Nature and landscapes in Italy

A small, charming archipelago in Lake Maggiore A small archipelago in Lake Maggiore opposite the Borromean Gulf, between the towns of Stresa and Verbania: the Borromean Islands are among the pearls of Piedmont. Isola Madre, Isola Bella and Isola dei Pescatori are the main islands of the archipelago, joined by Isolino di San Giovanni and Scoglio della Malghera, which are not accessible to visitors. We recommend starting at Isola Madre, accessible in a few minutes by boat from Stresa. You can enjoy a romantic stroll through the large English garden surrounding Palazzo Borromeo. Isola Bella, the second largest island, is home to a large 17th-century palace owned by the Borromeo family. Today, it houses a museum with room after room of paintings and tapestries. Isola dei Pescatori, 100 metres wide by 350 metres long, is the only inhabited island among the Borromean Islands. The small village consists of a main square and narrow alleyways dotted with shops and markets dedicated to local crafts. On Ferragosto, 15th August, don’t miss the procession of the statue of the Virgin Mary, which is carried across the lake waters by boat.

Favignana, the paradise island with a turquoise sea Favignana, the largest of the Egadi Islands, is a cluster of shallow bays with a turquoise sea, listed as a marine protected area. Its flat coastline makes it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle, so that you can discover a different beach every day. In what used to be one of the largest tuna fisheries in the Mediterranean, a museum has been opened in the harbour bay to retrace the history of tuna fishing. Beaches for all tastes Favignana's beaches can cater for all tastes and needs: that of Praia, near the harbour, Cala Azzurra, Lido Burrone, the Calamoni, in the south-east, are all mainly sandy. The coast of Punta Lunga, the Preveto and Faraglioni beaches, on the other hand, have sand mixed with pebbles. Cala Rossa, on the north-eastern coast, offers both rocks and sand, while Grotta Perciata, Punta Fanfalo and Cavallo are completely rocky. A Marine Protected Area The sea that laps Favignana is included in the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of the Egadi Islands, a marine park that is particularly important not only for its size (54,000 hectares, the largest in Europe), but also for its geographical position: the park is in fact the first point of arrival for algae and oceanic fauna that move with the Atlantic currents, a flow of water that rises to the surface just near the Egadi Islands with its important biological richness. The MPA aims to preserve the fauna, which is particularly rich in protected or vulnerable species, including the monk seal, bluefin tuna, sea turtle, dolphin, sperm whale, sharks, manta rays and various species of fish and molluscs. To enjoy the sea, take a boat with the local fishermen who organise excursions to the caves and fishing-tourism activities: many of them are former tuna fishermen who can tell you how the tuna fishing took place. The stone quarries of Favignana For centuries, calcarenite, improperly called tuff, a very compact, light-coloured building stone, was quarried on Favignana. The quarrying has left deep traces everywhere, particularly in the north-eastern area, of open quarries that, now abandoned, are used by the inhabitants to make vegetable patches and gardens protected from the wind where fruit trees such as figs, almonds and citrus fruits grow. Some quarries near the coast have become convenient descents to the sea or have created extravagantly shaped pools: where they are slowly being re-naturalised, they create striking environments. Go and see Cala Rossa, where quarrymen have left tall tuff columns that resemble those of a cathedral. What to do in Favignana On the island you can take long, easy walks both along the coast to explore the beaches, and in the hilly part towards the Fort of Santa Caterina, an ancient watchtower rebuilt by Roger II the Norman and later used by the Bourbons as a prison. Today it is an extraordinary observation point for the entire archipelago and the western coast of Sicily. Visit the museum built in the former Florio factory, one of the largest ancient tuna fisheries in the Mediterranean, which houses an exhibition with videos and evidence of tuna slaughter, as well as a room with archaeological finds. From the port of Favignana you can set off on an excursion to the island of Levanzo, where the sea is possibly even more transparent and inviting. On this island, of particular interest is the Grotta del Genovese, where a number of paintings and engravings dating back to the Neolithic period can be seen, including the silhouette of a tuna, an animal that has always been important to the communities that have lived on these islands. The cave can be reached on foot, but you must first contact the attendant at the harbour, or by boat. Fishballs, steaks or tartare: tuna is served The main ingredient of Favignana cuisine is tuna, which is fished between May and June and eaten as tartare, tasty fishballs or grilled steaks. There are also specialities such as spaghetti alla bottarga (tuna roe) and tuna carbonara. In the restaurants you will also find pasta with sea urchins, Egadi lobster and plenty of other fish, and there is no shortage of cous-cous, as is the case throughout eastern Sicily. For dessert, try the granitas in various flavours, also accompanied by brioches, cannoli and cassatas that go well with a glass of Marsala.

