Signora Sheila

Italy is a small country with a relatively small population but it has 70% of the world’s artistic and cultural heritage sites! In fact, with 50 sites, it leads the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is followed by China with 47 sites and Spain with 44. 

But apart from its spectacular beaches, Italy’s natural areas are often overlooked. This is despite the fact that Italy is one of the richest countries in Europe in terms of biodiversity. Thanks to its unique biological and climatic conditions, Italy has:

• Nearly 7,000 different plant species, making it home to half of Europe’s flora.
• 58,000 animal species, more than a third of Europe’s fauna.
• Virtually every marine species found in the Mediterranean Sea.
• Around 750,000 hectares of vineyards. Which makes it one of the largest wine-producing nations in Europe. France and Italy have long vied for this distinction.
• A coastline of 7400 km (4600 miles), giving it the highest number of beaches in Europe.

Italy’s majestic Alps and natural areas

But many never visit the majestic beauty of Italy’s Alps and other natural areas. Which is odd considering that Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest mountain, is partly in Italy.

Italy also has hundreds of nature parks, reserves and protected wetlands, including 24 national parks. From lakes, rivers and mountains to beaches, islands and rolling countryside, you’ll find magnificent natural beauty everywhere.

And they have a lot to offer. You can choose from a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, river rafting, star gazing, bird watching, and cycling.

But what many tourists may not know is that these parks and reserves often plan outings and fun activities – even during the winter months. Visit Italy’s Parks Portal to discover some fun and unique ideas for your next vacation in Italy. Here are a few to get you started.

• On the Trail of Wildlife – Predazzo, Trentino
  An easy and informative guided walk, suitable for everyone, with a stop at the nearby wildlife area. (Wednesday, January-March 2025)
• Family Snowshoeing – Pescasseroli, Abruzzo
  Learn to walk with snowshoes, discover the footprints and tracks of the wild animals that live in the park, build snowmen, and then enjoy a meal surrounded by the magic of the magnificent snowy landscapes. Sundays, January- March 2025
• Owls, little owls, and stars – Trentino
  A fascinating and unusual experience to get to know the nocturnal birds of the park, immersed in the tranquillity of the winter landscape under a blanket of stars! (Saturdays January-March 2025)
• The Time of the Wolves – Pescacasseroli, Abruzzo
  Learn about these beasts of prey and walk along their paths trying to spot them with the help of binoculars and the professional equipment of an expert guide. (January 9 2025)

Or, if you’d rather just relax, many hotels, restaurants, lodges, and campgrounds stay open during the winter holidays. Enjoy a trip to a health and wellness spa, traditional feasts in town squares, or candlelit dinners at your favorite mountain lodge! Visit Parks.it to find our more.

If you’re interested in alpine camping, leave a message in the comments, and I’ll clue you in on our favorite campground, in the beautiful Alps of Trentino!

So if you’re looking for a natural, relaxing getaway, consider Italy. It’s both a hiker’s dream and a skier’s paradise!

I hope you enjoyed this little virtual visit. Italy isn’t just for those who love “slow travel,” but for active nature lovers, too!

📷 Images are mine