Nature and landscapes in Italy

Mezzavalle is the last beach in Ancona and the first of many white beaches in the Conero Riviera Natural Park, 20 kilometres of coastline on the Adriatic Sea that has been awarded a number of blue flags for the quality of its water. There are coves, pebble inlets and wider beaches, some natural and wild, others with superb beach facilities, to suit all tastes and needs.

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 charming historic centre takes you through ancient Roman monuments, Renaissance squares and architecture, churches full of treasures and works of art, allowing you to discover this city’s long history. Just a stone's throw away, there are more than 15 kilometres of beaches and 250 seaside resorts, cycle paths and beach volleyball courts to keep you occupied from dawn to dusk. The area also boasts some of Italy's most famous nightlife venues, with bars from the harbour area to Marina Centro and restaurants open all hours ready to welcome visitors all year round.

It is the favourite seaside resort of the Romans, thanks to its strategic proximity to the capital: indeed, only 32 kilometres between the centre of Rome from Ostia. And to the traffic on Via Ostiense, when the warm weather arrives, many prefer to take the train. Locals call it theFreccia del Mare, and from Porta San Paolo/Piramide it reaches the coast in an hour.

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.

Valcamonica holds one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in the world and was the first of the Italian sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to fits timeless enchantment. The “Valley of Signs” is an unprecedented plunge into the past, and beyond. An excursion that means culture but also nature. If you head towards the North on the left side of the valley, you will come to Adamello Park. Acknowledged as a UNESCO Global Geopark, its rare geological and morphological heritage is of great scientific interest. It is home to no fewer than 1,300 different species of plants and flowers of rare beauty, numerous wild animals, both small and large, glaciers, coniferous forests and many Alpine lakes. Lastly, ski enthusiasts should put Valcamonica on their to-do list of places to visit in winter. Stopping at Ponte di Legno, you can take advantage of the fantastic slopes of the Ponte di Legno-Tonale ski area.

Tuscany, the pearl of central Italy on the beautiful Tyrrhenian coast, is a trove of unique historical treasures: from cities of art to picturesque villages, breathtaking panoramas, pastoral countryside and magnificent islands. Rich and surprising, Tuscany can enchant like few other places can.

What to do in Cervinia in the Aosta Valley on winter weekends enjoying the beauty of the surroundings? A lot, really. Whether you are an athlete, an adventurer or simply in search of relaxation, Cervinia is the perfect destination when it comes to offering something for everyone.

They are so imposing that no one region alone can contain them: once known as the “pale mountains”, the Dolomites bring the Veneto, Trentino-Alto Adige and Friuli Venezia Giulia together. And it is along a journey through these three regions that we invite you to get to know the Dolomites at first hand, thanks to the many experiences to be enjoyed among the valleys and peaks of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Concerts and performances at high altitude in natural hollows and meadows reached along mountain paths for a festival that has by now become a tradition. A plunge into the crystal clear waters of the natural pools along the River Meduna or one or more safe driving lessons for motorcyclists over the hairpin bends of Cadore. For people who have enough time, one way to get close to the Dolomite habitat and the customs of everyone living hereabouts is to travel for more than 200 km over one of the High Altitude Treks winding through these white giants. Taking the time to do so on foot, to grasp all the different nuances and enjoy breath-taking views.

From the large ski resorts in the Turin and Cuneo areas, to the more secluded resorts with views of Monte Rosa and the lakes between Valsesia and Ossola, to the Biella Pre-Alps overlooking the Po Valley: winter in Piedmont has much to offer! With1,350 km of slopes and over 50 peaks that exceed 4,000 metres (Monviso, Monte Rosa and the Gran Paradiso massif), high-quality accommodation facilities, state-of-the-art facilities, Piedmont is an incomparable mix of outdoor activities and Alpine flair, in landscapes that convey well-being. A mosaic of routes and itineraries and many activities to choose from: downhill skiing, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, kite skiing, sledging, skating, ice skating and fat biking, wild watching and high-energy snowshoeing or walking on the white tracks of the cross-country ski trails. After so much movement, you can then enjoy the unmistakable flavours of the Piedmontese Alps après-ski in a mountain hut, trattoria or panoramic restaurant.

Spectacular ski runs and engaging trails, where to devote yourself to ski as well as to freeriding, cross-country skiing, snow-kiting or take on an exciting off-track ride: in central and southern Italy there are many (sensational) destinations where to enjoy snow sports. The most renowned destinations include Gran Sasso and Mount Etna, Aspromonte and La Sila plateau, Abetone, but also Terminillo, Alto Sangro and the Samnite Apennines, between Molise and Campania. In central and southern Italy, there are more than one hundred ski areas for skiers and snowboarders, with both soft and challenging slopes, that attracts many enthusiasts every winter. So not just the Alps: also the Apennines offer emotions to all people visiting in winter. Which are the most interesting ski areas in central and southern Italy?

