NATIONAL PARKS OF ITALY
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Latest page update: 24 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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There are 25 National Parks of Italy which take on a variety of different formats and types of terrain. Typically they take the form of large swathes of countryside, often covering more than one region such as in the case of the largest of the 25, Pollino National Park which is spread across Calabria and Basilicata or the Stelvio National Park which is split between Lombardy and Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol.
The larger parks offer greatly diverse landscapes and are home to rare wildlife including bears and wolves in some cases. The first of the national parks, the Gran Paradiso was established in 1922 in order to protect the ibex that roam its mountains. |
Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
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The main Italian mountain ranges are all represented with the national parks and including territories in the Alps, the Apennines and the Dolomites where the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park is the smallest in the collection.
Two of the national parks are archipelagos of islands: the Tuscan Archipelago island group in Tuscany and the La Maddalena Archipelago in Sardinia. There are also two, single islands classified as national parks: Asinara in Sardinia and Pantelleria in Sicily which was the most recent park to be established in 2016. Breaking the mould to a certain degree is the Cinque Terre in Liguria, a small but exceptionally beautiful stretch of coastline that's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Two of the national parks are archipelagos of islands: the Tuscan Archipelago island group in Tuscany and the La Maddalena Archipelago in Sardinia. There are also two, single islands classified as national parks: Asinara in Sardinia and Pantelleria in Sicily which was the most recent park to be established in 2016. Breaking the mould to a certain degree is the Cinque Terre in Liguria, a small but exceptionally beautiful stretch of coastline that's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
ABRUZZO LAZIO & MOLISE NATIONAL PARK
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The Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park is a vast protected area in central Italy, spanning parts of the Apennine Mountains across the regions of Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise. Established in 1923, it is one of Italy's oldest national parks and renowned for its role in wildlife conservation.
The park is a haven for rare species, including the Marsican brown bear, Apennine wolf, and golden eagle. Visitors can explore its lush forests, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear rivers. Major attractions include the charming village of Pescasseroli, the heart of the park, and scenic hiking trails like the Val Fondillo. |
Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park
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Alta Murgia National Park
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Alta Murgia National Park, located in the Puglia region of southern Italy, is a sprawling protected area known for its rugged landscapes, unique biodiversity, and historical significance.
Covering over 68,000 hectares, the park features rolling limestone hills, rocky plateaus, and Mediterranean vegetation. Its rich flora and fauna include wild orchids, kestrels, and foxes. The park is home to prehistoric relics, ancient rock churches, and shepherds’ shelters, reflecting centuries of human interaction with the land. Notable landmarks include Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and ancient farmsteads known as masserie. |
Alta Murgia National Park, Puglia
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Appennino Lucano Val d'Agri
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The Appennino Lucano Val d’Agri and Lagonegrese National Park is a stunning protected area in the Basilicata region of southern Italy. Covering over 68,000 hectares, it encompasses the southern Apennine Mountains, characterized by lush forests, rugged peaks, and picturesque valleys.
The park is home to diverse wildlife, including wolves, deer, and golden eagles, as well as rich flora, such as beech and oak forests. Notable features include the Agri River, scenic trails, and ancient villages like Grumento Nova, with its archaeological park showcasing Roman ruins. |
Appennino Lucano Val d'Agri and Lagonegrese National Park
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APPENNINO TOSCO -EMILIANO NATIONAL PARK
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The Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park is a stunning protected area spanning the Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna regions in central Italy.
Nestled in the northern Apennine Mountains, the park is characterized by rugged peaks, lush forests, and serene alpine meadows. It is home to diverse flora and fauna, including wolves, golden eagles, and ancient beech forests. Rich in history, the park preserves remnants of medieval villages, Roman roads, and cultural traditions tied to its pastoral landscapes. |
Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park
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Asinara National Park
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Asinara National Park is a pristine natural reserve located off the northwest coast of Sardinia, Italy. Known as the "Island of Donkeys," it is home to rare albino donkeys and a diverse array of wildlife, including wild boar and seabirds.
