Italy holds many wonders. From its rich history, delicious cuisine to vibrant cities and beautiful countryside. But did you know that Italy is also home to 25 national parks filled with natural beauty and diverse wildlife? Step away from the crowded city streets and discover a green paradise in the heart of Italy. Let’s explore every single one of these Italian natural treasures!
Before setting off on your exploration of Italy’s gorgeous national parks, you might start your journey in Rome. For a worry-free trip, make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on Parking in Rome, ensuring a smooth start to your eco-friendly Italian adventure.
Abruzzo
- Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park: Already discussed, it’s a haven of biodiversity.
- Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park: A hub for mountain lovers with the highest peak of the Apennines, the Gran Sasso.
- Majella National Park: Known for the Majella massif, which is also referred to as the ‘Mother Mountain.’
- Sirente-Velino Regional Park: Named after the Sirente and Velino mountain ranges, it also features karst phenomena and numerous fossils.
Lazio
- Circeo National Park: Legend says the Sorceress Circe lived in the park that has beaches, lakes, and woodlands.
Molise
- Umbria Regional Park: A marvelous array of rolling hills, rivers, waterfalls, and cultural treasures.
Liguria
- Cinque Terre National Park: As covered already, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site with picturesque villages.
- Portovenere, Cinque Terre, and the Islands Palmaria, Tino, and Tinetto: Velvet-green cliffs, shimmering seascapes, and quaint coastal towns.
Aosta Valley
- Gran Paradiso National Park: As discussed, it’s Italy’s first national park with magnificent alpine views.
Puglia
- Gargano National Park: A place of contrast with cliffs, beaches, and ancient forests that we already dived into.
Trentino-South Tyrol
- Adamello-Brenta Nature Park: Home to the brown bear, it is filled with turquoise lakes, and snow-laden peaks.
- Stelvio National Park: Covered earlier, it’s one of the largest in the Alps and neighbor to the Swiss National Park.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- The Dolomites Park: A UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s the paradise for hikers and mountain climbers.
Lombardia
- Orobie Bergamasche Park: Features high peaks, deep valleys, and beautiful Alpine flora and fauna.
Veneto
- Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park: A part of Southern Limestone Alps, it’s a heaven for mountain nature lovers.
Emilia-Romagna
- Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park: Famous for “the Stone Giant”, the National Park houses lynxes, foxes, and wolves.
- Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, and Campigna National Park: Here you can find the highest waterfall in the region, the Acquacheta.
Tuscany
- Maremma Regional Park: From beautiful beaches to rocky cliffs, this park is known for its diverse scenery.
Campania
- Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park: UNESCO recognized, it boasts bright blue waters and the famous Paestum Temples.
- Vesuvius National Park: Experience a unique mix of archaeology and nature walking around the most famous volcano of Europe.
Sicily
- Etna National Park: Famed for its volcanic landscapes, craters, and beautiful trails.
- Madonie Regional Natural Park: Home to more than half of Sicilian botanical species and dotted with picturesque medieval villages.
- Nebrodi Regional Park: The largest protected natural area of Sicily with rich forests, folding landscapes, and ancient farmhouses.
- Zingaro Nature Reserve: Sicily’s first nature reserve known for pristine beaches, and abundant flora and fauna.
Sardinia
- La Maddalena Archipelago National Park: Visit for beautiful marine landscapes, crystal clear water, and the historical heritage.
The Cleanest City in Italy
It’s worth mentioning that while exploring Italy’s national parks, you might wonder about the cleanest city in this country. A city that has successfully combined urban life with environmental consciousness is Trento, located in the renowned wine region of Trentino-South Tyrol.
Despite being a bustling city, Trento excels in waste management, recycling and its use of renewable energy. Plus, it’s the gateway to Stelvio National Park, a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Exploring these national parks let you appreciate how Italy is not just about gondolas, Colosseum, or the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Each represents a chapter of Italy’s rich and varied natural story that offers breathtaking experiences around every corner.
There’s so much Italy offers beyond the most renowned tourist spots. Immersing yourself in its national parks means discovering a side of Italy filled with unrivaled natural beauty and respect for the environment. So, are you ready to embark on your eco-friendly Italian adventure?
