Italy is famous for its art, culture, and cuisine, but it is also a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers. From majestic mountains and rolling hills to coastal cliffs and pristine lakes, Italy’s national parks offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Europe. Whether you’re seeking challenging alpine trails, peaceful forest walks, or coastal paths with stunning sea views, there’s a perfect park for every adventurer.
If you’re ready to trade cityscapes for unspoiled natural beauty, here are the best Italian national parks where you can hike, explore, and reconnect with nature.
Gran Paradiso National Park (Piedmont & Aosta Valley)
Nestled in the Italian Alps, Gran Paradiso National Park is Italy’s first and oldest national park, founded in 1922. Originally created to protect the endangered Alpine ibex, it remains a sanctuary for wildlife, including chamois, golden eagles, and marmots. Visitors can explore its vast network of well-marked trails, passing through pristine forests, high-altitude meadows, and glacier-fed lakes. One of the most stunning routes leads to Colle del Nivolet, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
The park is accessible from Turin, with frequent trains and buses connecting to Cogne, Valsavarenche, and Rhemes-Notre-Dame, the main gateways to the park. In winter, the landscape transforms into a snowy wonderland, perfect for ski touring and snowshoeing, while the warmer months provide ideal conditions for wildlife spotting and alpine trekking.
Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park (Veneto)
Located in the heart of the Dolomites, this national park is a dream destination for those who love dramatic rock formations, deep valleys, and hidden alpine lakes. The park offers a unique mix of rugged peaks and lush green meadows, creating a stunning contrast that attracts hikers and nature photographers alike. One of the most famous trails is the Alta Via delle Dolomiti, which passes through remote mountain refuges and spectacular viewpoints.
Reaching the park is relatively easy from Venice or Treviso, with buses and trains connecting to Belluno, the main entry point. Once in Belluno, travelers can access the park via local buses or guided trekking tours, which are ideal for those unfamiliar with the area’s mountain trails. Wildlife enthusiasts may spot ibex, eagles, and rare alpine flowers, making it one of Italy’s most biodiverse regions.
Cinque Terre National Park (Liguria)
The Cinque Terre coastline is world-famous for its picturesque villages perched on cliffs, but the surrounding national park offers some of the most scenic hiking opportunities in Italy. Walking through its ancient terraced vineyards, olive groves, and Mediterranean woodlands, visitors can follow the famous Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail), which links the five charming villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza, and Monterosso.
Getting to Cinque Terre is straightforward, with frequent trains from La Spezia connecting to each of the five villages. Cars are not recommended due to limited parking and steep roads. Travelers looking for a more challenging experience can venture onto the higher trails leading to the Sanctuaries, which provide stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and far fewer crowds.
Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park
For those who want to experience Italy’s wild side, this national park in central Italy is home to some of the country’s most elusive wildlife, including the Marsican brown bear, Apennine wolves, and golden eagles. The park’s vast forests and mountain trails provide a mix of peaceful walks and demanding hikes, with one of the most rewarding routes leading to Monte Meta, a stunning viewpoint over the Apennine mountain range.
The best way to reach the park is by train or bus from Rome, with connections to Pescasseroli, the park’s main visitor center. From there, visitors can explore trails independently or join guided wildlife tours, where experienced local guides help spot the region’s iconic animals in their natural habitat.
Gargano National Park (Puglia)
Located along the Adriatic coast, Gargano National Park is a hidden gem offering a mix of dramatic limestone cliffs, dense Mediterranean forests, and stunning sandy beaches. The Foresta Umbra, a lush and ancient woodland at the heart of the park, provides cool, shaded hiking trails, while the coastal paths near Vieste and Peschici lead to breathtaking sea panoramas.
Gargano is best reached from Bari, with regular buses and trains heading towards Foggia and Vieste, the main access points. Beyond hiking, visitors can take boat trips to the Tremiti Islands, where crystal-clear waters, hidden sea caves, and marine life make for an unforgettable nature escape.
Stelvio National Park (Lombardy & Trentino-Alto Adige)
As one of the largest national parks in Italy, Stelvio National Park boasts glaciers, deep valleys, and towering peaks, making it a prime destination for hikers, mountaineers, and wildlife enthusiasts. The park’s trails lead through high-altitude meadows, glacial lakes, and rugged mountain passes, with one of the best routes passing through Val di Rabbi, where wooden bridges, waterfalls, and alpine huts create a fairytale-like setting.
Located near the Swiss border, the park can be accessed from Milan, Bolzano, or Trento, with train and bus connections leading to Bormio and Santa Caterina, two popular entry points. During winter, it becomes a top destination for skiing and snowboarding, while in summer, it offers some of the most scenic treks in the Italian Alps.
Explore Italy’s Natural Wonders with Maestro Discover Italy
Italy’s national parks are perfect for those seeking adventure, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable outdoor experiences. Whether you want to hike through the Dolomites, explore coastal trails in Cinque Terre, or witness the wild beauty of Abruzzo, these parks offer something for every nature lover.
For those who want a carefully curated, immersive experience, Maestro Discover Italy’s “Aria” itinerary is the ideal choice. Designed for travelers looking to explore Italy’s hidden natural landscapes, this itinerary combines scenic hikes, local traditions, and authentic cultural experiences.
From guided treks in the Alps to discovering secret trails along the Mediterranean coast, our itineraries help you experience Italy’s wild side in a way that’s immersive, responsible, and unforgettable.
