Water sports in Italy

An enchanted beach in the heart of Plemmirio A short distance from Syracuse, in the heart of Plemmirio Nature Reserve, lies one of the most beautiful beaches on the Sicilian coastline. Minaret of Punta Castelluccio beach is located at Exit 35 of the Sentiero della Maddalena, which crosses the entire reserve hugging the coast. It’s a small, graceful cove hidden among the cliffs, with golden sand and suitable for families. Disabled access is also provided. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas or enjoy the free part of the beach, which is never particularly crowded. The sandy seabed makes it easy to get into the water, but you should swim towards the reefs to discover a true underwater paradise with colourful fish and lush posidonia dancing in the depths. You can also find tunnels that cross the headland underwater and emerge on the other side. To get there, take the Sentiero della Maddalena path towards Capo Murro di Porco and follow the sign Sbocco 35-Punta Castelluccio to arrive at Massoliveri lighthouse. Now relax in the sun, dive into the crystal-clear sea and enjoy the reflection of the water on the white rocks. Stay until sunset, when the place becomes even more magical.

The sunken city Discover a place in the Gulf of Naples where you can literally immerse yourself in centuries of history and culture. An underwater archaeological site with perfectly preserved streets, villas, baths, statues and many other ancient Roman artefacts from when Baia was renowned throughout the empire for its waters rich in sulphur, beneficial to the mind and body. The Underwater Archaeological Park of Baia extends between Bacoli and Pozzuoli, a protected marine area where the beauty of nature is intertwined with fascinating history and archaeology. You can board a glass bottom boat to admire what the sea hides beneath the surface from the comfort of your seat. The more adventurous visitors can have a go at snorkelling or diving at one of the many dive sites. Let yourself be amazed by the well-preserved, elegant details of the Villa del Protiro, with its mosaic floors, or the magnificence of the temples of Diana, Venus and Mercury. These were originally considered places of worship but turned out to be parts of an ancient spa complex.

Wild Paradise Crystal-clear sea, fine sand, wild beaches – Punta Milocca, in the Plemmirio Protected Marine Area, south of Syracuse, is a little bit of Paradise on Earth. The coves here are closely edged by striking white cliffs, making for an enchanting, unspoilt landscape. Punta Milocca is a small nature reserve where visitors can relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle to enjoy the sound of the sea. Biodiversity, caves and underwater caverns make up the essence of Milocca, which is also the starting point of numerous routes and trails to be enjoyed on mountain bikes or on foot. The jewel in the crown is the Punta Milocca ridge, which offers sensational opportunities for diving. Between the sea, relaxation and activities, Punta Milocca guarantees something for everyone, as you are enchanted by nature’s masterpiece.

The fishing village immortalised by Verga Aci Trezza is a place that will forever be connected to the author Giovanni Verga. His book The House by the Medlar Tree immortalised this small fishing village overlooking the Ionian Sea in the province of Catania. According to legend, Aci Trezza was created when the shepherd Aci was killed by the jealous Polyphemus for being the lover of the nymph Galatea, and was then transformed into a river. Greek mythology also inspired the name of the Cyclopean Isles, mighty basalt sea stacks emerging from the sea in its namesake marine protected area. You can admire them aboard small boats piloted by elderly local fishermen. At sunset, their silhouette against the fiery sky makes for a picture-perfect view. Or you can snorkel among the secrets of the seabed. Not forgetting the mysterious and unspoilt Lachea Island: you can canoe or swim the 400 metres separating it from the coast. What was life like in Aci Trezza at the time of The House by the Medlar Tree? Find out at the Casa del Nespolo museum, inside a typical Sicilian house overlooking a vegetable garden. Don’t miss the Baroque-style Church of San Giovanni Battista and the Norman Castle, standing tall above the village. From there, you can watch the Le Vele dei Malavoglia regatta, organised every year. After climbing the steep steps to the castle, you can replenish your energy with a nivi cunzata, the typical Sicilian granita, or the fresh fish available at the fish market.