Erice, city of the goddess Venus One of Sicily's most enchanting locations, Erice is like an eagle's nest from which you can enjoy magnificent views over vast areas of the island as far as the Egadi archipelago and the Tunisian coast. Perched on a cliff 750 metres above sea level, its curious triangular perimeter preserves not only monuments and mediaeval churches of great worth, but also a contemporary art centre and a prestigious scientific institution. Erice is a jewel of art and culture with a thousand-year history, that deserves to be visited at least once in a lifetime. A treasure chest of artistic and archaeological treasures The origins of Erice are very ancient and can be traced back to the Elymian people; it was founded by the union of the local population with Trojan exiles. Beyond the myth of its foundation, Erice was also known to the Romans due to a sanctuary built on a steep cliff, dedicated to the worship of the Greek goddess Aphrodite and the Roman goddess of fertility and love, Venus Ericina, where sacred prostitution was practised. To erase that pagan symbol, a thousand years later, the Norman princes of Altavilla had a manor built, which is still called the Castle of Venus: inside, you can visit an exhibition of archaeological finds from the Archaic to the Norman age. From the castle, through the Balio garden, one enters the elegant mediaeval old town with its carpet-like stone pavement and narrow alleyways, because space within the walls has always been scarce. Here, you must see the church of San Giovanni Battista with its round dome and Norman Gothic portal, the Antonino Cordici museum in the former convent of San Francesco where, among the finds from the Erice necropolis, a head of Aphrodite from the 4th century BC is on display; and the museum of contemporary art La Salerniana in the former convent of San Carlo. Continuing towards Piazza Umberto you will find the Centro per la Cultura Scientifica Majorana (Majorana Centre for Scientific Culture) in the former monastery of San Pietro, which hosts symposia and conferences on various scientific disciplines every year. Towards Porta Trapani is the elegant Piazza Matrice with the 14th-century Cathedral of Erice, with a Gothic pronaos and portal and, inside, majestic naves with pointed arches. The nine Greek marble crosses on the south wall were hung in 1685 and also come from the temple of Venus, whose cult is believed to have been still practised at that time. Beyond the Porta del Carmine along Via dell'Addolorata you come to the so-called Quartiere Spagnolo, which is not a real quarter but a building, that was supposed to house Spanish troops but remained unfinished. Today it is home to permanent exhibitions on Erice and the territory. The view from its terrace will leave you breathless. Trekking on Mount Erice The amenity of the place is such that you will yearn to explore the territory of Mount Erice. To do so, there are the Agro Ericino trails, various trekking routes that start mostly from the arrival of the funicular railway from Trapani to cross the state forest, or to discover the three rock churches scattered around the mountain. Above Erice, there is also a CAI (Club Alpino Italiano - Italian Alpine Club) hut, to explore the area and also go to Mount Cofano and San Vito Lo Capo. Genovesi and martorana fruit: discovering traditional sweets If you have worked up an appetite on your walk, there is no shortage of patisseries in Erice. The town has a strong tradition of sweets whose recipes are said to have been handed down by the nuns of the cloistered monasteries of Erice. The most typical are the genovese, a shortcrust pastry morsel filled with cream that is eaten while still warm; mustazzoli, aromatic biscuits made of hard, crunchy pastry; ripostetti, filled with citron conserve and decorated with pastel-coloured icing; almond morsels, quaresimali and martorana fruit. The most renowned pastry shops are those of Maria Grammatico, which also organise cooking classes, and San Carlo, both in the old city centre. The desserts are well matched with a glass of sweet Marsala from the vineyards grown just below Mount Erice.

How can you blame him? Syracuse is one of the pearls of Sicily, capable of captivating tourists and visitors all year round with its Mediterranean climate, crystal-clear sea, unique food and wine specialities and colours that make every shot a postcard to show off. A crossroads of civilisations since ancient Greece and home of Archimedes, Syracuse proudly displays the footprints left by the centuries that testify to its greatness and importance in history. The city was in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005, with two different sites: the rock necropolis of Pantalica and the historic centre, both bearing witness to the development of ancient civilisations and their progress.

