Wandering in Italy

Covering more than 15,000 hectares on the Ionian coast of Crotone, Calabria, between the provincial capital and Isola di Capo Rizzuto, the Capo Rizzuto Marine Protected Area was established in 1991. The region, which is the biggest in Italy, is a natural wonderland, where marine life thrives. Visitors enjoy the Capo Rizzuto red and white beaches.

Located in the Province of Salerno, Campania, the Cilento Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park stretches from the Tyrrhenian coastline to the Lucanian mountains. Featuring dramatic rocky inlets, pristine beaches, and sea caves. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Alburni Mountains are nicknamed the Dolomites of Campania and form a striking massif in the park. The highest point is Mounte Cervati.

The Valley of Orchids presents a spectacular display of wild orchids.

See the ethereal Capelli di Venere (Hair of Venus) waterfall.

The park is home to many mammals, among them Apennine wolves, wild cats, wild boars, and roe deer. It also boasts one of the largest otter populations in Italy.

The dominant bird here is the golden eagle on the peaks of Mount Cervati, Monte Stella, and Gelbison. Other birds of prey include peregrine falcons, short-toed snake eagles, and lanner falcons.

In the waterways you might see the rare spectacled salamander, the Apennine yellow-bellied toad, and common toads.

Gran Paradiso National Park is Italy's first national park, established in 1922. It is located in the Graian Alps, primarily in the regions of Piedmont and Aosta Valley. The park is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including 57 glaciers and numerous peaks. The park was initially created to protect the Alpine ibex, and it now hosts a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can encounter various wildlife species, including chamois, marmots, and numerous bird species. Gran Paradiso offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, climbing, and wildlife watching. There are numerous trails suitable for different skill levels, making it a popular destination for both casual walkers and experienced hikers.

The Marine Protected Area of Torre Guaceto is a nature reserve located near Carovigno, Brindisi province, on the Adriatic coast of Apulia. This natural gem is home to many marine and terrestrial species, towering cliffs, beautiful Mediterranean maquis, and golden sand beaches. These include numerous fish swimming in the pristine waters as well as the turtles of Torre Guaceto.

Maremma Regional Park is a stunning natural reserve in Tuscany, Italy. It spans approximately 9,000 hectares along the coast between Principina a Mare and Talamone, featuring diverse landscapes, including hills, beaches, and Mediterranean scrub. The park is known for its rich biodiversity, offering habitats for various wildlife species, including deer and wild boar.

Visitors can enjoy numerous activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding along scenic trails. The park also features historical sites, including old watchtowers and a Cistercian abbey, enhancing its cultural appeal.

Sila National Park is a stunning natural reserve in Calabria, Italy, that was established in 1997. The park is known for its vast forests, scenic lakes, and the highest peak, Mt. Botte Donato.

Visitors enjoy hiking, biking, watersports, and wildlife watching.

A few minutes from the heart of Naples, you’ll find an ancient Roman city that is underwater in the Gulf of Pozzuoli. The ruins of statues, houses, and baths from the ancient city of Baia, which sank below sea level starting in the 4th century, can be seen in the Underwater Archeological Park of Baia, located between the municipalities of Bacoli and Pozzuoli.

The Cymba boat has a windowed keel and can be used to explore the underwater Baia, as can canoes and submarines. Snorkeling or diving is the best way to get a close-up view.

You can explore the ruins of magnificent ancient Roman villas by plunging into the blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea along the shoreline topped by the hill of Posillipo. Because the Underwater Archaeological Park of Gaiola is a protected location, it is only accessible during specific times of the year and requires reservations. The park winds around the little island of Gaiola.

The fantastic Gaiola Beach is located at the base of Posillipo and is a good place to relax and unwind.