Brian of PizzaSpotz
Of course, the first thing you do when in Italy is eat pizza, preferably in Naples. But when you’re done eating, what is there to do in Italy for the nature lover. Well, here is our list of natural wonders in Italy for you to visit after eating pizza in Naples or anywhere else you may be eating pizza.
These seven natural wonders of Italy are amazing. Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and this list testifies to that. Have you ever visited these seven natural wonders of Italy? Let our readers know.
All photos are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.
7. Alcantara River
The Alcantara River is a natural wonder found in Sicily. It begins at Mount Nebrobi and empties after 52km into the Ionian Sea. There is plenty of flora and fauna to be found 573 sq km river basin. If you enjoy birding, you will find many species here including the Golden Oriole, peregrine falcon, honeycomb-shaped flask, the Glossy Ibis and many more.
6. Mount Etna
This makes two natural wonders in a row found in Sicily. Mount Etna, found on the east coast of Sicily is an active volcano, one of the most active in the world. Thousands of people visit the volcano each year. It can be traversed by cable car to 2500m and a drive or walk to the crater area. You can also take a narrow gauge railway which runs around the volcano. If you prefer to ski, there are two areas just for you.
5. Gran Paradiso National Park
Gran Paradiso was the first national park to be established in Italy. Whether you enjoy the Alpine grasslands, mountains or woodlands, there is something for you in Gran Paradiso.
Filled with the protected Alpine Ibex, Gran Paradiso National Park also has many other species such as
stoat, weasel, chamois, Eurasian badger and Alpine marmot and many more. Birds are also in abundance with over 100 species making their home in Gran Paradiso on a part or full-time basis, these include Golden Eagles, Black Woodpeckers and the Eurasian Eagle-owl.
4. Rosengarten
In northern Italy, you will find a range of mountains that can at times be pink in appearance. This is due to to dolomite minerals in the mountains. This range is a sight which has to be seen. There is a legend of King Laurin which was a popular story used to explain the appearance of the mountains. King Laurin was ruler over a race of dwarves who mined the mountain for jewels.
The highest peak is the Rosengarten is Kesselkogel. It towers at 3,002 meters above sea level.
3. Lake Garda
Lake Garda is the largest lake in Italy. It is located in northern Italy and is not very far from Verona.
You can take in the beauty as seen in most alpine areas such as olive groves and vineyards. If you are more concerned with activities than the natural beauty of the lake, browse through shops in enchanting villages along the shore line or take part in a number of watersports and activities offered on the lake.
2.Mt. Stromboli
One of three active volcanoes in Italy, Mt. Stromboli, off the northern coast of Sicily, is in continuous eruption but the last major eruption was in 2009. There are three villages on the island of Stromboli. These are San Bartolo and San Vincenzo in the northeast and Ginostra (population 40) on the southwest part of the island. No cars are on the island but you can get around with scooters or mountain bikes which can be rented at Stromboli (made up of the villages of San Bartolo and San Vincenzo).
1. Blue Grotto
Absolute beauty can be seen here when you visit. But this beauty is only able to be seen 90 days a year due to tides and the Blue Grotto cannot be accessed on days with rough seas because of the very small entrance. Light is filtered through the water to create the blue appearance, filtering out the red tones. Also, any object stuck into the water will have a silver appearance. In ancient days, some thought devils or sirens lived in this cave.
Get more information about touring the Blue Grotto here.