Scopello and the Zingaro Nature Reserve, Sicily as it once was Scopello is a beautiful coastal village with an ancient history. It stands in front of a handful of stacks that emerge from the water and form a natural amphitheatre of reddish rocks that intensify the blue of the sea. Since at least the 13th century, there has been a tonnara (tuna fishery) concealed in the rock here, which was in operation until the 1980s. Today it is one of the most fascinating places in Sicily, the gateway to a protected area of great naturalistic value, the Zingaro Nature Reserve. The mythical city of Cetaria Like all places of great beauty, Scopello is associated with a myth: the city of Cetaria is said to have sprung up here, so called because of the abundance of fish in its waters (from the Greek word cetos, meaning sea animals such as cetaceans). What is certain is that the place has been inhabited since ancient times, when a population from Asia Minor settled on these shores after the Trojan War; the same people who probably also founded the city of Erice. The Scopello we see today dates back to the 17th century, when the Bourbon kings used the area as a hunting reserve. For centuries dedicated to heavy tuna fishing, in the last 40 years Scopello has now become a paradise for those who love the sea, thanks to its seabed rich in anemones, madrepores and gorgonians where you can dive and swim among amberjacks and tuna, shipwrecks and submerged archaeological finds. The Scopello tuna fishery Nestled between scenic stacks and a rock face, the Tonnara di Scopello is a truly enchanting place. Its construction dates back to the 13th century, when it was just a small, well-concealed building set against the rock. It was expanded in the second half of the 15th century, first by the San Clemente family from Trapani, then by the Society of Jesus, which also built the small church, and finally by the Florio family at the end of the 19th century. Tuna caught along the coast were processed and stored in the complex. Operations ceased with the last slaughter in 1984, and since then the tuna fishery has only been used for marine biology research work. Today, the Tonnara complex is accessible for a fee for visits, including guided tours, which allow visitors to retrace the history of tuna fishing and enjoy the Faraglioni beach. There is a diving centre in the complex, which also offers dinghy excursions along the coast. Scopello's beaches In addition to the Faraglioni beach, there are several beaches and coves on the Scopello coast where you can spend a day by the sea. Guidaloca beach is a large sandy inlet with easy access to the sea, well sheltered from the wind, where the sea is always calm. Here you will find a parking area and a bar, and part of the beach is equipped with deckchairs and parasols. Those who prefer deeper waters where they can snorkel may opt for Cala Bianca, a rocky and wild stretch of coastline, without beach facilities, that can only be reached on foot along a 700-metre path, or by boat from Castellammare. Close to the Zingaro Nature Reserve is Cala Mazzo di Sciacca, with very clear waters rich in sea life, ideal for snorkelling and diving. It can be reached by car and there is only a small bar. The Zingaro Nature Reserve, an environmental victory The Zingaro Nature Reserve stretches along the coast between Scopello and San Vito lo Capo in a series of sheer cliffs interspersed with coves that make it possible to reach the sea. It is one of the rare stretches of Sicilian coastline without a seafront: a road construction site was laid in 1976, but blocked due to protests by environmentalist committees that led to a full-scale march against the work, and in favour of safeguarding the territory, in 1980. The following year, the protected area was established. Today, the Reserve can be explored along three paths, formerly mule tracks, which are about 7 kilometres in total. There is a coastal one, which provides access to charming pebble beaches and the prehistoric Uzzo cave; a mid-coast path to visit Borgo Cusenza, a nucleus of farmers' houses, and the petrified forest; and a high path, which is more challenging and very scenic. Inland, there are three museums (one naturalistic, one dedicated to the sea, one to the peasant civilisation) and an environmental education centre, two equipped areas and some rural buildings in contrada Sughero used for bivouacs, which are only allowed from October to May by making a request to the Reserve management. In the highest part, there are woods of Aleppo pines and holm oaks alternating with Mediterranean maquis that is regaining possession of an area that was cultivated for centuries, and that today, thanks to conservation, is once again a treasure trove of biodiversity.