Imposing, beguiling and unexpected: Lake Garda has so many different aspects when looking out over its waters from Gardone Riviera or Sirmione, Peschiera or Riva del Garda. Peaks and valleys define its perimeter, small towns on its shores interrupt the expanse of lush vegetation characterizing the area. In short, staying at Lake Garda will certainly ensure inspiration, relaxation and well-being. You will come across echoes of history, magnificent castles and delightful villas in perfect symbiosis with the contemporary world, interpreted in a thousand ways and even celebrated at table serving excellent local produce. Oil, wine and citrus fruit: here are some of the treasures of this part of Italy. It's up to you to discover all the others...

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.

Peace, amazing hidden views and the art of good living that in this area finds one of its deepest expressions, Try losing yourself in the Lake Garda landscapes, where its waters bathe shores that belong to three different regions: Lombardy, Veneto and Trentino Alto Adige, and hide villages and towns where you can spend hours of profound peace.

From the large ski resorts in the Turin and Cuneo areas, to the more secluded resorts with views of Monte Rosa and the lakes between Valsesia and Ossola, to the Biella Pre-Alps overlooking the Po Valley: winter in Piedmont has much to offer! With1,350 km of slopes and over 50 peaks that exceed 4,000 metres (Monviso, Monte Rosa and the Gran Paradiso massif), high-quality accommodation facilities, state-of-the-art facilities, Piedmont is an incomparable mix of outdoor activities and Alpine flair, in landscapes that convey well-being. A mosaic of routes and itineraries and many activities to choose from: downhill skiing, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, kite skiing, sledging, skating, ice skating and fat biking, wild watching and high-energy snowshoeing or walking on the white tracks of the cross-country ski trails. After so much movement, you can then enjoy the unmistakable flavours of the Piedmontese Alps après-ski in a mountain hut, trattoria or panoramic restaurant.

Ben 236 Comuni italiani, tra cui 14 nuovi ingressi, per complessive 485 spiagge - corrispondenti all’11,5% delle spiagge italiane – hanno ricevuto le Bandiere Blu 2024 nel corso della cerimonia di premiazione della trentottesima edizione tenutasi alla presenza dei rispettivi sindaci. Il riconoscimento, di livello mondiale, è deciso dalla Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) ed è destinato a Comuni rivieraschi e approdi turistici. Come nelle edizioni precedenti hanno contribuito alla decisione diversi Enti Istituzionali tra cui: Ministero del Turismo; Ministero dell'agricoltura, della sovranità alimentare e delle foreste; Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Sicurezza Energetica; l’Istituto Superiore di Sanità; gli Ordini dei Chimici e dei Fisici; il Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, oltre ad atenei come: Università della Tuscia - Laboratorio di Ecologia Marina e l’Università per Stranieri di Perugia. Nonché alcuni organismi come i Sindacati Balneari (SIB-Confcommercio – FIBA - Confesercenti). Una successiva approvazione da parte della Giuria internazionale ha deciso il risultato finale. Bandiere Blu new entry 38ma edizione: Trentino Alto Adige: Tenno (TN) e Vallelaghi (TN) Liguria: Recco (GE) e Borgio Verezzi (SV) Marche: Porto Sant’Elpidio (FM) Abruzzo: Ortona (CH) Campania: Cellole (CA) Puglia: Lecce (LE), Patù (LE) e Manduria (TA) Calabria: Parghelia (VV) Sicilia: Letojanni (ME), Taormina (ME) e Scicli (RG). Scopri tutte le destination Bandiere Blu 2024

Trentino is famous for its dramatic mountains, world-class ski slopes and hearty cuisine. That’s not to say that they’re the only things you can find in this beautiful and varied Italian region. The southern district of Garda Trentino, located between Trento and the shores of Lake Garda, on the border with Lombardy and Veneto, will surprise you. This district is home to unique medieval villages, stunning lakes, gorgeous mountain scenery and an abundance of outdoors offerings. I recently had the opportunity to discover the Garda Trentino area, and I was amazed by the beauty I found there. I explored the villages of San Lorenzo Dorsino, Rango, Canale di Tenno and their surroundings. In this article you will find out everything you need to know about visiting Garda Trentino and these villages. From the best things to do to how to get there, or from the best time to visit to unique experiences you can try.

