05 Jul The “Bel Paese”
It is not by chance that Italy is also known as the “Bel Paese” (the Beautiful Country). The wonders that nature dispenses from North to South are innumerable and of an infinite variety, from the majestic mountain, with the highest and most suggestive peaks of Europe, to phantasmagorical caves, all the way down to the most intense turquoise coloured seas. Here are ten such places that are great vacation destinations.
1 LAKE OF CAREZZA – VAL D’EGA – BOLZANO – It is in the territory of Nova Levante and is a very popular tourist destination of Trentino Alto Adige. The crystalline water reflects the intense blue of the sky and the green of the thick forests that surround the lake, while the backdrop of the imposing massif of the Latemar dominates the whole scenario.
2 SATURNIA THERMAL BATHS- GROSSETO – This complex of thermal springs is a veritable open-air spa for everyone. These springs have an ancient history and date back to Roman times: the sulphurous water gushes at a temperature of 37 degrees and flows down various slopes forming a series of waterfalls and enchanting natural pools where you can soak and relax.
3 RED ROCKS OF ARBATAX – SARDINIA – These suggestive rocks are the symbol of the coast of Arbatax, in eastern Sardinia. The best time to admire them is during sunset, when the last rays of the sun make the red colour of the rocks is even more intense and the scenery extra suggestive.
4 FIRE OF FURORE – AMALFI COAST- SALERNO – A tiny beach at the bottom of a spectacular rift in the coastal rock, steep walls that enclose the passage and, all around, the wonderful scenery and bright life of the Amalfi Coast. A true gem of nature, to be visited preferably during the off-season, so as to avoid the large crowds of tourists.
5 THE BLUE GROTTO OF CAPRI – NAPLES – It is one of the jewels of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The light that filters from a natural submerged arch gives this little cave an intense turquoise colour, which you will immediately fall in love with.
6 THE SALT FLATS OF TRAPANI – SICILY – Located in a regional nature reserve of Sicily established in 1995 and managed by the WWF. The territory extends for about 1000 hectares, inside of which they still practice the ancient activity of salt extraction. The area is also an important resting place for migratory birds.
7 FRASASSI CAVES – GENGA – ANCONA – These spectacular karst cavities form a complex that can only be partially visited, though the parts you are allowed to visit offer a very exciting journey. Pinnacles of extremely white rock, stalactites and stalagmites, with a clever illumination that enhances all the majesty and beauty of this treasure chest of wonders: they are absolutely worth seeing.
8 THE GIANT’S TOOTH – MONTE BIANCO – VAL D’AOSTA – It is one of the most majestic peaks of the Mont Blanc massif, on the border between Italy and France. The particular profile of this rocky pillar makes it very recognizable, within the impressive setting of the highest mountains in Europe.
9 MARATEA – BASILICATA – It has been nicknamed “the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian” due to its picturesque landscapes and artistic and historical heritage. It is located on the Tyrrhenian coast of Lucania, a rather short but very jagged and spectacular stretch of coastline, with caves, stacks, cliffs and beautiful beaches.
10 DELTA OF THE PO RIVER- EMILIA ROMAGNA – The territory that the Po river crosses before flowing into the Adriatic is a striking network of waters and patches of land that give refuge to hundreds of species of migratory birds. It is a protected area, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is also one of the few places in Italy where one can admire the beauty of the pink flamingos.