San Vito Lo Capo: the Sicilian Tropic On the north-western tip of Sicily, San Vito Lo Capo, with its three-kilometres beach of very light-coloured sand, ends where the Monte Monaco massif rises. Here, one of the island's most beautiful, protected areas, the Zingaro Nature Reserve, begins. Nature could not have been more generous to a place that retains important signs of its past where Arab and European cultures met and merged, continuing to do so today. Among ancient sanctuaries, wrecks and the remains of old tuna nets Almost an island within an island, San Vito Lo Capo lies on the green promontory enclosed by the imposing Mount Monaco to the east and Mount Cofano to the west. Visible in the middle of the countryside thanks to the small temple of Santa Crescenza, a place linked to the devotion of St Vitus. The Fortress Sanctuary, which dates back to the 5th century, is located closer to the sea: it is a fortified church that looks more like a bastion because the threat of the Saracens lasted for quite a while. Also worth a visit is the Tonnara del Secco, active until 1969, located along the path leading to the Zingaro Nature Reserve, behind Mount Monaco, 3 km from the centre: on the seabed in front of the tuna fishery, the wreck of the freighter Kent that sank in 1978, called the ship of the Korans because it is said to have carried holy books. On the west coast, towards Macari and Mount Cofano, dotted with numerous towers (Scieri, Mpisu and Isulidda), for swimming in the afternoon, then enjoy the sunset in the sea. There are no sandy beaches, but the descent to the sea between the rocks is quite easy. In the countryside, you can walk a long way towards Castelluzzo, among cultivated fields and olive groves. The Cous Cous Fest One of the most popular events in San Vito lo Capo is the Cous Cous Fest, celebrating the dish of Maghreb origin made from durum wheat semolina, also popular on the Trapani coast. A festival that went from being a culinary event to a moment of cultural integration celebrating the coexistence and diversity of peoples. Held in the last week of September since the late 1990s, it is a challenge for chefs from all over the world to prepare the best couscous. The side dish is a rich calendar of shows, cultural events, concerts alternating with tastings and visits to the area. Don’t miss the Couscuola, the couscous school, a thirty-minute lesson to return home with the rudiments to prepare this tasty dish that brings the two shores of the Mediterranean together. Mount Cofano reserve Unmistakable is the silhouette of Mount Cofano, in the territory of Custonaci, an area protected since 1997 by the nature reserve of the same name. The mountain is a steep-sided dolomite massif that was formed by the uplift of marine limestone deposits during the Triassic period. The ascent to the mountain is quite challenging, as its morphology suggests, but there is a very nice and easy path that goes all around the mountain, overlooking the sea. The Reserve's caves are interesting, with traces of prehistoric settlements, such as the Mangiapane cave in the Scurati locality, an 80-metre-high cavern, at the entrance of which are dwellings that were used until a few decades ago: one of Sicily's most evocative living nativity scenes is set here at Christmas. Also of interest are the 16th-century towers commissioned by the Spanish kings: from the San Giovanni tower you can see the panorama of the Egadi Islands, and the star-shaped one at the Tonnara di Cofano.

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.

Do you know Milan, but not its surroundings? We have selected 7 places worth discovering, Italian treasures no more than an hour away from Lombardy's capital.

Rome is wonderful and its surroundings are just as unique. Latium boasts an endless number of natural beauties and a broad range of cultural experiences. It is home to historic sites ideal for excursions and out-of-town trips starting from the Eternal City. Enjoy delightful occasions while touring ancient villages, the sea, stunning parks and splendid lakes.

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.

On the eastern shore of Lake Como, Bellano, in addition to its interesting historical and cultural attractions, is also an excellent starting point for excursions on the lake and inland. Not to be missed is a visit to the Orrido, a natural gorge created about 15 million years ago by the Pioverna stream, whose waters have modelled gigantic potholes and suggestive caverns. Places to visit include the church of Saints Nazzaro and Celso, in late Romanesque style and a national monument, and the 14th-century church of S. Marta where you can admire the 16th-century wooden group by Giovanni Angelo Del Maino depicting the Deposition. In the hamlet of Lezzeno, in a beautiful panoramic position, is the Baroque Sanctuary built in 1688. Events include the Pesa Vegia, a re-enactment celebrated on Epiphany night and attracting numerous spectators.