The island features unspoiled beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters, making it ideal for hiking, snorkeling, and eco-tours. Historically, Asinara was a quarantine station, a World War II internment camp, and later a high-security prison. Declared a national park in 1997, it now protects the island’s unique biodiversity and cultural heritage. |
Asinara National Park, Sardinia
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Aspromonte National Park
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Aspromonte National Park is located in the Calabria region of southern Italy, encompassing the rugged mountain range of Aspromonte. The park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, featuring steep cliffs, deep gorges, and lush forests. It is home to diverse wildlife, including wolves, wild boars, and numerous bird species.
The park’s rich biodiversity, combined with its varied terrain, makes it a popular destination for hiking, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Historically, Aspromonte has been a stronghold for local traditions and was a site of resistance during the Italian unification. |
Aspromonte National Park, Calabria
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Bellunesi Dolomites National Park
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The Bellunesi Dolomites National Park is located in the Veneto region of northern Italy, nestled in the Dolomite mountain range, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park spans over 32,000 hectares and is known for its stunning mountain peaks, deep valleys, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes.
It is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including ibex, marmots, and golden eagles. The park offers numerous hiking and climbing routes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Established in 1990, the park preserves the natural beauty of the Dolomites while honouring the region’s traditional mountain culture and history. |
Bellunesi Dolomites National Park, Veneto
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Casentino
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The Foreste Casentinesi Monte Falterona & Campigna National Park is located in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, straddling the regions of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna.
Known for its vast, pristine forests, the park covers over 36,000 hectares and is home to diverse wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and various bird species. Its landscape features rolling hills, rugged mountains, and deep valleys, with the highest peak being Monte Falterona. The park is rich in natural beauty and offers numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and historical sites. |
Foreste Casentinesi Monte Falterona & Campigna National Park
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Cilento Vallo di Diano & Alburni
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Cilento, Vallo di Diano & Alburni National Park is located in the southern part of Campania, Italy, stretching along the Tyrrhenian coast and encompassing the Vallo di Diano and Alburni mountain ranges. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its diverse landscapes, which include rugged mountains, rolling hills, ancient villages, and a beautiful coastline.
The park is rich in biodiversity, with forests, rivers, and Mediterranean flora and fauna. Historically, the area has been inhabited since ancient times, with notable sites such as the Greek ruins of Paestum. The park serves as both a natural and cultural treasure, offering hiking, wildlife watching. |
Cilento, Vallo di Diano & Alburni National Park
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Cinque Terre
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Cinque Terre National Park is located along the Ligurian coast of northern Italy, encompassing five picturesque villages: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. The park is known for its dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, colorful houses, and crystal-clear waters. Its rugged landscape is dotted with ancient pathways, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean.
Established as a national park in 1999, Cinque Terre has a rich history of fishing, agriculture, and maritime culture. The villages have been shaped by centuries of human interaction with the landscape, preserving traditional practices. Today, the park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
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Circeo National Park
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Circeo National Park is located in the Lazio region of central Italy, along the Tyrrhenian coast, about 100 km south of Rome. The park is known for its diverse landscapes, including wetlands, coastal dunes, cliffs, and forests.
It encompasses the Promontory of Circeo, a limestone mountain with panoramic views, and is home to a variety of wildlife, such as wild boar, foxes, and many bird species. The area has a rich history, once inhabited by ancient civilizations, and is tied to the myth of Circe, the enchantress from Homer's Odyssey. |
Circeo National Park, Lazio
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Gargano National Park
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Gargano National Park is located in the northern part of the Puglia region, encompassing the Gargano Peninsula and the surrounding areas. The park is characterized by its diverse landscapes, including lush forests, dramatic cliffs, caves, and the stunning coastline along the Adriatic Sea.
It is home to the ancient Foresta Umbra, a dense beech forest, and the Monte Sant’Angelo, a hilltop town known for its historical significance. The area also features picturesque villages, limestone caves, and the Monte Calvo peak. Historically, Gargano was an important site for religious pilgrimage, particularly due to the Sanctuary of Monte Sant'Angelo, a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
Gargano National Park, Puglia
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Gennargentu National Park
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Gennargentu National Park is located in central Sardinia, covering the rugged Gennargentu mountain range. The park is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, with towering peaks, deep valleys, and dense forests. The highest point, Punta La Marmora, rises to 1,834 metres, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including wild boar, golden eagles, and Sardinian deer. Its history is steeped in ancient traditions, with remnants of prehistoric Nuragic settlements scattered across the region. Established as a national park in 1998, it serves as a protected area for both nature and cultural heritage. |
Gennargentu National Park, Sardinia
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GRAN PARADISO NATIONAL PARK
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Gran Paradiso National Park is located in the northwestern part of Italy, spanning the regions of Piedmont and Aosta Valley.
