Nature Reserves of Italy
coastal areas and mountain passes where nature is flourishing
Photo: Migliarino San Rossore Nature Park, Tuscany
Nature Reserves of Italy
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Latest page update: 24 January 2025
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By Dion Protani
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The most beautiful Nature Reserves of Italy come in a variety of different forms and landscapes.
Perhaps the most beguiling of all of them is the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro in Sicily; on one side is thick vegetation with hiking paths while on the other, the coastline consists of a dozen or so little bays concealing some of the best beaches in Italy. Other nature reserves offer some serious hiking in the Alpine regions of the north or the chance to get close up to wildlife such as the deer that roam freely in Tuscany's Migliarino San Rossore Nature Park. |
Fanes Sennes Prags Nature Park, Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol
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Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro
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The Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro is a breathtaking nature reserve located on the northwestern coast of Sicily, between Scopello and San Vito Lo Capo. Established in 1981 as Sicily’s first nature reserve, it spans 1,600 hectares of unspoiled landscapes, including rugged cliffs, turquoise coves, and Mediterranean scrub.
The reserve is a haven for biodiversity, home to rare plants, bird species like peregrine falcons, and marine life. Visitors can explore its scenic hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea and access to pristine beaches like Cala Capreria and Cala Tonnarella. Zingaro is a paradise for nature lovers, blending ecological richness with serene coastal beauty. |
Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro, Sicily
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Adamello Brenta Nature Park
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Adamello Brenta Nature Park, located in the Trentino region of northern Italy, is a vast protected area nestled within the stunning Dolomites and the Adamello-Presanella Alps. Covering over 620 square kilometres, the park features diverse landscapes, including towering peaks, glacial lakes, dense forests, and alpine meadows.
It is home to rich wildlife, including brown bears, ibex, and golden eagles, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park also boasts the Adamello Glacier, one of the largest in the Alps. Established in 1967, it preserves the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. |
Adamello-Brenta Nature Park, Trentino
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Stagnone Nature Reserve
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The Stagnone Nature Reserve, located on the western coast of Sicily near Marsala, is a unique lagoon known for its shallow waters, salt pans, and breathtaking sunsets. Established in 1984, it protects the delicate ecosystem of the lagoon and its surrounding areas. The reserve features salt flats with iconic windmills, where traditional salt harvesting continues.
It is also home to the Phoenician island of Mozia, an archaeological site showcasing ancient ruins and artifacts. The lagoon's calm, shallow waters make it ideal for activities like kiteboarding and birdwatching, particularly for spotting flamingos. The Stagnone combines natural beauty, historical intrigue, and cultural heritage. |
Stagnone Nature Reserve, Sicily
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Migliarino San Rossore Nature Park
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The Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli Nature Park is a protected area located in Tuscany, near Pisa and Lucca, stretching along the Tyrrhenian coast. Covering diverse landscapes, it features pine forests, wetlands, sand dunes, and the scenic Lake Massaciuccoli.
The park is a haven for wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and numerous bird species, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Historically, the San Rossore Estate was a royal hunting reserve, later becoming part of the park established in 1979. |
Migliarino San Rossore Nature Park, Tuscany
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Fanes Sennes Prags Nature Park
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The Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park is a breathtaking protected area in the Dolomites of South Tyrol, northern Italy. Spanning majestic peaks, vast alpine meadows, and pristine forests, it is a haven for hikers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts.
Highlights include the serene Pragser Wildsee (Lake Braies), known for its emerald-green waters, and the dramatic Fanes Plateau, steeped in local legends. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including ibex, marmots, and golden eagles. Established in 1980, it preserves the unique geology and ecosystems of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
Lake Braies, Fanes Sennes Prags Nature Park, Trentino Alto-Adige
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Torre Guaceto
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Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve is located along the coast of Puglia, in the province of Brindisi, southern Italy. Covering approximately 1,200 hectares, the reserve is known for its diverse ecosystems, including sandy beaches, wetlands, and Mediterranean scrubland.
It is a haven for birdwatchers, with various migratory species visiting the area, and the waters are home to sea turtles and abundant marine life. The reserve also features the 16th-century Torre Guaceto, a historic watchtower built to defend against pirates. The area has been protected since 1991, and today, it serves as an ecological sanctuary and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. |
Torre Guaceto, Puglia
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Calafuria Nature Reserve
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The Calafuria Nature Reserve is located along the coast of Tuscany, near the city of Livorno. This protected area is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse Mediterranean flora and fauna.
The reserve stretches along the coastline, offering stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and providing a habitat for various bird species and marine life. Calafuria is particularly popular for hiking, with scenic trails that lead through rocky outcrops and coastal vegetation. The area has a rich history, once being part of ancient trade routes and coastal defences. Today, it serves as a sanctuary for nature lovers and a peaceful escape by the sea. |
Calafuria Nature Reserve, Tuscany
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Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve
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The Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve is located in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, near the town of Colico, at the northern end of Lake Como. Covering over 1,000 hectares, the reserve is a protected wetland area that includes marshes, reed beds, and forested zones.
It is home to diverse wildlife, including many bird species, such as herons and ducks, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. The reserve is also an important ecological site for plant species and offers scenic hiking trails. Historically, the area has been used for agriculture, but in the 1980s, it was designated as a nature reserve to protect its unique ecosystems. |
Pian di Spagna Nature Reserve, Lombardy
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Porto Selvaggio
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Porto Selvaggio is a beautiful natural reserve located along the Ionian coast in the Puglia region of southern Italy, close to Nardò.
Known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged limestone cliffs, it is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area features a mix of Mediterranean vegetation, including pine forests, olive groves, and wildflowers. The reserve also offers scenic walking paths and coves ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Historically, Porto Selvaggio has been an agricultural area, but in the 1990s, it was established as a protected reserve. |
Porto Selvaggio, Puglia
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Puez Geisler Nature Park
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Puez-Geisler Nature Park is located in the Dolomites, in the South Tyrol region of northern Italy. It encompasses a vast area of dramatic alpine landscapes, characterized by jagged peaks, lush meadows, and pristine valleys.
The park is named after the Puez and Geisler mountain groups, which offer some of the most stunning views in the Dolomites. The park is a haven for hikers, climbers, and nature lovers, with numerous trails and scenic vistas. The area has a rich history, with traces of ancient human settlements and cultural traditions. Designated as a regional park in 1978, it is now a protected area. |
Puez-Geisler Nature Park, Trentino Alto-Adige
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