Today, March 21st, marks the International Day of Forests, while tomorrow, the 22nd, we turn our attention to water with the international day of water. These significant days underscore the vital importance of celebrating and, more crucially, preserving the nature that envelops us.
We embrace this mission daily, guided by a steadfast commitment to sustainability. Our passion and meticulous approach fuel our efforts to craft trips that enrich your experience and contribute to the conservation and rejuvenation of the stunning natural landscapes that walkers intimately enjoy.
In light of this, we dedicate this blog post to journeys where forests and water play starring roles: coastal and arboreal adventures perfect for forest bathing or a rejuvenating dip at day's end. These trips offer an up-close view of nature's invaluable bounty across various Italian and European locales.
The Way of St. Francis, from Florence to Chiusi della Verna
The Way of St. Francis is a path rich in forests—a constant in the Saint's life, who cherished natural surroundings and preached fraternity not just among humans but between humans, animals, and the natural elements.
This segment of the journey begins in the Renaissance heart of Florence, surprising you with its swift transition to bucolic, enchanting landscapes. It then delves into the National Park of the Casentinesi Forests, a magical and energizing place home to the Hermitage of Camaldoli; the medieval center of Stia, the woods of Casentino, unforgettable panoramic views over the Val di Sieve and the Sacred Valley.
A beautiful route through some of Italy's least touched forests, culminating in the magic of the La Verna Sanctuary.
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Journey Between Argentario and the Island of Giglio
The Tuscan Archipelago National Park stands as Europe's largest Marine Park. This area encompasses islands of significant natural and historical value, including Capraia, Elba, Montecristo, and the Giglio Island, along with about forty islets off the coast.
Giglio Island is one of the most charming jewels of this coastline, with its crystal-clear sea, rich seabeds framing a 90% untouched nature where low Mediterranean vegetation reigns supreme with its colors and scents. Beautiful sandy beaches and secluded coves, ancient trails through lush nature, breathtaking views, a picturesque harbor, and the evocative medieval village of Giglio Castello make the Giglio Island a treasure to be discovered.
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Majella National Park
Just a short distance from Rome and the Adriatic coast, the natural beauty of the Majella National Park captivates and surprises. Crystal-clear rivers and Alpine meadows, vast forests, enchanting villages, Romanesque monasteries, and much more - a perfect scenario for nature lovers and their families.
Nature reigns supreme here, protected and dictating its rhythms and rules: the park hosts 22% of all European flora, over 2100 different plant species of which 140 are endemic, a triumph that paints these places in every imaginable shade of green, in infinite golden hues in autumn.
This natural wealth is the perfect home for some of Europe's rarest wildlife species.
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Madeira Island, Portugal
Madeira is a wonderful blend of land and water: an island where the sea surrounds and complements footpaths through its astonishing nature, but forests are plentiful - it's believed that Madeira has the largest Laurisilva forest in the world, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site since 1999. 15,000 hectares of forest, 12,000 of which are in a Natural Reserve. Repeatedly voted as one of the world's most beautiful islands, Madeira is the ideal place to enjoy life: from botanical gardens to its fortified wine, from laurel forests to majestic peaks, everything here is a hymn to beauty.
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The Oropa Path, Piedmont
First and foremost, the forests: those choosing this wonderful route discover that the nature of the Biellese area, just an hour by car (and train) from Milan, is untouched and beautiful. The walk from Santhià to the Sanctuary of Oropa, one of Europe's largest Marian sanctuaries, unfolds in an ever-changing natural amphitheater of the Serra Morenica. You'll spend nights in beautiful sanctuaries nestled in the woods. And water? It's a central element, enriching the area with some of Italy's finest waters and fostering the industry of precious wool. Then there's Lake Viverone, where breathtaking sunsets are painted, perhaps enjoyed with a glass of Acqualuce or maybe a Menabrea beer - brewed in Biella. Have we convinced you?
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