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.

Nestled in the Alta Murgia National Park, it is a masterpiece of medieval architecture declared UNESCO World Heritage, full of symbols and mysteries. Ready to discover them all?

From the large ski resorts in the Turin and Cuneo areas, to the more secluded resorts with views of Monte Rosa and the lakes between Valsesia and Ossola, to the Biella Pre-Alps overlooking the Po Valley: winter in Piedmont has much to offer! With1,350 km of slopes and over 50 peaks that exceed 4,000 metres (Monviso, Monte Rosa and the Gran Paradiso massif), high-quality accommodation facilities, state-of-the-art facilities, Piedmont is an incomparable mix of outdoor activities and Alpine flair, in landscapes that convey well-being. A mosaic of routes and itineraries and many activities to choose from: downhill skiing, snowboarding, ski mountaineering, kite skiing, sledging, skating, ice skating and fat biking, wild watching and high-energy snowshoeing or walking on the white tracks of the cross-country ski trails. After so much movement, you can then enjoy the unmistakable flavours of the Piedmontese Alps après-ski in a mountain hut, trattoria or panoramic restaurant.

Spectacular ski runs and engaging trails, where to devote yourself to ski as well as to freeriding, cross-country skiing, snow-kiting or take on an exciting off-track ride: in central and southern Italy there are many (sensational) destinations where to enjoy snow sports. The most renowned destinations include Gran Sasso and Mount Etna, Aspromonte and La Sila plateau, Abetone, but also Terminillo, Alto Sangro and the Samnite Apennines, between Molise and Campania. In central and southern Italy, there are more than one hundred ski areas for skiers and snowboarders, with both soft and challenging slopes, that attracts many enthusiasts every winter. So not just the Alps: also the Apennines offer emotions to all people visiting in winter. Which are the most interesting ski areas in central and southern Italy?

International Mountain Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2003, is celebrated on 11 December each year. A special occasion to reflect on the importance of "highlands", which this year is dedicated to the "restoration of mountain ecosystems", i.e., the rehabilitation of all mountain environments that have been destroyed or changed by humans. Italy, too, has many places where you can celebrate mountains: first of all, the numerous parks and protected areas that safeguard the best-preserved and most valuable nature in our country. We propose ten of them for you to discover in winter, from the Alps to the Apennines and to Sicily.

The Gargano Promontory in Apulia, due to its shape, is considered to be “Italy’s spur.” This promontory, projecting itself out into the Adriatic Sea, is almost entirely covered by a massive and mountainous carsic rock. Leafy vegetation, a crystalline sea, evocative places, a faithful people and the genuine tastes of this zone are its fundamental characteristics. One of nature’s jewels, it rests under the tutelage of the National Park, which also covers the Umbra Forest, the marine reserve of the Tremiti Islands and the coastal lakes of Lesina and Varano.

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).

From Tossignano to San Lazzaro di Savena, from Bologna to Monzuno and then Pianoro, the Bolognese hinterland is rich in landscape elements that determine its history. Villages with a strong environmental appeal, which we recommend you explore in a 6-stage route, surrounded by nature.

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.

A romantic landscape dotted with aristocratic residences, historic gardens and monumental parks is what you will discover when you visit the Riviera del Brenta, which stretches along the banks of the Naviglio del Brenta river, between the provinces of Padua and Venice.

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.

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.

FEATURES These routes represent the majority of hiking trails and so include a broad variety of natural settings. They run along bridleways, footpaths and sometimes dirt tracks, across terrain with different geomorphology and vegetation, including meadows, undergrowth, gravel and scree. The trails are generally signposted and may have steep sections. You may encounter easy, unexposed rocky sections that require the use of hands for balance. Any exposed points are generally protected. The paths may cross flat or gently-sloping areas on residual snow. ABILITY AND SKILL LEVELS These paths require a sense of direction, some hiking experience and adequate training EQUIPMENT Suitable equipment is required, particularly with regard to footwear.

Who said that rafting is a sport reserved for athletic types and trained experts? In Umbria between the Monti Sibillini National Park and Marmore Waterfall, anyone can experience the thrill of going down a river, safely. The stretch of river along where the Corno river and the Nera river converge, is an ideal spot to practice rafting, even for beginners. On one condition: you can swim.

Perhaps you had never thought about it, but the River Dora Baltea, which flows through the Aosta Valley , touching many of the best known locations, is a paradise for rafting enthusiasts thanks to its sudden changes in current. Between rapids, jumps and waterfalls, practising this discipline along its course is both challenging and exhilarating.