has never been electrified, has always been linked to steam locomotives. In the 1980s, it fell victim to the "deadwood" policy. In 1995, ticket offices were closed and several stations were downgraded to being mere stops, until the siding was removed and the direct connection from Pescara to Naples was abolished in the early years of the new century.

Meditation, forest bathing, tree hugging and spiritual walks are experiences all to be enjoyed in Trentino for those who love nature and wellness.

In this relaxing landscape, typical of the Pavia countryside, nature is a powerful tool of regeneration for the body and mind, not to mention the spectacular view, especially in the Lomellina area, which is worth the trip alone.

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.

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).

Hilly vineyards, absolute relaxation and an unforgettable wine experience. This is the holiday you can expect from Friuli Venezia Giulia's wine resorts, luxurious establishments where impeccable hospitality is also reflected in the discovery of the region's famous wines. On the podium are the white wines: Pinot Bianco and Grigio, Ribolla, Friulano ( until recently known as Tocai friulano), Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Malvasia, plus the rare red Pinot Nero. Tastings, pairings with typical products and visits to wine cellars, for a stay rich in taste.

Not everyone knows that the historic centre of Bologna is not the only mesmerizing area. Indeed the city’s surroundings hide really unique places: mountain landscapes, gardens and parks to relax, cycling and trekking to keep fit. Here are some of the several places where you can immerse yourself in nature.

In the heart of the Gran Sasso National Park, between the Laga Mountains, immersed in the wild beauty of the Salinello Gorgehow about some canyoning through narrow gorges between 200 meters high walls, waterfalls and pools of water? If we have caught your attention, read on here.

Captivating for their age-old superstitions and stories of brigands and highwaymen, the Valleys of Comacchio are a vast wetlands area located between Ferrara and Ravenna, in the Region of Emilia Romagna. More specifically, they lie between the town of Comacchio and the Reno River, inside the Delta del Po Regional Park. Their 11,000 hectares of brackish, briny water, their immense variety of flora and fauna, and their culinary traditions - founded on eel, above all - make them a draw for tourists from all over Italy and from around the world.

One could certainly ‘settle’ for a trip along the banks of Rome’s Tiber, Turin’s Murazzi or the stretches of water of the Po, Adige and Arno that illuminate the faces of Mantua, Verona and Florence. Alternatively, you can look beyond the framework within which Italian beauty is often confined, seeking out water in the less obvious corners of the peninsula. In this way, you can discover the charm of small villages, hidden gems that have developed alongside and thanks to the rivers that flow through them or along their shores. These excellent little destinations are certified with the Touring Club Italiano’s Orange Flag, a guarantee of quality in terms of hospitality, services and the ability to attract not only hit-and-run tourism but, increasingly, the citizens of tomorrow.

We sometimes take rivers for granted, forgetting how important they are to our lives: they carry water, nourish the earth, help us in our travels, and much more. Yet too often we mistreat them, polluting and soiling them. To try to put a stop to this and promote knowledge and protection of rivers, a wide variety of initiatives have sprung up over time. One of the most original and entertaining ones is the Big Jump, a collective dive into the rivers throughout Europe. Save the date for the year 2023: the huge European flash mob will be on the 9th of July.

The sky and the perennial vegetation are reflected in the water, presenting shades ranging from a vivid blue to emerald green, and the sounds emitted by the cormorants and yellow-legged gulls that nest here are the only sonorous stimuli that break the silence. The scent of the dense vegetation fills our lungs. Can you imagine a more suitable place for a relaxing break? But it's an ideal solution also for a romantic experience, as the magical essence of this location will transport us into a fairy-tale world. The area is dotted with willows and poplar trees and it acquires a soft appeal with the quiet lapping of the waters of the river, which originates in Tuscany, rising from Mount Borgognone and crossing the entire Lunigiana district before reaching the Tyrrhenian Sea.

In the Monti Sibillini National Park, the natural scenery for this sport is practically perfect, and this is thanks to the meeting of the Velino and Nera rivers, which myth has it were two lovers, from whose tormented and endless love the Marmore Falls, among the highest in Europe, would be created. Fun is guaranteed by the natural springboards that invite you to dive in.