Among rocks, fish and corals Diving into Grotta delle Stalattiti, or Stalactite Cave, is an easy excursion suitable even for less experienced divers. But don't be fooled: this dive is one of the most impressive in the entire Plemmirio Marine Protected Area. A few kilometres from Syracuse, after leaving behind the baroque of Ortigia and the archaic charm of Neapolis Archaeological Park, a cavity opens up that seems to have been sculpted by the hands of an expert artist. The seabed is a succession of boulders, crevices and overhangs where animals and plants of all kinds find refuge. Apogon, forkbeards and hermit crabs in symbiosis with anemones, bream and male mullet 'hatching' their eggs in their mouths until they open will accompany you on an unforgettable underwater journey. An endless play of light and colour, from the purple-red of the starfish to the intense yellow of the madrepores.

The largest artificial lake in Abruzzo Created in 1984 and spanning an area of 1,600 hectares, the Campotosto Lake Nature Reserve is a protected area in the province of L’Aquila. The area boasts the largest artificial lake in the region and falls within the Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park. The reserve is an important migratory site for many animal species, some of which are endangered. The lake shore is home to the grey heron, the common shelduck, the common snipe, the great snipe—the star of the protected area—and Abruzzo’s largest colonies of common pochard and wigeon. Trout and tench are the most common fish species. The lake is very popular in the summer season among jogging and trekking enthusiasts, as well as for sport fishing, canoeing and windsurfing, while in winter it is not uncommon to find it partially or completely frozen over. The almost flat lakefront, 40 kilometres long, is a popular destination for cycling and mountain biking. Around the reserve, sport enthusiasts can find the Capannelle pass, the go-to place for motorcyclists, and the ski resorts of Campo Imperatore and Prati di Tivo. The lake is also connected to the tourist itineraries of the Horse Riding Trail of Gran Sasso and the Park’s main road.

The Marmore Falls, in the heart of Umbria Less than ten kilometres from Terni, in Umbria, are the Marmore Falls, among the highest waterfalls in Europe, at a whopping 165 metres. These are actually artificial waterfalls that form where the Velino River, starting from Lake Piediluco, flows into the Nera River. The Romans began excavating the canal, specifically the Curiano Trench, in 271 BC. This engineering work aimed to drain the waters of the Velino River, which was overflowing onto the land, creating stagnant, swampy and toxic areas. The water was directed towards the edge of the Marmore cliff, and over the following centuries many alterations have been made to it until it ultimately became what we see today. Three unique points of view The Marmore Falls are divided into three jumps, which you can admire from two different points, the Upper Belvedere and the Lower Belvedere. The first is located on the outskirts of the village of Marmore, on the road leading to Piediluco, offering spectacular views of the first jump, while from the Lower Belvedere you can admire the entire waterfall in all its majesty. A scenic path connects the two points. From the Lower Belvedere, you can also access the Lovers' Balcony, a small terrace located in front of the first jump of the waterfall, embedded in the rock. It is so close you can reach out and touch the water, so don't forget to bring your waterproof! And unlike with other viewpoints, you have to be accompanied by an experienced guide in a small group. The Falls at night With the exception of the Balcony, you can visit the Marmore Falls on your own. There are six well-signposted trails, so you can admire the jumps from every possible angle. In the summer months, opening hours are extended past sunset to allow you to admire the views long into the evening. An LED lighting system brings a whole new charm to the Falls at night, producing special effects with beams of light that enhance the movement of the falling water. Marmore: sport and culture The Marmore Falls are also an ideal destination for water sports: from rafting to soft rafting, from canyoning to hydrospeeding, from kayaking to river walking, you are sure to be spoiled for choice. Near the Upper Belvedere you will find the Industrial Archaeological Park of Campacci di Marmore, which preserves objects from the Narni and Galleto hydroelectric power stations. The caves of the Archeological Park in Marmore The Marmore Falls also have another nice surprise in store for its visitors. The park to which it belongs has karstic caves, which have been excavated by water over millennia. The main ones, in terms of both speleological interest and beauty, are set in three distinct complexes: the first includes the Grotta della Morta and the Grotta delle Diaclasi, the second is the Grotta delle Colonne, while the third, extending over 190 metres, is the Grotta della Condotta, named after the ancient conduit that once fed the hydroelectric power station system. How to organise your visit Visiting the Falls is a truly unique experience. So you can best enjoy its beauty, we highly recommend planning to be at a good viewpoint the moment the gates are opened so you can watch the powerful rush of water. Otherwise, the Falls are still open, but with a reduced jet of water. The Falls also serve the Galleto hydroelectric power plant, meaning it is not only an environmental asset of rare beauty, but also a valuable resource for the area. Find out more: https://www.raftingmarmore.com https://www.cascatadellemarmore.info