Established in 1922, it is Italy's first national park and covers an area of over 70,000 hectares. The park is known for its dramatic landscapes, including rugged mountains, alpine meadows, forests, and glaciers, with Gran Paradiso Peak (4,061 metres) being its highest point. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including the rare Alpine ibex, marmots, and golden eagles. Gran Paradiso has a rich history as a hunting ground for the Savoy family, and today it is a popular destination for hiking, wildlife watching, and mountaineering. |
Gran Paradiso National Park
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Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga
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Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park is located in the central region of Abruzzo, covering parts of Teramo, L'Aquila, and Pescara provinces.
Established in 1991, the park spans over 1,500 square kilometers and features a diverse range of landscapes, from lush forests and alpine meadows to towering peaks and deep valleys. The park is dominated by the Gran Sasso massif, home to Italy's highest peak outside the Alps, Corno Grande (2,912 meters). Rich in biodiversity, the park is home to species like the Apennine wolf and golden eagle. |
Gran Sasso & Monti della Laga National Park, Abruzzo
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La Maddalena Archipelago
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La Maddalena Archipelago National Park is located off the northeastern coast of Sardinia, encompassing around 60 islands and islets in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Established in 1994, the park is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, rugged coastlines, and pristine beaches.
The largest island, La Maddalena, is home to charming towns and a rich history, with remnants of military fortifications from the 19th and 20th centuries. The archipelago is also known for its unique granite formations, Mediterranean vegetation, and diverse wildlife, including dolphins and rare sea birds. It remains a protected area for conservation and sustainable tourism. |
Spargi, La Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia
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Majella National Park
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Majella National Park is located in the Abruzzo region of central Italy, encompassing the Majella mountain range and surrounding areas. Established in 1991, the park covers over 70,000 hectares of diverse landscapes, from rugged peaks and deep valleys to lush forests and alpine meadows.
The park's highest point, Corno Grande, reaches 2,793 metres above sea level. Known for its rich biodiversity, Majella is home to species such as the Apennine wolf, brown bear, and golden eagle. The area is also steeped in history, with ancient hermitages, monasteries, and villages scattered throughout. |
Majella National Park, Abruzzo
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MONTI SIBILLINI NATIONAL PARK
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Monti Sibillini National Park is located in the Apennine Mountains, straddling the regions of Marche and Umbria in central Italy.
Established in 1993, the park covers over 70,000 hectares and is renowned for its dramatic landscapes, including towering peaks, deep valleys, and lush forests. The highest point, Monte Vettore, reaches 2,476 metres. The park is rich in biodiversity, with wildlife such as wild boar, wolves, and golden eagles. Historically, the area is steeped in legend, notably the myth of the Sibyl, a prophetic figure from local folklore. The park offers numerous opportunities for hiking. |
Monti Sibillini National Park
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Pantelleria National Park
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Pantelleria National Park is located on Pantelleria, an island in the Strait of Sicily, between Italy and Tunisia.
Established in 2016, the park covers the island’s unique volcanic landscape, including craters, caves, and thermal springs. Pantelleria is known for its dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and ancient agricultural practices, including the cultivation of the famous Zibibbo grapes. The island's history dates back to Phoenician, Roman, and Arab periods, with ruins and relics scattered across the landscape. |
Pantelleria, Sicily
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POLLINO NATIONAL PARK
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Pollino National Park is located in the southern Apennines, straddling the regions of Calabria and Basilicata.
It is the largest national park in Italy, covering over 1,900 square kilometres of mountainous terrain. The park is known for its diverse ecosystems, from lush forests to alpine meadows, and its rich biodiversity, including rare species of flora and fauna. The Pollino massif, with peaks over 2,200 metres, offers hiking, trekking, and wildlife watching opportunities. Nearby, the charming towns of Morano Calabro and Castrovillari provide cultural attractions. |
Pollino National Park
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Sila National Park
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Sila National Park is located in the Calabria region of southern Italy, covering a vast area of mountainous terrain in the Sila Plateau. The park is renowned for its dense forests, alpine lakes, and diverse wildlife, including wolves, deer, and various bird species.
