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.

In the meantime, let's consider some of the notable aspects of this pearl of the Mediterranean and its mosaic of wonderful scenery and facilities situated in an area of less than 8 square kilometres. A rocky coastline, cliffs overlooking the sea and various enchanting gorges enclosing small sandy beaches and basins of pure crystalline water are particular characteristics that render this island a unique venue. The interior of the island, which is of volcanic origin, is no exception and you will be captivated by its fascinating archaeological sites and small villages.

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.

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.

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.

You’re not in Canada or Colorado, and the postcard landscapes that evoke distant lands are those of Trentino in the beautiful Fumo Valley, a real jewel of western Trentino at the foot of Carè Alto. The area owes its name to the halo of clouds that has always accompanied it.

Offering an extraordinary variety of landscapes, with majestic peaks, forests, wide valleys, watercourses, lakes and an enchanting play of light among the peaks of the Dolomites, Trentino is a paradise for winter sports and outdoor activities. Whether you go to enjoy skiing in winter or hiking in summer, Trentino offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and wellness.

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.

We are in the Spluga Valley in a ski resort in the province of Sondrio that lies between 1150 and 2880 metres above sea level. But Madesimo is a perfect destination in every season. In fact, if the ski slopes are fun in winter, the hiking trails are a real boon for walkers, or bike riders, during the warm season.

Lake Trasimeno is located in the green heart of Umbria, amidst beds of reeds and charming white water lilies. It’s a true natural paradise home to wild ducks, cormorants, kites and kingfishers. Beyond the downward slope, gentle hills form the backdrop to the lake, along with sporadic woods and sunflower and corn fields, vineyards and olive groves. Agriculture here is still carried out following traditional techniques. Several towns are located on Lake Trasimeno. Some of them directly face the lake while others are nearby and are affected by the charm and attraction of this sheet of water.

Starring in an original Italian noir series produced by Netflix, Curon is the incredible waterlogged village. The municipality is best known for its Romanesque bell tower, which emerges solitarily from Lake Resia in Alto Adige and whose bells, according to legend, continue to ring on windy days. Visiting this evocative landscape is an experience worth trying, to learn more about its history.

In the area of Lake Garda, where the hills slope gently down towards the shore, the olive-vine agrarian pair is combined with meadows, finding its highest expression. The Romans gave rise to the flourishing, popular olive oil cultivation in the Benaco area. The climate and the slope of the hill ridges here are enough to dispel soil and climate parameters that geographically delimit the ideal oil crop, allowing the plants to develop and produce fruit. Today, small farms dedicated to oil production dot the lake area, making it unique in beauty and harmony. But what are the characteristics of Garda PDO extra virgin olive oil? With a light to medium fruity aroma depending on the sub-zone of origin and the olive ripeness degree, this oil has olfactory nuances ranging from artichoke to freshly cut grass, passing through leaves, hay, herbs, flowers and green pepper. The only certainty is the sweet, fresh almond that presents on the nose and taste with an intense and persistent note. Round and soft on the palate, Garda PDO oil is entirely balanced.

This small glacial valley nestled in the mountains of Trentino is a lesser-known corner of Italy, off the beaten track compared to many of the more popular destinations. If you are looking to escape the crowds of Lake Garda, Lake Ledro is a worthwhile alternative, to relax in an unspoilt environment that is also perfect for those seeking adrenaline and adventure.

Set in the wonderful, evocative waters of Lake Maggiore, the Borromean Islands have fascinated visitors for centuries. Loved by Ernest Hemingway and, in more recent times, by the English Royals, this Archipelago is made up of the monumental Isola Bella, with its 17th-Century Palazzo Borromeo, surrounded by scenographic gardens, the picturesque Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island), Isola Madre, noted for its botanical garden, rich in rare plants, the little Island of San Giovanni that faces Pallanza, and the Rock of Malghera. Lake Maggiore was a favorite resort locality for the noble families of Lombardy (e.g. the Borromeos and the Viscontis) that also constructed sumptuous villas here, beginning in the 1700s. The Borromeos, prestigious family of Florentine origins, became the Islands’ owners in the 14th Century when they began to transform them by building residences with elaborate gardens. Still today Isola Bella and Isola Madre remain in the family’s possession, as do the two rocks, or little islands, of Castelli di Cannero, that bear the ruins of two Medieval fortifications.

Easily accessible, Alto Adige’s numerous bathing lakes captivate with their crystal-clear, crystal-clear waters. They are an ideal destination for a day of fun for young and old, or for a mini-break immersed in nature and the most rejuvenating of silences. Possible activities? Many: a stroll along their shores, a fun ride on a pedalo or a lively windsurfing or kitesurfing session.

An active, detox holiday inspired by nature and eco-sustainability taking in nature, history and plenty of seascapes. These five parks in Southern Italy invite you to plunge into truly authentic beauty: full immersion could hardly be closer at hand.

Even today at the Mount Subasio Park, which extends across 4 municipalities in the province of Perugia, namely Assisi, Spello, Nocera Umbra and Valtopina, a mystical atmosphere can be experienced. Spirituality yes, but also movement. With a surface area of 7,169 hectares, the Monte Subasio Park is the perfect area for sports such as trekking, mountain biking and horse riding.

There is a famous Italian film called Basilicata coast to coast. Be inspired by the director and star of this brilliant comedy, Rocco Papaleo, on your own tour of Basilicata that takes you from the rocky coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea to the dunes of the Ionian coast. Alongside the best-known locations, you will discover secret places on a fascinating route that takes you from mountains and hills to lakes and beaches; from arid gorges to lush forests. On foot, by bike, by car or a combination of all three: you choose the best way for your coast-to-coast tour of authentic Basilicata.

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.

On 1st May, in Italy, we celebrate Labour Day, a day off from work that will fall on a Monday in 2023, ideal for a long spring weekend for a trip to discover new places. Between concerts, excursions, hot-air balloon rides and cities of art, there is no shortage of choices. Here are 6 activities to experience on this day across the country.

After a hard day's work, how many times have you closed your eyes and imagined green meadows, brightly coloured flowers and the trickle of small streams to complete the panorama? The beauty of the vegetation soothes the senses and sparks the imagination: here are 5 destinations in Lombardy where you can breathe deeply and relax your mind.

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.

Those who love the pure adrenaline rush of a rapid descent of a rushing torrent or a mountain river in an inflatable boat know: Italy, thanks to its mountainous nature and wealth of waterways, is a rafting paradise. Not everyone knows it was in Piedmont that this relatively young sport started for our country, and not by chance: here, in Valsesia, thanks to the richness and variety of the hydrogeology, there are routes for every taste and level of difficulty. Want to come and discover it with us?

This traditional, prized vegetable comes to us directly from the tables of antiquity. The white asparagus of Cimadolmo PGI was once eaten by the Ancient Egyptians and Romans. Recent cultivation dates back a century and a half and is predominantly focused in Veneto. Only the young shoots, called turions, are boiled, becoming the main ingredient, or side dish of choice, in traditional dishes that are nothing short of exquisite.

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.

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.

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.