Santa Marinella and Santa Severa in Lazio: pearls of the Tyrrhenian Sea In the wonderful region of Latium, there are small pearls that will dazzle you with their beauty: such as Santa Marinella, the pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea in Latium, and the hamlet of Santa Severa, a relaxing place for a plunge into history. Sand, rocks and Art Nouveau villas: holiday in Santa Marinella Jewel of the Roman coastline in the province of Rome, Santa Marinella is characterised by the numerous coves to suit all tastes, both sandy and rocky, with the many Art Nouveau summer residences, the result of the fashion among the upper middle class in the early 20th century, which make the landscape unique. Paradise for surfers and divers A true paradise dedicated to relaxation, but at the same time a vital one: it is frequented all year round by holidaymakers from Rome and beyond, but is above all a popular destination for surfing enthusiasts and fans of diving and underwater fishing. The Santa Marinella seabed offers a magnificent landscape thanks to the wealth of inlets, rocks and stones transformed by time into habitual dens for numerous species of Mediterranean marine fauna. Continuing southwards along the coast to the Majorca Park area, the series of terraced pile dwellings is very attractive. These are typical small wooden houses resting on pillars, also made of wood, that follow one another, creating a certainly picturesque landscape. From Capolinaro onwards, the coastline changes again, becoming, for almost its entire length, full of sandy beaches and well-equipped establishments where you can relax and sunbathe in peace. When Gregory Peck and Rock Hudson used to holiday here A holiday resort that became very fashionable in the 1950s, it was a popular destination for Italian and foreign film stars such as Dino Risi, Marcello Mastroianni, Vittorio Gassman, Gregory Peck, Rock Hudson and Ingrid Bergman. However, Santa Marinella's history is ancient and originates in prehistoric times, as evidenced by some archaeological findings on the Via Aurelia such as the small Etruscan sanctuary. Ships from all over the Mediterranean and especially from Carthage used to dock here, but it was the Punics who identified this place as Statio ad Punicum, later to become Castra Novum under the rule of the Roman Empire, which chose it as a resort area for the senatorial class. The hamlet of Santa Severa In the municipality of Santa Marinella, only 50 kilometres from the capital and still along the Via Aurelia, we also find the enchanting seaside resort of Santa Severa. It is one of the most renowned tourist resorts on the Tyrrhenian coast with a point of interest that makes all history enthusiasts fall in love with it: its marvellous, medieval fortress that stands in the ancient Etruscan settlement of Pyrgi.

A beach dotted with wild flowers In the heart of the Rizzuto Marine Protected Area, in the province of Crotone, lies the Baia dei Gigli (Bay of Lilies), a unique beach facing the Ionian Sea. It’s a four-kilometre stretch of sand that joins the promontory of Capo Piccolo with that of Le Castella, the only part of the reserve where swimming is allowed. The name comes from the very rare sea lily, also known as narcissus, that grows wild in its dunes. A dense, cool pine forest lines the beach, with bushes of arboreal thyme, juniper, wild oregano and other typical Mediterranean flora. The seabed is fine, sandy and gently sloping, making it suitable for families with children, and is rich in protected marine fauna and posidonia, an aquatic plant that is an indicator of a high environmental quality. The sea creatures vary depending on whether the seabed is sandy or rocky. Among the fauna are porifera, cnidarians and molluscs, and among the fish are groupers, mullets, damselfish and the colourful, subtropical parrotfish. The colourful seascape is ideal for snorkelling, which you can alternate with sunbathing and swimming in the crystal-clear waters.

