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Discover Italy's Natural Wonders: 10 Best Places to Explore

Best Italy's Natural Wonders to Explore
There are places on earth that make us feel small in front of their beauty. Places that take our breath away and leave us speechless.

Italy is one of these lands, a place where nature explodes in all its majesty. From the imposing peaks of the Dolomites to the crystal clear waters of Sardinia, from the imposing mass of Etna to the enchanted gorges of the Val d'Orcia, every corner of Italy is a treasure to be discovered and admired.

In this article, we will venture out to discover some of the natural wonders that Italy has to offer, traveling through its lands, mountains, rivers and seas. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of boundless beauty, on a journey to discover the pristine nature of Italy.

Here is our personal top 10 Italian natural wonders to visit: 

#1 - The Dolomites 

Dolomites - Italy's Best Natural Wonders
The Dolomites are a natural wonder that stands majestically in the mountains of northern Italy. Known for their sharp peaks, the Dolomites are one of the most iconic mountain ranges in the world.

The peaks of the Dolomites, which rise to over 3,000 meters in height, are often covered in snow even in summer, creating a breathtaking panorama. The light of the setting sun, in particular, creates a magical atmosphere, painting the buds in a range of warm and vibrant colours.

Not only a visual marvel, the Dolomites also offer numerous opportunities for lovers of outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing, mountain biking and skiing. With its scenic roads, crystal clear lakes and dense forests, the Dolomites are a paradise for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

#2 - Lake Como 

Lake Como - Italy's Best Natural Wonders
Lake Como located in northern Italy, surrounded by the beautiful Alps mountains. It is one of the largest lakes in the country, and is known for its breathtaking beauty. The lake is characterized by its crystal clear waters and its "Y" shape, which makes it unique.

Along its banks are charming villages and towns such as Bellagio, Varenna and Como, each offering spectacular panoramas of the lake and surrounding mountains. In addition to its natural beauty, Lake Como is also a cultural and historical destination, with numerous museums, historic villas and ancient churches lining its shores. Among these, Villa Carlotta stands out, with its splendid gardens, and the Church of San Giorgio a Lemna, with its Romanesque architecture. 

But Lake Como is not only a place of cultural and historical interest. It also offers plenty of opportunities for water sports, including swimming, sailing and water skiing.

#3 - Val d'Orcia

Val d'Orcia - Italy's Best Natural Wonders
Val d'Orcia is a beautiful hilly region located in southern Tuscany, Italy. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its natural beauty, breathtaking landscapes and rich culture.

The valley is characterized by rolling hills covered with wheat fields, sunflowers and vineyards, interrupted by splendid medieval villages, castles and ancient churches. The most famous villages are Pienza, Montalcino, Montepulciano and San Quirico.

The Val d'Orcia also offers numerous opportunities for art and culture lovers, with museums, art galleries and historic sites such as the Sant'Antimo Abbey and Montalcino Castle.

#4 - The Terme di Saturnia

The Terme di Saturnia - Italy's Best Natural Wonders
The Terme di Saturnia are a real jewel hidden in the Tuscan countryside. Located at the foot of the medieval village of Saturnia, these thermal waters have been appreciated since ancient times for their healing and beneficial properties.

The thermal waters flow out at a constant temperature of around 37 degrees and are rich in sulfur, carbonates, bicarbonates and sulphates, which makes them particularly suitable for relieving muscle, joint, respiratory and dermatological disorders. But it's not just the therapeutic properties that make the Terme di Saturnia an extraordinary place: here nature has expressed itself in all its splendour, creating a natural pool of incredible dimensions, the Cascata del Mulino, where the thermal water flows into a breathtaking landscape formed by limestone rock formations.

The magic of the Terme di Saturnia is in fact that of combining the relaxation of thermal waters with the beauty of nature, creating a unique and enchanting environment.

#5 - The Aeolian Islands 

The The Aeolian Islands - Italy's Best Natural Wonders
The Aeolian Islands are an archipelago of seven volcanic islands located off the northeastern coast of Sicily. These islands have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their natural beauty and geological importance.

The Aeolian archipelago is made up of the islands of Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli, Salina, Panarea, Filicudi and Alicudi, each with its own personality and charm. The islands are surrounded by crystal clear waters and offer a breathtaking view of volcanic landscapes, with active volcanoes, fumaroles, hot springs and black sand beaches. Hiking enthusiasts can explore the islands' natural trails, which offer breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

In summary, the Aeolian Islands are a natural paradise that offers a wide range of activities for visitors, from volcano excursions to beach life, from scuba diving to discovering the local culture and gastronomy.

