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.

Walk and perceive nature barefoot or with your eyes closed. This is forest bathing, a truly green therapy that improves your mood, frees you from anxiety and regenerates your spirit. The technique comes from Japan, where it is called shinrin-yoku, which means bathing in the forest. It is also possible to practice forest bathing in Italy. In this article, we provide you with a guide to discover the most beautiful woods from north to south, where you can rediscover yourself.

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.

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.

The venue has become a “Mecca” destination for professional sports people and enthusiasts from all over Europe. Due to its ideal characteristics it is considered a select port of call by those who practice this kind of sporting activity, but also on account of a magnificent setting and panoramic views across the sea and the various rock formations.

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.

Spring holidays such as Easter are the time of the year when it’s permissible to escape the ritually laid tables and family gatherings. If you are fearless at heart, you could treat yourself to an out of the ordinary, alternative holiday full of adventure, and vivacious fun. Challenge yourself with outdoor experiences and exploring landscapes, with histories and traditions that will take your breath away. Here are 6 exciting destinations to spend an Easter weekend full of open-air fun, starting in southern Italy.

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.

Created in the 1940s by flooding a vast marshy area to power the turbines of a hydroelectric power plant, this artificial lake covers a vast area of 1,400 hectares, with a perimeter of 42 kilometres and an average depth of 13 metres. At 1,313 metres above sea level, Lake Campotosto is surrounded by rich, lush vegetation with spectacular meadows and woods that take on endless shades of colours. This makes it the perfect destination for sports enthusiasts, who flock there every year to enjoy activities such as fishing, canoeing, windsurfing and cycling. The lake’s picturesque scenery and nature is protected thanks to the State Nature Reserve, which is part of the larger Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park.

Como, Varenna and Bellagio are full of luxury residences. This idyllic corner of Lombardy is definitely worth visiting, in search of enchanting gardens, botanical gardens and works of art, both by boat or on a ferry. Whether you rent a Vespa or get on a bike, a trip to discover the most beautiful villas on Lake Como is just that, a close encounter with beauty, a virtuous example of how the works of man can perfectly integrate with the nature of the place.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

World Earth Day falls on 22 April each year, a date set to raise awareness of the important issue of protecting the planet. The theme of Earth Day is “Restoring Ecosystems” through actions such as reforestation, rewilding, reconstruction of natural infrastructure and coral restoration. Italy, too, between National Parks, Protected Areas and Reserves is actively engaged in this battle aimed at conserving biodiversity and habitats.

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.

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.

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.