Framura is a welcoming place, a small wonder nestled between the sea and the hills: the village slides towards the sea, offering glimpses of incredible beauty, and the scent of saltiness rises from the coast towards the centre of the town, like a gentle magic. The village is dominated by the remains of the ancient castle, but the heart of the settlement is close to the sea. This is where life is at its most intense, between the tiny harbour and the coves where it is possible to bathe, between the red rocks of the bay that glow with light at sunset and the mysteries of the seabed, where the most experienced divers can dive and go to discover the numerous wrecks on the bottom of these waters. Behind the sea and its teeming life, there is the calm of the greenery and nature, where you can enjoy pleasant walks and excellent breaks to taste local dishes.

In Liguria, the wonder of the Gallinara Island Nature Reserve Ladies and Gentlemen, the Gallinara Island Nature Reserve. A protected marine area that on maps is just a dot: yet, on what is Liguria's only true island, wonder is in every corner. One only has to look around to see a still unspoilt environment of incredible historical, environmental and cultural value. For diving enthusiasts, then, this is a true paradise where they can look for the wrecks of ancient shipwrecks and caves guarding an incredible biodiversity. A boat trip to see it up close Located opposite Albenga, this jewel of the Riviera di Ponente is private and, therefore, tourist visits are not possible. However, it can be admired from close range by taking a boat trip, during which you can perhaps explore the seabed by snorkelling: you will come face to face with the rich and varied marine fauna. The reserve is one and a half kilometres away from the coast, from which it is separated by a channel of about 12 metres. A legend that may be history Legend has it that St Martin, Bishop of Tours, found refuge on the island of Gallinara. He settled in a cave facing the open sea, which for this reason still bears his name. This was a thesis that the Authority for Archaeological Heritage of Liguria advocated in the 1990s, conducting excavations along the south-eastern slopes of the island and in the San Martino cave that yielded important answers. This area was certainly used both as a burial ground and as a place of worship from the 4th century AD onwards, and hermits stayed on the island for a long time. History suggests that a Benedictine monastery existed here in 500 AD and during the 8th century, the monks made it the seat of a powerful abbey. After a period of prosperity between the 10th and 12th centuries, decline began in 1473 and from the mid-1800s it became a private area. It has been part of the Protected Areas system of the Liguria Region since 1989. Herring gulls and land tortoises On theIsland of Gallinara, herring gulls nest, especially on the high southern cliffs, and there are colonies of land tortoises. Among the seabed, however, it is possible to see yellow sponges, sea daisies and, among the rocky cliffs, formations of the Coralligeno. The northern part of the island is rich in Posidonia oceanica. Where to experience the most spectacular dives There are two diving spots on the island. The first is Punta Falconara or Christ the Redeemer: a second name that has existed since 1998, when a statue depicting a Christ was placed on these seabeds. Amidst sea daisies and benthic fauna, it is an easy dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres. The second dive site is Punta Sciusciau: more exposed to currents, this dive will allow you to admire groupers, moray eels, octopus and scorpion fish. If you go deeper, around 30 metres, you will instead find numerous sea sponges.

Pedaso is a small town on the Adriatic coast, located near a gentle hill, called Monte Serrone, which is the perfect place for scenic walks in the silence of nature. But Pedaso also has a maritime character: descending from the hill you reach the coast, to the village's small port and beaches where the water, rich in marine flora and fauna, is perfect for diving and underwater fishing. The symbol of Pedaso's maritime soul, however, is its lighthouse, a reference point for sailors for centuries and still an emblem of the identity of this small coastal village.

