The online platform Musement has created a ranking of the most popular national parks in Italy, based on the number of reviews received on Google. In the top ten magnificent Italian places to visit from one end of the boot to the other. First in the standings is the national park of Cinque Terre. At 3.860 hectares, it is the smallest national park in the country, but also the most densely populated. The five romantic villages perched on the cliffs (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare) are famous all over the world. Today, a vast network of hiking trails, which extends over 120 km, allows you to explore the area and move from one village to another on foot.
Parks of Italy
Vesuvius National Park, 30.308 reviews. Located a few kilometers from Naples, it was established in 1995 with the aim of protecting Vesuvius and the surrounding area. Of great historical, geological and naturalistic interest, the park preserves centuries-old traditions, which make it a truly unique place. Furthermore, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes, it is a paradise for those who love trekking.
Gargano National Park, 19.177 reviews. With its 121.118 hectares it is one of the largest protected areas in our country and can boast an enormous diversity of habitats and landscapes. From high cliffs with caves and natural arches, to coves of fine sand, from Mediterranean scrub to the dense vegetation of the Umbrian forest. The picture is completed by the picturesque white villages that have preserved their historical structure, such as Vieste and Peschici, and the four Tremiti islands, famous for the quality of their waters and the richness of underwater life.
National Park of Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni, 18.220 reviews. Thanks to the archaeological sites of Paestum and Velia and the Certosa di Padula, it was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1998. The protected area, which extends over 80 municipalities in the province of Salerno, hosts a rich cultural, landscape and environmental heritage. Characterized by suggestive places such as the Valle delle Orchidee, Monte Cervati or the Capelli di Venere waterfalls, medieval villages such as Castellabate and Camerota, important archaeological sites and numerous trekking and mountain-bike trails.
naturalistic oases
Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park, 15.494 reviews. Most of the nature reserve is located in the provinces of L'Aquila, Pescara and Teramo, in Abruzzo, extending to a lesser extent also in Lazio and the Marches. Here is the Gran Sasso d'Italia, which with its 2.912 meters is the highest mountain in the Apennines. Among its beauties the Campotosto lake, the Morricana waterfall and the fairy-tale Rocca Calascio.
National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, 12.449 reviews. It covers over 50.000 hectares in the provinces of L'Aquila, Frosinone and Isernia. It is located in the heart of the central Apennines and one of its most famous inhabitants, as well as a symbol, is the Marsican brown bear. While it can be visited at any time of year, spring and early summer, when nature is at its best, are the perfect time for a hike in the park. Here there are about 150 ecotourism itineraries, for a total length of over 250 km.
Pollino National Park, 12.098 reviews. Covering 200.000 hectares, it is the largest national park in Italy and since 2015 it has been part of the Unesco World Geoparks Network. One of its most recognizable symbols is the loricato pine, a tree with an enormous capacity to survive in hostile habitats, above 1.000 meters of altitude. This exceptional natural site, with its Dolomite crests, luxuriant forests and dizzying canyons, is a real paradise for those who love outdoor sports. In fact, here you can practice many different activities, including hiking, climbing, rafting and canyoning.
Between parks, paths and ancient villages
Stelvio National Park, 11.382 reviews. High mountain park is located in the heart of the Central Alps, between Lombardy, Trentino and Alto Adige, above 2.000 meters for over half of the protected area. The 1.500 km of trails allow you to explore its extraordinary landscape, dotted with glaciers, glacial lakes, waterfalls, wooded areas, rugged peaks and green pastures, as well as splendid panoramic villages. For those who love cycling and motorcycling, the Stelvio Pass is the highest mountain road in Italy, with its 48 hairpin bends.
Sibillini Mountains National Park, 11.194 reviews. It spreads over a predominantly mountainous territory, where the landscape of the limestone massif of the Apennine chain predominates, with numerous peaks exceeding 2.000 meters in height. For those who want to fully explore the area, "The Great Ring of the Sibillini" is a hiking trail of about 124 km that covers the entire mountain range. Among the park's attractions, don't miss a visit to the flowering lentil fields of Castelluccio di Norcia, an explosion of colors that usually reaches its peak between the end of June and the beginning of July.
Gran Paradiso National Park, 9.093 reviews. The first national park in Italy, concludes the Musement ranking with a flourish. This protected area extends between Valle d'Aosta and Piedmont. As you go up the slopes, the trees give way to alpine pastures and, in the highest areas, the rocks and glaciers become the protagonists. For those who love trekking there is a vast network of hiking trails that extends for over 500 km, crossing the five valleys of the protected area. The network includes both short and multi-day excursions, which can be done in stages.
(Source Ansa Agency)