#6 - Etna

Etna - Italy's Best Natural Wonders
Etna is one of the most famous active volcanoes in the world, located on the east coast of Sicily. With an area of approximately 1,190 km², Etna is the largest and most active volcano in Europe and is located within the Etna Park.

The volcano consists of five main craters, which are constantly active, producing lava, ash and smoke. Visitors can observe the volcanic activity up close through excursions and guided tours, but always under the supervision of experts and with safety precautions.

Etna also offers a wide range of activities for visitors, including hiking, trekking and mountain biking. There are many nature trails that wind through the Etna Park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the Mediterranean Sea.

#7 - Costa Smeralda

Costa Smeralda - Italy's Best Natural Wonders
Costa Smeralda is a splendid coastal area located in the north-eastern part of Sardinia. Known for its crystal clear beaches, turquoise waters and natural beauty, the Costa Smeralda is one of Italy's most exclusive holiday destinations and offers a wide range of activities for visitors, from beaches to natural landscapes.

The beaches are undoubtedly the main attraction of the area, with some of the most beautiful in Sardinia. Porto Cervo beach, for example, is one of the most famous and offers crystal clear waters, white sand and a wide range of water activities.

Furthermore, the Costa Smeralda is famous for its luxury and exclusivity, with numerous luxury villas, yacht clubs, restaurants and high fashion boutiques. Porto Cervo is the main tourist center of the area, where you can find the most exclusive shops, the most refined restaurants and the most fashionable discos.

However, the Costa Smeralda is not only luxury and exclusivity: it also offers unspoiled nature, with numerous nature reserves and national parks. Among the most famous natural attractions are the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park and the Santa Teresa Lagoon.

#8 - The Apuan Alps

The Apuan Alps - Italy's Best Natural Wonders
The Apuan Alps are ancient Italy’s mountains are a mountain range located in the northwestern part of Tuscany. This region is known for its natural beauty and geological richness, with breathtaking landscapes including rugged ridges, deep valleys, canyons and underground caves.

The Apuan Alps are the ideal place for hiking and climbing lovers, thanks to its variety of paths and rock routes. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from mountain tops, such as Monte Pisanino, the highest point in the mountain range. In addition to natural and geological beauty, the Apuan Alps also offer a rich history and culture, with ancient churches and medieval villages, such as the city of Massa and the village of Colonnata.

In summary, the Apuan Alps are a breathtaking region that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, history and culture, geology and outdoor activities.

#9 - The Zingaro Natural Park

The Zingaro Natural Park - Italy's Best Natural Wonders
The Zingaro Natural Park is a protected area located on the north-western coast of Sicily. Created in 1981, it is one of the first natural parks in the Sicily and is known for its natural beauty and its historical and cultural importance.

The park covers an area of about 1,600 hectares and extends for about 7 kilometers along the coast, between the towns of Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo. It is famous for its coves, cliffs, beaches, crystal clear waters and endemic fauna and flora.

The park is crossed by a panoramic path of about 7 kilometers, which allows visitors to admire the beauty of the coast and the surrounding nature. The park is also of great historical and cultural importance, with numerous evidences of human presence dating back to the Bronze Age. There are also numerous caves, including the Grotta dell'Uzzo, which preserve important archaeological finds. 

#10 - Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies - Italy's Best Natural Wonders
Lago di Braies is an alpine lake located in the heart of the Dolomites, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. It is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Alps and one of the main tourist attractions in the region.

The lake is located at an altitude of 1,496 meters above sea level and covers an area of approximately 31 hectares. It is surrounded by majestic mountains and dense coniferous forest, making it a lovely and peaceful place.

The waters of the lake are of an intense and crystalline blue, and reflect the surrounding mountains creating a breathtaking scenery. The lake is also of great historical and cultural significance, as it was used as an assembly point for prisoners during World War I.

In summary, Lake Braies is a magical and unique place in the world that enchants visitors with its natural beauty and its historical and cultural importance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these are just some of the many natural wonders that Italy has to offer. Each region, each province, each landscape has its own uniqueness and beauty.

From the beaches in the south to the mountains in the north, from offshore islands to plains that stretch as far as the eye can see, Italy is a country that offers endless possibilities for discovering the beauty of nature.

And remember, the adventure never ends! There are still many other destinations and examples to explore and discover, in a continuous journey to discover the beauty of our next destinations.

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