A protected marine park Plemmirio Nature Reserve stretches for about 14 kilometres from the Maddalena peninsula to the Gulf of Noto. This piece of land was an important crossroads over the centuries. Today, it’s a protected area of amazing biodiversity. The so-called vermetid reef, a biostructure similar to a coral reef, is also found here. You can enjoy the Plemmirio Marine Park from both sea and land. Dive to discover marine flora and fauna. After being declared a protected area, dolphins, tuna and whales have returned to this area. Alternatively, you can opt for a boat trip along the coast, exploring hidden nooks and crannies and sea caves. If you prefer, take a dip and swim in the crystal clear sea and enjoy the coves nestled between the cliffs. One of the most beautiful beaches is Minareto beach. Trekking enthusiasts can discover Plemmirio by following the 10-kilometre-long Sentiero della Maddalena path. It starts at Punta Castelluccio and arrives at the lighthouse at Capo Murro di Porco. It’s simple and flat and runs along the coast, offering breathtaking views and no less than 35 descents to the sea along the way. It can also be done by mountain bike or e-bike.

Between nature and history Beaches and coastal dunes, dense vegetation, salt and freshwater ponds, archaeological sites and tuna fisheries, a wealth of wildlife, and walking and cycling routes. The Wildlife Oasis of Vendicari natural reserve is all this and much more. This 15,000-hectare protected area on Sicily’s east coast, between the towns of Noto and Marzamemi, is a corner of paradise where nature puts on an exceptional show. There are many paths to choose from. The Blue Route crosses the northern area of the Reserve, starting from the beach of Eloro where you can admire the remains of the city of the same name. The Green Route is ideal for archaeology enthusiasts. It passes through the Citadel of the Maccari and Byzantine necropolis and reaches the Tonnara di Vendicari, with a clear Arab influence. Remember your binoculars on the Orange Route to watch migratory birds, before arriving at the Torre Sveva and the Vendicari or Calamosche beaches. Here, you can go diving to explore the underwater flora and fauna.

The green oasis of the Telesina Valley The Telesina Valley is a true paradise on earth. A few kilometres from Telese Terme, at the foot of Mount Pugliano, lies the Rio Grassano, which lends its name to one of Campania’s most beautiful natural parks. You will find yourself immersed in a kind of “water forest”, where the green trees mingle with the blue river waters in an encounter that will leave you speechless. We recommend stopping by the park for a picnic. You will find everything you need, including tables, gazebos, barbecue stations and a restaurant. From Tuesday to Sunday, with the exception of Thursday, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a picnic under the stars, until 11.30 p.m. The Rio Grassano area is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The park is famous for its beautiful canoe trips you can take on the crystal-clear waters of the river, to admire the colours and scents of the landscape and enjoy an adrenaline-filled, unforgettable experience at the same time. If canoeing is not your thing, you can follow the course of the river on foot, along the beautiful Spring Route.

