Parks
Are you planning a trip to one of Italy's "natural" attractions?
Surprisingly, Italy can offer many protected natural areas and National Parks that are definitely worth a visit. Imagine peaceful lakes located high up in the mountains, or the prosperous marine life along the coasts, with an opportunity to spot rare animals that live freely in the undiscovered regions; or imagine a walk in one of the less renowned rural villages located deep in the heart of the country, or within slightly populated islands.
The Italian physical environment offers the perfect settings for all kinds of holidays, from tranquil camp-site activity to the more challenging trekking itineraries. You will be able to discover by your own the many resources available in the different parks, or take advantage of guided tours to explore the most beautiful natural places accessible in each region.
About 10% of the Italian territory is protected by state and regional laws. The purpose of environmental legislation has always been the preservation of the environment for public appreciation and enjoyment of present and future generations. The regular management of the ecosystem has made possible the full conservation of air, land, water, minerals, animals and plants.
In Italy are currently available 20 National Parks (4 new areas will soon be established), and more than 130 Regional Parks that are part of the national system of protected areas. In addition, the Italian peninsula is scattered with National Reserve areas (some 150 territories protected by state laws), Regional Reserves (a total of 270 valuable areas protected by regional laws), and 16 Marine Reserves.
REGION NATIONAL PARK
Aosta Valley and Piedmont: Parco Nazionale del Gran Paradiso
Piedmont: Parco Nazionale della Val Grande
Lombardy and Trentino-Alto Adige: Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio
Veneto: Parco Nazionale Dolomiti Bellunesi
Liguria: Parco Nazionale delle Cinque Terre
Emilia Romagna and Tuscany: Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna
Tuscany: Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano
The Marches and Umbria: Parco Nazionale dei Monti Sibillini
The Marches, Latium and Abruzzo: Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga
Latium: Parco Nazionale del Circeo
Abruzzo: Parco Nazionale della Majella
Abruzzo Latium and Molise: Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise
Campania: Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano; Parco Nazionale del Vesuvio
Apulia: Parco Nazionale del Gargano
Calabria: Parco Nazionale dell'Aspromonte; Parco Nazionale della Calabria and Parco Nazionale del Pollino
Sardinia: Parco Nazionale dell'Arcipelago della Maddalena;Parco Nazionale dell'Asinara and Parco Nazionale del Gennargentu e Golfo di Orosei
For more information please visit:
FEDERAZIONE ITALIANA PARCHI E RISERVE NATURALI (Italian Natural Parks and Reserves Federation)
www.parks.it