Snow, lakes and medieval villages The province of Biella offers unforgettable experiences for all tastes, from the snow-covered slopes of Bielmonte to historic villages, nature reserves, hill-top sanctuaries, castles, and food and wine delights, with polenta concia being the most popular dish. Biella lies at the foot of the Alps and is medieval at heart: the historic centre of Piazzo is located on a rocky ridge that looms over the rest of the town, which was later built and named Biella Piano. Don’t miss the Romanesque baptistery of St John the Baptist in Piazza Duomo, where you can also find St Stephen’s Cathedral. The most beautiful church, however, is the Renaissance basilica of St Sebastian. The cloister of the adjacent monastery houses the Museum of the Biella Territory. Near Biella is Ricetto di Candelo, a still intact, walled medieval walled village. Towards the Biellese Alps you can find the Sanctuary of Oropa on the Sacro Monte, where the locals venerate the Black Madonna. To be surrounded by nature, we recommend visiting the Parco Burcina Natural Reserve or Oasi Zegna, true natural paradises. Lake Viverone, the third largest lake in Piedmont, also offers beautiful walks and views. History buffs, meanwhile, should head to Masino Castle, the former residence of the Counts of Valperga.

Over 400 centres, 150 courses with at least 18 holes and resorts in panoramic positions. Italy is a paradise for golf enthusiasts. With more than 400 facilities, 150 courses with at least 18 holes and golf resorts in super panoramic locations, Italy offers a great opportunity to all golf enthusiasts: combining their favourite sport with a trip to a dreamy setting. Here we have selected for you the most scenic greens, perfect for a top-grade golf holiday.

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.

When one thinks of Sardinia, summer, the sea, celebrations and dream destinations oft-frequented by the international jet-set come to mind. But if we try to abandon this narrow image for just a moment, we can discover what the rest of Sardinia is truly about. The largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily, it is much more than just the Emerald Coast.

Miles and miles of untamed coastline that alternate with stretches of sand, suggestive villages facing the pristine sea, and lively, buzzing beach establishments are – in a nutshell – the elements of littoral Calabria on the Tyrhennian Sea. Ideal for every type of vacation, the shores of Calabria offer ways to relax, have fun, and a multitude of other opportunities, even for the most exacting of travelers.

Cala Luna, the most spectacular beach in the Mediterranean Here the sea has a thousand different shades, rocky cliffs and reefs, a small lake, enchanting little beaches, and dense Mediterranean scrub. It's a varied setting that makes Cala Luna one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Mediterranean Sea. It is the jewel of the Gulf of Orosei, on the east coast, on the border between Barbagia and Ogliastra, a true symbol of Sardinia. The nature here is wild, and unspoilt. It will bewitch you. We are on the moon! In the dialect of Nuoro, Luna - meaning Moon - is elune. This is what Cala Luna was called by the shepherds who, in the past, travelled here on foot from the village of Baunei, a journey that took eight hours. In their eyes, it was like going to the moon. Moreover, the cove has the distinctive shape of a crescent moon. We are at the mouth of the Rio Illune, a torrent that over the centuries has carved out a canyon, a gorge along which water flows that in turn feeds a small lake, immediately behind the beach. All around are flowering oleanders and fragrant Mediterranean scrub vegetation. There is also a bar. In this setting is Cala Luna, well protected from the wind: 800 metres of calcareous gravel and sand like talcum powder, carved into the cliffs that encircle the inlet. Five caves provide shade during the hottest part of the day. The place has attracted many film directors, who have chosen this location as their set. Among them, Lina Wertmüller, who set the film Travolti da un insolito destino nell’azzurro mare di agosto (Swept Away) here. Everyone in the water The seabed at Cala Luna is very shallow for the first few metres, so it is also suitable for children, but then it suddenly deepens, making it ideal for snorkelling or diving. You will be in the company of numerous fish, swimming in schools or alone. There are plenty of octopuses and starfish. In the area, many specialised centres organise guided trips or hire out diving equipment. Getting to Cala Luna on foot is tricky, time-consuming and rather difficult. The best advice is to book a one-day mini-cruise. These usually depart from Cala Gonone. The Grotta del Bue Marino (Sea Ox Cave) was once the home of the monk seal, known as the sea ox because of the characteristic cry it emits; inside, there are freshwater lakes fed by underground rivers. Then there is the Grotta del Miracolo (Cave of the Miracle), which lives up to its name. Stalactites branch out in all directions, creating a spectacular geological cathedral. Then you can admire Cala Mariolu and Cala Biriola. The Venus Pools are accessible only by sea, so don't miss this stop. The beach is made of pebbles and coarse-grained sand; the sea is so perfectly turquoise, thanks to the springs gushing from the cliffs and seabed, that the boats seem suspended in mid-air. Why not dive in and have a swim. Trekking and climbing Experienced climbers scale the sheer cliffs overlooking the emerald sea in scenic climbing sessions. To discover Cala Luna by land, on the other hand, there is a trek, which is at times challenging, along three paths. The best signposted one starts from Cala Fuili, while for the others it is best to rely on expert local guides. Cala Fuili and Cala Luna are about 7 kilometres apart. Some grottos offer shade and rest. It is best to set off early in the morning, not least to appreciate the fascinating colours of the rocks, brightened by the first rays of the sun. Mountain biking Hiring a mountain bike is easy and provides an opportunity to visit inland areas. As you pedal, you will pass by the cuiles, the ancient shepherds' huts, made of limestone. Then, on the plateau at an altitude of 200 metres above sea level, you will come across cabins and Romanesque structures once used as storage buildings, with millstones and fragments of urns. This is a fascinating excursion to alternate with life at sea, taking in the history and culture of the region.

