Explore the natural wonders of Italy

Rolling Tuscan hills, cypress-lined avenues, dazzling ski slopes, olive groves and bountiful orchards; when it comes to postcard-perfect nature, little compares to the landscapes of Italy. It may be the art, palazzos, ancient history and medieval villages that draw the crowds, but step away from the cities and you’ll discover landscapes as picturesque as any of the masterpieces to be found in the galleries. From Piedmont’s lakes and hills to the untamed beauty of Sicily at the tip of the country’s ‘boot’, read on to discover our favoured landscapes of Italy.

Ski, hike and climb in the Alps and Apennines

Whether you’re travelling in the heat of summer or the depths of winter, there’s never a bad time to visit the Italian Alps. From lush alpine meadows to world-renowned ski slopes, lovers of the great outdoors are spoilt for choice in all seasons. Soaring peaks are snow-capped or verdantly fertile, creating a dramatically beautiful landscape to explore on foot or skis. Starting in Bolzen, ‘the gateway to the Dolomites’, affords beautiful views of the peaks and the opportunity to soak in the natural hot springs before heading into the natural wonderland of activity offered by the mountains. Take a hiking tour, bike or horseback ride through the Dolomites, passing quintessential Alpine villages and cragged peaks framed by forest-clad valleys. In the winter, those hills and valleys are transformed into a glistening paradise where the classic pursuits of skiing and snowboarding are joined by ski mountaineering, cross-country skiing, and other winter adventure sports.

If your Italian adventure has brought you further south to the galleries and history of Rome, but you crave the freedom and space of the mountains, head to the Apennine mountain range in Abruzzo. Here, you can explore rustic villages, stay in agriturismos and sample local pecorino cheese. Explore the cobbled streets of red-roofed villages such as San Donato Val di Comino in the Abruzzo National Park, and head out into the forests and walking trails of this naturally verdant region.

Explore the lakes and vineyards of Lombardy and Piedmont

Following the crystalline waters of the Alps south brings you to the great lakes of Como, Garda and Maggiore. Beloved by Hollywood stars, Lake Como oozes old-school glamour – think oversized sunglasses, striped parasols and limoncello. But it’s also exceptionally scenic; pastel-hued towns nestle between the foothills of the Alps and the sparkling waters of the lake, offering picturesque hikes to mesmerising viewpoints, exhilarating watersports, serene boating trips, and strolls around medieval villages such as Varenna and Bellagio. Every experience here comes with a side serving of spectacular views, whether you’re taking a cooking lesson on the banks of the lake, wine tasting in a vineyard, or discovering Como’s famed silk production.

From lakes to hills, the neighbouring region of Piedmont is a feast for all the senses, especially for oenophiles and gastronomes. From delectable food and wine to staggering views and outdoor activities, the region offers a wealth of experiences amongst rolling hills dotted with neat rows of vines and olive groves. These natural wonders are best experienced through the stomach; soak in vineyard views while learning about wine production and sipping exquisite Barolo wines, or head into the woods in search of the white truffle. Gastronomy and picture-perfect landscapes go hand-in-hand in Piedmont, so pull on your boots and work up an appetite for gianduia made with local hazelnuts, truffle shaved over fresh ravioli, and of course, bountiful cheese and wine.

Quintessential landscapes of Italy: Tuscany’s rolling valleys and hilltop towns

Tuscany’s patchwork of vineyards, olive groves, sun-dappled hills and mist-swathed valleys grace the wish lists of many travellers, and for good reason. This is a region where bucolic landscapes and the locally-produced food and drink are the essence of la dolce vita. Rolling hills topped with medieval villages invite you to roam freely, though the journey is as much a part of the experience as the destination, cruising along winding roads lined with cypress trees.

Visit Cortona for its far-reaching views over Lago Trasimeno and take a drive through the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Val d’Orcia to soak in its quintessential views. As in Piedmont, this fertile landscape means you’re never far from a glass of wine, particularly in the Chianti region. After a day of hiking through landscapes replete with woodlands, orchards and empty hillsides, sipping a glass of world-renowned red while the sun sets over the hills is the perfect reward.

Cruise the Amalfi Coast and beyond

For exploring the coastal landscapes of Italy, little beats the rugged cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its breathtaking natural beauty and cultural heritage. Scenic drives hug the cliffside, bringing you to charming villages that tumble down to the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. If this rugged beauty isn’t dramatic enough, make time for a visit to the ancient ruins of Pompeii, a city frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D.

The jewel of the Amalfi Coast, Positano is a kaleidoscope of colourful Mediterranean houses cascading down the cliffs towards the black volcanic sand beaches and cerulean-blue sea. While most make a beeline for the stylish boutiques and bars, heading away from the crowds will bring you to the mountain trails that wind through the hills, to the cragged rock formations and waterfalls that frame the town.

While Capri’s charms are well-known, the island of Ischia offers a quieter alternative and is a haven of natural beauty, with crystal-clear waters, lush forests, and picturesque villages waiting to be explored. This volcanic island bursts with memorable landscapes, from thermal hot springs to Mount Epomeo, and the medieval Aragonese Castle perched atop a volcanic rock formation.

Discover the untamed beauty of Sicily

The volcanic landscapes of Italy continue in Sicily with Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. But while this forms a brooding backdrop for much of a journey around the island, it’s also the source of the fertile lands that add such life and beauty. Pistachio, olive, chestnut, orange, lemon and almond groves line the hills, making this both a picturesque destination and a joy for foodies. Depending on its activity, a visit to the lunar-like landscape of Mount Etna is a chance to get closer to the volcanic giant, discovering recent lava trails and the blackened earth. To appreciate it from a safer distance, head to the Greek amphitheatre in Taormina, for spectacular views across the Bay of Naxos and Mount Etna.

While Mount Etna might be the first place that springs to mind when you think of Sicilian landscapes, the island’s variety captures the imagination at every turn. Head to the Marsala Salt Pans to experience an equally otherworldly landscape of saline pans that extend along a coastal strip of almost 1,000 hectares. Take a trip to the Valley of the Temples at Agrigento, where ancient Greek temples from the 5th century B.C. stand silhouetted against the brilliant blue of the sky and the sea beyond. Lastly, make time for the beaches of San Vito Lo Capo, Taormina, and the Egadi Islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo, where turquoise waters lap the golden sands and hidden coves.

Make it happen

Whichever area you choose to tour, the extraordinary landscapes of Italy are plentiful. From hills and mountains to coastal beauty and volcanic drama, our local experts can craft an itinerary that immerses you in these natural wonders – get in touch with them to find out more.