For many travellers, Italy’s nature is one of the country’s biggest appeals. Luckily, the country strives to take care of its natural beauty, with 25 national parks; here you’ll find information about some of the best of those 25. The national parks in Italy include expanses of mountains and forests spanning hundreds of thousands of acres, groups of islands home to unique biodiversity and small sanctuaries that bring humanity and nature together.
Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara
A small, uninhabited island, Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara is located just off the main island of Sardinia. To reach the island, you will need to take a ferry from one of the nearby towns on Sardinia’s main island.
The main towns offering ferries are Porto Torres and Stintino, and there is usually just one departure each day, between 10:00 and 11:00. While there aren’t camping areas in the park itself, there are areas where you can camp at Golfo dell’Asinara, directly in front of the park.
Address: 07046 Asinara Province of Sassari, Italy
When to visit Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara?
The island can get very hot during the summer months, so if you do decide to visit then, be prepared with plenty of water and sun protection. The best time to visit for most people will be in the spring. This is when the island will be full of life, with milder temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring.
What to see at Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara?
Parco Nazionale dell’Ansaras was once home to one of Italy’s maximum-security prisons, and you can still see structures that were once part of the prison complex. Keep an eye out for animals like turtles, peregrine falcons and Sardinian donkeys. One of the best features of the park, particularly for those with children, is the turtle refuge located in the southern part of the island. Here injured turtles are brought to recover before being released back into their natural habitat.
Parco Nazionale dell’Asinara: Hiking trails
There are many hiking trails to explore in the park, of varying lengths and difficulties. Ferries often dock at Fornelli, a visitors kiosk, and many hikes start from here, including Sentiero dell’Acqua, a loop trail that follows the coastline. Sentiero del Castellaccio originates from the same place, takes around 3 hours and will bring you to a medieval-era castle. Be ready for the final climb of the castle to be a bit more challenging than the rest of the hike, but the views are more than worth it!
Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park
The Dolomites are one of Italy’s most popular natural attractions, and Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park encompasses some of the best scenery the area has to offer. Belluno is the main town providing an entryway to the park – you can drive to Belluno from the nearby major city of Venice, with most of the trip along the A27 highway.
Address: Dolomiti Bellunesi, Belluno BL, Italy
Camping at Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park
There are multiple campgrounds and as well as cabins you can stay at throughout the park. These campsites can be quite crowded during the busiest months of July and August. Although it is usually best to visit the park during these warmer months, if you visit during September you can often still find warmer weather while the park and campsites are calmer.
Trails and sights at Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park
The Lago di Misurina trail takes roughly 4 hours, beginning at the Lake of Misura, taking you along the edge of the lake before heading up into hills and bringing you back to the starting point. Case Bertot to Monte Schiara is often one of the less crowded trails, as it’s a challenging route that takes around 10 hours to make the 15.8-kilometre (around 10-mile) trek.
The best national parks in Italy – Stelvio National Park
Stelvio National Park is located in South Tyrol, in the central Alps of Northern Italy. The park is accessible by public transport from nearby cities, including Merano and Bolzano, but travelling by car is usually easier and you will be able to explore the huge park more easily.
Camping at Stelvio National Park is a wonderful experience, and there are several campsites throughout the park, with varying levels of accommodation and amenities.
Address: Via Alberto de Simoni, 42, 23032 Bormio SO, Italy
What to see at Stelvio National Park?
Keep an eye out for marmots and vultures, and in the denser parts of the park, you may be able to spot deer. Chamois stick to higher altitudes, while ibexes can be spotted in lower valleys. Experienced drivers or cyclists might want to check out the Stelvio Pass, one of the highest mountain passes in Europe. The Martelltal Valley Panoramic hiking trail lives up to its name, as it gives you incredible views of the park’s mountains.
The best time to visit Stelvio National Park
The best time to visit Stelvio National Park is usually during spring and summer. Unlike some of the other parks, you don’t have to worry quite as much about peak season – due to its immense size, if you’re looking for somewhere quiet, you can usually find it.
Cinque Terre: the smallest national park in Italy
Cinque Terre is located in La Spezia, Liguria, in Northern Italy, Cinque Terre National Park is the smallest of Italy’s national parks. Its appeal lies mostly in the way the natural landscapes and human-made structures intertwine, with five medieval villages nestled amongst the cliffs and forests.
The park seeks to maintain both the flora and fauna of the area as well as the structures and culture of the villages within the park.
Address: Cinque Terre National Park, Province of La Spezia, Italy
How to get there and What to see?
To reach the park, it’s usually easiest to take the train from La Spezia (which can be reached by train from Genoa). There is a Cinque Terre Express, which will take you to any of the five towns in the park. Once there, there’s a variety of animals to spot, from birds such as gulls and peregrine falcons to mammals like badgers and foxes.
The park also includes a protected marine area along the coast, where you can spot unique marine plants and animals. The Blue Path hiking trail is an excellent way to take in the whole park, as it takes you through all five villages, spanning 12 kilometres (around 7.5 miles).
Arcipelago Toscano National Park
Featuring both land and marine spectacles, Arcipelago Toscano National Park is made up of seven islands and the surrounding waters. The islands are located between the Ligurian, Tyrrhenian and Meditteranean seas.
To head underwater, there are many different diving sites; some islands allow you to dive freely, while others have restrictions on where you can dive to help conservation efforts. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for dolphins and whales.
Address: 57037 Portoferraio, Province of Livorno, Italy
When to visit the park?
For the animal lovers, particularly bird watchers, spring will be the best time to visit, as this is when the islands become host to a variety of bird species. Monte Serra allows you to observe the birds’ migration as they make a stopover on the islands on their way to Africa. You’ll find some rare species on the islands, including Audouin’s seagull, the rarest species of gull and the symbol of the park.
What to see at the park?
Each island has its own unique attractions, both in terms of historical structures and in terms of differing biodiversity. For example, on Elba Island, you can find fortresses dating back to the 1700s, including the Volterraio Fortress, which looks as though it could be a part of the island itself until you get up close. The structures on the islands are often a great way to get some elevation and have a beautiful view of the archipelago’s landscapes.
Reaching the park & Accommodation
The park is accessible via ferries, which can be found at several different ports on the mainland. One such port is Piombino, roughly 2h 30min from Florence by car. Camping is allowed on some islands, with dedicated campsites usually open from around April to October.
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