Lake Bolsena, land of popes' choice. The body of water of Bolsena is the largest volcanic lake in Europe. Surrounded by a crown of hills, its shores are dominated by magnificent medieval villages, rich in important works of art, a legacy of the Farnese seigniory and the many popes who loved this area. Two islands of lush nature, Bisentina and Martana, rise out of the lake. Its crystal-clear waters are an invitation to enjoy various water sports, including swimming. Scenery and great food. The area around Lake Bolsena is one of the most fascinating in Lazio, the ideal place to spend a weekend, or even a whole week, enjoying nature, art, beautiful landscapes and great food. The lakeside village of Bolsena is dominated by the Rocca Monaldeschi della Cervara, which houses a regional museum, and is rich in palaces, squares and churches, including the Baroque Cappella del Miracolo, and restaurants, where you can try dishes based on the lake's fish, eel and whitefish. Going on with the tour, clockwise, on a promontory rises Montefiascone, another beautiful Renaissance town, dominated by the imposing Rocca dei Papi (12th century), where the best view of the lake is a must. Here we drink white wine, the famous Est Est Est! Back on the shore, you go through Marta, a fishing village with colourful boats moored on the banks, arriving at the Capodimonte promontory, dominated by the Rocca Farnese (the work of Antonio da Sangallo the Younger), with a beautiful little harbour from where you can sail to the islands, and beaches to relax. Valentano is another must-see promontory. It is a village where the Farnese family settled, embellished with a majestic fortress, monumental gates (Magenta and San Martino) and many palaces. Also in Gradoli, a pretty centre rising on a spur of tufa rock, is a Farnese palace, built by Pope Paul III, who had elected the village as his summer residence. Down the Brigands Trail The western shore of Lake Bolsena, from Gradoli to San Magno, the greenest and most wooded, is bordered by a section of the Sentiero dei Briganti, a 100-km itinerary that can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. The trail runs from the Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve, on the border between Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria, to the village of Vulci in the Latium Maremma. This is a route that today has great naturalistic value, but at the end of the 19th century was among the most marginal and isolated areas of the country, where Brigandage, the phenomenon that spread among armed gangs and dedicated to robbery and murder, had fertile ground. Modern brigands travel through it to discover an unspoilt Italy, where there is still so much to discover. The island of Bisentina, a sweet spot Bisentina Island, the largest (17 hectares) of Lake Bolsena, is part of the municipal territory of Capodimonte: its name comes from a nearby hill, Mount Bisenzio. Inhabited since time immemorial, the island was a place of refuge for the coastal populations during the barbarian invasions, and later became a sweet spot when it was acquired by the Farnese family around the 15th century. There are records of numerous popes who spent their holidays here. That explains the presence of various chapels and religious buildings dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries, the most important of which is the Church of Saints James and Christopher, built around 1500 with a dome by Vignola, one of the greatest architects of the time. The island is still private and not open for visits, except during FAI (Fondo Ambiente Italiano) days. The Mystery of the Martana Island The island of Martana, with its characteristic half-moon shape, measures about 10 hectares and takes its name from the nearest coastal town, the village of Marta, about 2 km away. The history of this island is linked to two tragic events: the martyrdom of St. Christine and the murder of Amalasunta, a queen of the Goths, daughter of Theodoric, are said to have taken place here. Over the centuries, the island was inhabited by various monastic communities and disputed between the Holy See, Orvieto and Viterbo, then owned by the Farnese family, who preferred the Bisentina for their leisure activities, and gradually abandoned. Martana Island is also private today and mooring is not possible, but it can be seen externally thanks to the public lake navigation service, which offers excursions from the port of Bolsena, circumnavigating both islands and the promontory of Capodimonte.

In the heart of Sila Greca At the gates of the Sila National Park, in Calabria, Acri is a village full of hidden treasures. It is the ideal starting point for a trip to discover the province of Cosenza. Here, ancient history and wild nature coexist and give life to a harmonious unicum, which smells of the past. In the historic center, stop to admire the Basilica of Sant'Angelo, in Baroque style: it is the most important place of worship in Acre. Also worth a visit are the thirteenth-century Church of SS. Annunziata, the oldest in the city, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, with its imposing staircase. To learn more about the customs and traditions of the Greek Sila, stop at the Arbereshe Costume Museum, dedicated to the typical clothes of the Albanians of Italy, an ethno-linguistic minority that inhabits this territory. The 30 rooms of the MACA, the Museum of Contemporary Arts of Acre, are dedicated to the works of the master glassmaker Silvio Vigliaturo, events, exhibitions and laboratories. There is also space for adventure along the paths of the Sila National Park. After a day of trekking, skiing, canyoning and all kinds of outdoor sports, the effort will be rewarded by the table: caciocavallo al grato, squadatialli, patata silana and much more will make the happiness of the greedy.