It offers numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountain biking, making it a popular destination for nature lovers year-round. Nearby towns like Camigliatello Silano and Lorica serve as gateways to the park. To get there, visitors can travel by car from Cosenza or Catanzaro, with well-marked routes leading into the park's natural beauty and tranquility. |
Sila National Park, Calabria
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STELVIO NATIONAL PARK
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Stelvio National Park is located in the northern Italian Alps, spanning across the regions of Lombardy, Trentino-Alto Adige, and South Tyrol.
It is renowned for its dramatic mountain landscapes, including towering peaks, glaciers, and pristine alpine lakes. The park is home to a rich variety of wildlife, such as ibex, golden eagles, and marmots. Popular activities include hiking, skiing, and mountaineering, with numerous trails offering breathtaking views. Nearby, visitors can explore the Stelvio Pass, one of Europe’s highest mountain roads. |
Stelvio National Park
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TUSCAN ARCHI PELAGO NATIONAL PARK
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The Tuscan Archipelago National Park is located off the western coast of Italy, covering the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago, including Elba, Giglio, and Capraia, along with smaller islands and marine areas.
The park is known for its stunning landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and diverse ecosystems, ranging from Mediterranean scrublands to rich marine life. It offers numerous outdoor activities, including hiking, snorkeling, and boat trips, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. |
Elba, Tuscan Archipelago
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Val Grande National Park
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Val Grande National Park is located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, near the Swiss border, in the province of Verbania.
It is known for its rugged, untouched landscapes, with deep valleys, dense forests, and steep cliffs. The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, trekking, and wildlife watching, with trails that lead through dramatic gorges and past scenic viewpoints. The area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species of birds and plants. |
Val Grande National Park, Piedmont
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Vesuvius National Park
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Vesuvius National Park is located in the Campania region of southern Italy, surrounding the famous Mount Vesuvius, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.
The park is known for its dramatic landscapes, volcanic craters, and lush forests, offering stunning views of the Bay of Naples. Visitors can hike to the summit, where they can peer into the crater and take in panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Nearby, the city of Naples and the ancient site of Pompeii are popular attractions. To get there, visitors can drive from Naples or take a bus to the park’s entrance. |
Mount Vesuvius, Campania
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National Parks of Italy in Numbers
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Italian National Parks in order of Size
1. Pollino - 1,926 km²
2. Cilento - 1,810 km² 3. Gran Sasso - 1,413 km² 4. Stelvio - 1,307 km² 5. Gargano - 1,211 km² 6. Aspromonte - 761 km² 7. Tuscan Archipelago - 747 km² 8. Sila - 737 km² 9. Gennargentu - 730 km² 10. Majella - 704 km² 11. Gran Paradiso - 700 km² 12. Monti Sibillini - 697 km² 13. Appenino Lucano - 690 km² 14. Alta Murgia - 677 km² 15. Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise - 507 km² 16. Foreste Casentinesi - 364 km² 17. Asinara - 270 km² 18. Appenino Tosco Emiliano - 228 km² 19. La Maddalena Archipelago - 201 km² 20. Val Grande - 146 km² 21. Circeo - 84 km² 22. Vesuvius - 73 km² 23. Pantelleria - 66 km² 24. Cinque Terre - 39 km² 25. Dolomiti Bellunesi - 31 km² |
Italian National Parks in order of Year Established
1. Gran Paradiso - 1922
2. Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise - 1923 3. Circeo - 1934 4. Stelvio - 1935 5. Pollino - 1988 6. Monti Sibillini - 1988 7. Dolomiti Bellunesi - 1988 8. Aspromonte - 1989 9. Tuscan Archipelago - 1989 10. Foreste Casentinesi - 1989 11. Cilento - 1991 12. Gran Sasso - 1991 13. Gargano - 1991 14. Majella - 1991 15. Val Grande - 1991 16. Vesuvius - 1991 17. La Maddalena Archipelago - 1994 18. Sila - 1997 19. Asinara - 1997 20. Appenino Tosco Emiliano - 1997 21. Gennargentu - 1998 22. Cinque Terre - 1999 23. Alta Murgia - 2004 24. Appenino Lucano - 2007 25. Pantelleria - 2016 |