This volcanic island in the Gulf of Naples seems almost out of time, in the idyllic setting of fishing boats and small villages perched on hills. Here a typically Mediterranean beauty and from literature to film it was starred in many works. In the late 1950s, Elsa Morante dedicated the book L'Isola di Arturo to this island. Procida is the queen of slow tourism and should be discovered calmly, with no rush. It offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, glimpses of a long history and unmissable beaches. You can get around easily on foot, but buses or taxis are also available.

You don't need to be a passionate skier, winter ensures fun, relaxation and breathtaking views for everyone. From magical snowshoe treks, ice skating, adventure parks, thermal spas and much more, there will be no time to get bored. Brace yourself: here are the 10 best mountain spots for those who don't ski but love the snow.

Among the glaciers at the foot of the Matterhorn Not only is it among the most famous high-mountain tourist centres in the Aosta Valley, but it is also an internationally renowned holiday destination. We are talking about Breuil-Cervinia, a modern tourist resort at the foot of the Matterhorn that is popular in both winter and summer, with trails suitable for all levels. The approximately 90 kilometres of snowfields, moraines and grasslands also include routes suitable for electric bikes. Its ski area, among the largest in the Alps, connects to the slopes of Valtournenche and the Swiss slopes of Zermatt, where you can ski all year round. On skis or on foot, with specialist equipment and accompanied by expert guides, you can explore the Ice Cave, an Alpine wonder. At Plateau Rosà, 3,500 metres above sea level, be sure to visit the “A Mountain of Work” museum, which offers photographs and equipment that tell of the construction of the Plateau Rosà and Furggen cable cars. In the village, we recommend stopping by the Capanna Luigi Amedeo di Savoia, once a high-altitude refuge, now a museum dedicated to the history of mountaineering. Do you love golf? At Lake Layet, better known as the Matterhorn Blue Lake, overlooked by the Gran Becca, you can enjoy an 18-hole course, over 5 km long and among the highest in Europe.

Nature and snow at the foot of Mont Blanc The municipality of Courmayeur is best known for its breath-taking views and endless array of ski slopes. But this Alpine resort at the foot of Mont Blanc in the Aosta Valley has surprises in store for visitors all year round, not only for trekking and sports enthusiasts. In the summer months, you can enjoy outdoor activities in the nearby Val Ferret and Val Veny. Family-friendly cultural events and concerts are also organised. In winter, Courmayeur bursts into life: thanks to the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car, you can reach Pointe Helbronner (3,466 metres above sea level) and admire the 360-degree panoramic views from the circular terrace. The resort remains a skier’s paradise, with a total of 100 kilometres of slopes and off-piste terrain. The most famous include the Courmayeur Internazionale, Gigante and Youla slopes. At the heart of the town centre is the historic and renowned Via Roma, brimming with shops and places to shelter from the winter cold while sipping a delicious aperitif. Among the narrow streets, overlooked by mountain-style houses, time seems to stand still. Also worth visiting is the Saussurea Alpine Botanical Garden, Europe’s highest alpine garden, home to a wide variety of plants from around the world.

