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.

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.

At the point in which Italy, Austria and Slovenia meet, majestic mountain peaks lie in wait, proffering up innumerable paths that unwind for miles and miles and sometimes run through a forest of 23,000 hectares. From the heights of these peaks the topography swoops down into an extreme dip, that is into Val Resia, inhabited by an ancient Slavic community as well as by curious myths and luminous lakes. An itinerary that begins in the Region of Friuli Venezia Giulia's northeast makes stops in the towns of Moggio Udinese, Malborghetto, Pontebba, and Tarvisio, and arrives in Carnia, brushing past the slopes of Jof di Montasio and the summits in Val Resia.

Monte San Giorgio, south of Lake Lugano, on the border between Italy and Switzerland, is one of the world's most important fossil deposits from the Middle Triassic, when this mountainous area was a lagoon in a tropical environment. How about time travel back to 250 million years ago?

A 14th-century Romanesque bell tower stands alone in the middle of a blue lake. Its height has allowed it to remain the sole protagonist of a place submerged and out of time, which answers to the name of Curon. Legend has it that you can even still hear the bells ringing, at least on windy days.

Mountains that exalt colours and shapes, generating harmony with everything around them. A mountain chain recognised as a World Heritage Site, representing one of the most famous landscapes in Italy and Europe, deeply marking the imagination of anyone who has admired or experienced it. The grandeur of these stone giants has its roots in prehistoric times, in the Triassic period to be exact, when around 250 million years ago the accumulation of shells, corals and algae gave rise to sediments that were later transformed into rock, and the subsequent collision of the European and African plates caused the rocks to emerge, raising them more than 3,000 metres above sea level. An unusual variety of shapes defines the landscape character of this particular area, in striking contrast to the soft lines of the grasslands at its foot, and distinguishes its boundaries vertically - with shovels, spires, pinnacles, towers, teeth - and horizontally - with ridges, roofs, ledges, terraces and plateaus. The very first images of these mountains were not paintings or portraits, but descriptions, words that told of the major groups: Marmolada, Sella Group, Sassolungo Group, Catinaccio, Latemar, Pale di San Martino through extraordinary visions and powerful emotions.

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.

Bracciano is built on a hill above the clear water of Lake Bracciano, a volcanic lake where it is possible to canoe, scuba-dive, sail and much more (especially during hot summertime days, when a dip in the lake can be most refreshing).

While romantics are enchanted by its heart shape, sportspeople and nature lovers are drawn to its rugged and undeniably enchanting side: Lago di Scanno is the most spectacular and most visited body of water in Abruzzo.

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.

A 14th-century Romanesque bell tower stands alone in the middle of a blue lake. Its height has allowed it to remain the sole protagonist of a place submerged and out of time, which answers to the name of Curon. Legend has it that you can even still hear the bells ringing, at least on windy days.

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.

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.

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.

Cortina d'Ampezzo sits in the heart of the Veneto Dolomites, in an ample valley surrounded by high peaks, and is one of the most famous mountain localities in the world. Host of the 1956 Winter Olympic Games and defined solely in the terms of chic and ski, Cortina is a glitzy, glam symbol both on the Italian and international scenes Cortina has always been a top destination for mountain and nature enthusiasts, as well as those in search of winter sport activity and, in general, fun.

There are seven major islands (Elba, Giglio, Giannutri, Capraia, Pianosa, Gorgona and Montecristo), to be explored along trekking trails in the mid-season, to be enjoyed by the sea during the summer for those who love snorkelling, diving and dolphin and whale watching. Because here we are in the Sanctuary of the Cetaceans.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

The undisputed star is the River Noce, which flows through the valley and is, according to the authoritative National Geographic, among the 10 best in the world for the practice of this discipline. It is beautiful, and everyone can have a go. Rafting in Val di Sole does not require any special skills, as long as you use an experienced guide for the descent, who will adapt the difficulty of the route to the experience of the participants. In short, if you are on holiday in these parts and want to have fun surrounded by a breathtaking natural environment, rafting is an option not to be underestimated.