Italy is renowned as a beautiful country, but for the most part, people visit its iconic cities, like Rome, Venice and Florence. However, anyone seeking time in nature should visit at least one of the country’s beautiful national parks. In fact, Italy has 25 “parco nazionales” to choose from. They range from stark and beautiful mountains, to gorgeous islands and more, with miles of hiking trails to enjoy. Read on to find out about the top five National Parks to explore this year.

1. Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena, Sardinia, Italy

Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago di La Maddalena was established in 1996 and consists of seven main islands. Meanwhile, a number of smaller islets can also be seen off Sardinia’s northeastern coast. Moreover, the prevailing northwesterly wind has molded the granite of the islands into bizarre natural sculptures.

The best way to explore La Maddalena’s outer islands is by boat. However, the two main islands feature villages with buildings and cobbled piazzas to explore.

2. Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte, Calabria

Parco Nazionale dell’Aspromonte is the second-largest national park in Calabria and rises sharply inland from the port town of Reggio. Meanwhile, the park’s highest peak, Montalto (6414 ft), is crowned with a huge bronze statue of Christ. A climb to the statue offers panoramic views over the water to Sicily. Meanwhile, Aspromonte’s mountains are beautiful but are subject to frequent mudslides that naturally carve the granite.

Moreover, the peaks are coated with beautiful coniferous forests, fed by underwater rivers. It also reveals beautiful flowers during spring making it perfect for hiking. In fact, the park has a number of color-coded trails. The easiest way to access the park is from Gambarie.

3. Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano, Cilento Peninsula

Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano is Italy’s second-largest park and occupies most of the Cilento Peninsula. Meanwhile, some of the best areas of the park can be easily accessed an hour’s drive northeast of Paestum. This includes the fascinating Grotte di Castelcivita, a complex of prehistoric caves close to the town of Castelcivita.

Meanwhile, Sicignano degli Alburni is a wonderful place for hikers with a medieval castle up on Monte Panormo. However, this is a pretty tough hike up the 5,715-foot mountain. An easier hike is from the town of Postiglione, where an 11th-century Norman Castle is only a two-hour walk away.

4. Parco Nazionale del Pollino, Basilicata/Calabria

Parco Nazionale del Pollino is the largest of Italy’s national parks and straddles Basilicata and Calabria. This park features the richest repository of flora and fauna in the south, with roe deer, wolves, wild cats, endangered otters and birds of prey including the Egyptian vulture and the golden eagle living in its alpine meadows and river canyons.

The most spectacular areas to visit include Monti di Orsomarso (6,519 ft), Monte Pollino (7,375 ft) and the striking canyon of the Gole del Raganello. Meanwhile, forests of alder, oak, pine, fir, maple and beech cover the mountains.

5. Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio, Italy

The Italian Alps’ largest national park, Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio spreads into Lombardy and also borders Parco Nazionale Svizzero in Switzerland. Meanwhile, the park has three separate regional sectors, including South Tyrol to the north, Trentino to the south and Lombardy to the west.

This park features an extensive network of marked hiking trails and mountain huts for hikers to enjoy. While some of the trails are challenging, others are easier to explore. Meanwhile, forests and glaciers stand tall with many wildlife species to be spotted.

Explore one of Italy’s magnificent national parks this year – visit the official website for the country’s parco nazionales.