Skiing, shopping and luxury in the Dolomites Surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Brenta Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Madonna di Campiglio, with its 155 kilometres of slopes, is one of the most famous ski resorts in Trentino and beyond. This “Queen of Snow”, as it has been nicknamed, offers visitors the chance to experience the world of the mountains in all its facets, from the sportier and more adrenaline-pumping adventures to the more glamorous and social activities. If you are just starting out and prefer skiing on easier pistes, the Graffer slope is perfect for you. Intermediate skiers can enjoy the famous 3-Tre slope, with the Canalone Miramonti, an established World Cup World Cup slalom ski course. Meanwhile, the most well-trained and experienced skiers can launch themselves at breakneck speed down the Spinale Direttissima, which plunges from an altitude of 2,100 metres down to the village at 1,550 metres, reaching a maximum gradient of 70%. If you love scenic walks, we recommend the 45-minute Sentiero dei Siori route. You can also enjoy an invigorating snowshoe hike along Lake Nambino, which takes 70 minutes. For the more daring, Via dei Fevri is a long route with an altitude difference of over 750 metres that leads up to a sensational view of the entire village. For the youngest visitors, there is a family park, mini clubs, educational farms, and facilities and restaurants with dedicated services for children. In the centre of Madonna di Campiglio, luxury boutiques and high-end fashion shops offer the best Made in Italy products. Don’t miss out on an evening aperitif at the former hunting lodge of Franz Joseph I of Austria, which is now a bar and the most fashionable meeting place in the area.

Nature, sport and tradition With around 50 km of downhill and nursery slopes, Abetone, 45 km from Pistoia, is the most famous ski complex in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, on the ridge between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna. You can reach this destination in just over an hour by car from Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Livorno, Modena or Bologna. Summer is also brimming with attractions, when locals and tourists alike flock to the area to enjoy walking, mountain biking and trekking through the mountains and along popular trails, like Libro Aperto, Gomito, Tre Potenze and Foce di Campolino. Not far from Abetone, if you travel along Via Francesca della Sambuca you find yourself on the historic Via Francigena, an ancient link between Rome and Santiago de Compostela travelled by millions of pilgrims over the centuries. Many were welcomed at the Church of San Leopoldo, a splendid example of rural religious architecture, surrounded by many other picturesque churches immersed in greenery. Before leaving the complex, be sure to photograph the Abetone Pyramids, monumental works of marble and stone dating back to the late 18th century. The name “Abetone” derives from the huge fir tree that was felled to make space for this project.

The beauty of the mountains all year round With its slopes on the Aremogna mountain plateau, Roccaraso, in the province of L’Aquila, Abruzzo, is the most renowned ski resort in central southern Italy. A range of sports are available. In winter, you can ski on the slopes of the 110-kilometre-long Aremogna - Pizzalto - Monte Pratello - Rivisondoli circuit, with thirty modern lift facilities. There are also cross-country skiing, snowboarding and ski touring trails and a well-equipped ice rink. In summer, the trails turn into perfect trekking routes to reconnect with nature, not forgetting rafting, mountain biking and more. Roccaraso is a paradise for visitors who want to treat themselves to some relaxation at the many wellness centres, with plenty of accommodation in the town. If you appreciate architecture and religious art, you will love the historic centre of Roccaraso. We recommend visiting the parish church of Santa Maria Assunta in front of the old Rocca di Roccaraso castle tower, used in the 19th century as a clock tower. The Church of San Bernardino is another famous must-see architectural marvel in Abruzzo. Want to dive into the atmospheres of times gone by? During Christmas and on certain days, you can take the historic train of the famous Italian Trans-Siberian railway to Roccaraso, departing from Sulmona.

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.

Rome is wonderful and its surroundings are just as unique. Latium boasts an endless number of natural beauties and a broad range of cultural experiences. It is home to historic sites ideal for excursions and out-of-town trips starting from the Eternal City. Enjoy delightful occasions while touring ancient villages, the sea, stunning parks and splendid lakes.

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 Stelvio National Park was established in 1935 and its 134,620 hectares in the heart of the Central Alps, which include the entire Ortler-Cevedale mountain range, make it the largest Italian park. It covers the four provinces of Trento, Bolzano, Brescia and Sondrioand offers a unique scenery of glaciers, waterfalls, glacial lakes and waterways, extensive woodlands, cultivated areas, mountain farms which are inhabited the whole year round, Alpine villages and distinctive villages.

