The 10 Most Beautiful National Parks in Italy

The 10 most beautiful national parks in Italy

When thinking of Italy - beaches, monuments, art, culture, gastronomy and much more - little space is usually given to Italy's national parks. Let's give them the respect they deserve with a top ten of certain charm.

10Pollino National Park

Being the largest national park in the country, it's rather surprising that the Pollino National Park attracts so few visitors to its borders. With a true wealth of breathtaking views to admire, the peaks and ridges, the valleys and mountains are perfect for hiking. Out in nature, the silence stretches endlessly around you as does the untouched terrain that constantly changes before your eyes. The Pollino and Orsomarso massifs dominate the park and the high plateaus and peaks slowly fade into the valleys and meadows below. The park paints a beautiful picture as the green of the forests contrasts magnificently with the grey rocky cliffs and the yellow grasses on the mountainside. A picturesque and tranquil park to visit, the relatively unknown Pollino will enchant you with all its wonderful untouched landscapes on display.

9Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park

The colossal Gran Sasso massif is the dominant feature of this immense park and as such is appreciated by climbers, hikers and skiers for its rocky nature and untouched environment. Part of the massif is the summit of Corno Grande, which is the highest in the entire Apennines at over 2,990 metres and as such has a number of ski runs for skiers. Cut off from the massif by a motorway, the Monti della Laga are less imposing, though their rugged nature makes them rather difficult to penetrate, and consequently adventurous hikers will have mountains, hills and valleys almost entirely to themselves. In fact, despite its proximity to Rome, the park attracts relatively few visitors, and this is partly what makes it so attractive: alone with the splendid landscapes before you, you feel free. An incredible biodiversity hotspot where there are a myriad of natural wonders to see.

8Maddalena Archipelago National Park

This beautiful park is fascinating and tranquil to visit, and its crystal-clear turquoise waters make it unique. Its extraordinary natural beauty includes untouched, deserted beaches fringing the shores of the islands that make up the archipelago, and jagged cliffs and mountainous areas that form a perfect backdrop to the spectacular scenery below. Located on the northern coast of Sardinia, the national park consists mainly of marine and coastal areas. With medieval monasteries, incredible rock formations and many other points of interest, it's perhaps the breathtaking beauty of the island of Caprera that is the jewel in La Maddalena's crown.

7Val Grande National Park

If mountains are your passion, then head to the Val Grande National Park and let yourself be dazzled by everything the Alps have to offer. Mountain after mountain stretches into the distance, and the endless series of peaks, ridges and snow-capped summits is simply breathtaking. Located in northern Italy on the Swiss border, Val Grande offers numerous hiking opportunities for nature lovers. Slowly climbing the steep mountain might be hard, but the panoramic views that greet you at the top will surely repay the effort. High up among the skies, you can see forever the sun shining on the mountains that give way to valleys and gorges, making the view a delight for the eyes. On a clear day you can see the sun sparkling offshore on Lake Maggiore in the distance, shimmering invitingly among the splendid mountains.

6Aspromonte National Park

Located right to the south, in Calabria, the Aspromonte National Park has a number of beautiful attractions to astonish visitors to the park. With the Apennines running through its territory, the wild mountain range offers breathtaking views that magnificently frame the rest of the incredible attractions. History lovers should head to the abandoned ghost town of Pentedattilo, which dates back to 640 AD. Nestled among the rocky mountains, the crumbling grey buildings look incredible in their desolation. Impressive geological formations are scattered throughout the park, and wonderful waterways also run along the bottom of the ravines. Wild and untouched, the enchanting scenery makes Aspromonte a magnificent place to visit.

5Stelvio National Park

With wide flowering meadows giving way to lush alpine forests and the indomitable Alps towering impressively over everything, the landscapes in the Stelvio National Park are fascinating for the array of spectacular views it offers. In summer the park comes to life as various colours spring up from every corner; the snow-white mountains and glaciers gleam in the sun while the yellow of the flowers blooms amid the verdant grasses and forests that cover the park. For visitors seeking an idealised version of how the Alps look, look no further, because Stelvio has it all.

4Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park

The winding valleys and hills of this large national park offer pleasant hikes in the intact and untouched environment. The mountains and the extensive beech forests are an important protected area for rare animals hidden among the lush vegetation, such as the Abruzzo chamois, the Italian wolves and the Marsican brown bears that roam the mountain in their daily life. Breaking the endless green of the countryside are the bright blue lakes that dot the area and the towering peaks of the mountains reaching over 2000 metres in height. With over 2000 types of plant species, nature lovers will find satisfaction in this untouched corner of the world.

3Gran Paradiso National Park

Originally created to be a private hunting ground for the king, the park has grown since its early days, and its task of protecting the Alpine ibex has expanded to include all the untouched lands within its borders. The splendid landscapes located in northwestern Italy are enchanting to admire, and the park takes its name from the imposing Monte Gran Paradiso, which is its central feature. Its snow-covered slopes and high pinnacles rise among the clouds, reaching the sky. The breathtaking views of the Alps are spectacular and make this beautiful national park worthy of a visit.

2Cinque Terre National Park

One of the most visited areas in the country, the five picturesque towns of the Cinque Terre that cling to the rocky walls lining the rugged and uneven Ligurian coast are a must for many visitors to Italy. A place of almost unsurpassable beauty, the charm of these idyllic towns combined with the wild, steep mountain slopes on which they are perched make the Cinque Terre National Park an unforgettable place. Joining the towns one to another are a series of enchanting trails that hug the cliffs and weave among the wild flowers that bloom constantly in the hard terrain. As you pass among the vineyards and cultivated fields that pop up here and there, turning a corner and seeing Vernazza or one of the other multicoloured towns below you is truly an incredible experience.

As you descend along the steep trails that slowly turn into old cobbled streets, the juxtaposition between untouched nature and the timeless, picturesque town life is fascinating, and you won't be able to imagine a more perfect scene, such is its majestic beauty.

1Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park

Simply sensational. The Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park is a true jewel and as such visitors to the park will find a myriad of natural wonders to keep them entertained. Located in Veneto, the enchanted views are extravagant for the perfect image of the Alps they convey. The imposing mountains dominate the view and the untouched alpine environments are invigorating for a hike, while the fresh mountain air revitalises and reinvigorates you to continue your journey of discovery of indescribable beauty. Astonishing to contemplate, you'll lose track of time in this spectacle of nature.