Mountains, lakes, ski slopes and nature: South Tyrol is also a land of medieval villages, some of which have joined the Club of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, by ANCI, the National Association of Italian Municipalities, to promote and reward those distinctive organisations that enhance the South Tyrolean territory. Specifically, there are five municipalities that have deserved this recognition for the magnificence of their landscape as well as their artistic, cultural and architectural heritage: Egna, Glorenza, Vipiteno, Castelrotto and Chiusa. These small towns, which will captivate you more than any others, can be visited in a day, but don’t be misled: they are full of attractions and beauties to be discovered. Each village contains a little piece of the South Tyrolean style and atmosphere, whether it is a stall filled with flowers, a bench next to a small mountain fountain or a small square overlooked by a collection of typical “erkers”, the covered balconies that protrude from the building structure. But that is not all: the story of these places still speaks to us through ancient walls and towers, mediaeval and late Renaissance buildings and porticoes where markets were once held and the local economy was made.

The beating heart of the Apennines In the heart of the Apennines, the Gran Sasso National Park is the natural bridge to central Italy, spanning the regions of Abruzzo, Lazio and Le Marche. A nature reserve of an impressive size, it protects more than a fifth of all European flora. The park is mainly known for its views and nature trails, including the Strada Maestra del Parco trail, the Capannelle Pass, Lake Campotosto and Campo Imperatore, also known as “Little Tibet”. This area also features villages and monuments of great cultural interest. Santo Stefano di Sessanio, for example, is an ancient medieval village that is well worth visiting. Originally built from white limestone, it still has a fortified historic centre. Rocca Calascio is certainly a point of interest for anyone who loves exploring historic monuments: it is a defensive outpost consisting of a square fortress, the remains of the four towers of which can be admired today. From this point, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful views of the entire Gran Sasso area.

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.

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).

The scenery is where one of the key stages of the UCI WorldTour - the top world cycling calendar event - has been held for years, namely the Strade Bianche, a road cycling race staged every March in the province of Siena. The route combines the main characteristics of two other classics - the Paris-Roubaix for its stretches on uneven road (in France on cobblestones, in Tuscany on dirt - “white” - roads) and the Tour of Flanders for its short stretches with very high slopes. A difficult race, reserved to the most fearless cyclists, which attracts cycling fans from all over the world to Siena. Back with our feet on the ground, or on the pedals, around the official route used for the championship race, there are many other routes within everyone's reach for discovering the Siena area by bicycle with friends or family.

A beautiful valley alternating intense green meadows and very high, yet gentle mountains Val di Susa, a valley so beautiful it leaves one agape, alternates in a pattern of intensely-verdant fields and skyscraping, yet gently-rolling peaks. It is nature withdrawn, but not so remote as to be inaccessible: a swift, modern highway traverses it, connecting the Valley to both Turin and France, each less than one hour away. (The two countries were first linked by the railway tunnel known as Frejus in 1871, the first of its size and kind in the Alps at the time, at 40,135 feet in length).The presence of numerous Alpine crossings make it easy to trek these parts in any climatic condition these crossings have also tended to characterize the diffusion of many spiritual, cultural, commercial and touristic developments in the Val di Susa.

If you are staying at the Abano and Montegrotto Spas, a tour of the nearby mediaeval towns is a must. A total of 50 km of trails, to be completed in two days, visiting two towns at a time, giving you plenty of time for stops, tastings of typical products and any further explorations you deem necessary.

Intrigued by charming stories of the past? You will love this one. Imagine an abandoned former military railway, taken over and transformed into an immense green garden by nature, converting the forgotten tracks of the section to Vicenza into a cycle path through country trails and ancient trees. This is the Treviso-Ostiglia: come discover it with us. The history of the “ferrata” The Treviso-Ostiglia was a railroad built by the Italian army in the 1930s for strategic and military purposes, which no longer had any reason to exist after WWII. The train routes changed, the tracks were abandoned, and dense vegetation began to grow between the damaged, unusable rails, as if to suggest what their second life might be. A green way to explore at a slow pace Before we begin, a word of advice: take your time, because this walk through the meadows of Veneto and the wooded area between the Po and Sile rivers should not be rushed. On two wheels, off the beaten track and along a route of more than 50 km, preferably at dawn or just before sunset.