An oasis of peace, a precious treasure chest that preserves and safeguards biodiversity, an open-air museum of the landscape and unspoilt nature. These are some of the epithets with which we can define the most beautiful Biosphere Nature Reserves in Italy.
Biosphere Nature Reserves have been recognised by UNESCO as protected natural sites under the MaB (Man and the Biosphere) programme. To date there are 669 in the world, of which 15 are in Italy. The programme aims to strengthen the coexistence of people and the environment in order to ensure sustainable development and better land management.
Moreover, these nature reserves are the perfect place to spend a fairytale weekend, surrounded by nature and far from the stress of the city. If you want to spend a day with friends or family, you won't find a better solution!
Here we want to tell you about 5 Biosphere Nature Reserves, and to decide where to stay during your trip, we recommend you take a look at Rentalia.com, the best portal for holiday homes throughout Italy.
Discover Ticino Valley Biosphere Reserve
A few kilometres from Milan is the Valle del Ticino, a nature reserve of more than 150,000 hectares, created with the aim of protecting the natural and environmental beauty of this river ecosystem from increasingly invasive urbanisation. The Ticino Valley was recognised as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2002 and is an important ecological corridor between the Alps and the Apennines and an irreplaceable reservoir of biodiversity. Within the reserve there is an extensive network of hiking trails, which cover 800 km and are of high naturalistic interest.
Discover Po Delta Biosphere Reserve
Close to Ravenna is the beautiful Po Delta Regional Park, declared a Biosphere Nature Reserve in 2015. This park includes the various river confluences, sand formations, lagoons, marshlands and cultivated areas of inestimable environmental value. The landscapes are gentle and charming, perfect for relaxing and reconnecting with nature. However, for those who want to spice up their outing, a variety of sporting activities are available in the park: from hiking and cycling to canoeing and boating.
Discover Circeo Biosphere Reserve
In Lazio, there is a splendid reserve that aims to safeguard an environment of high hydrogeological, faunal and naturalistic interest: we are talking about the Circeo Natural Biosphere Reserve. The National Park, which coincides with the reserve, includes a forest, coastal dunes, three coastal lakes, marshy areas, the limestone massif of Monte Circeoand pastures and agricultural areas. The main challenge here is the threat of water pollution in the lakes, and in order to raise awareness and inform visitors, the reserve offers interesting environmental education activities and a beautiful eco-museum.
Discover Cilento and Vallo di Diano Biosphere Reserve
Awarded the title of Biosphere Nature Reserve by UNESCO in 1997, this National Park was actually created a few years earlier, in 1991, with the aim of protecting the Cilento area from building abuse and increasing mass tourism. This nature reserve, located in the province of Salerno, includes cliffs, bays, sea caves, small mountains with karstic features, forests and pastures. One of the most recommended activities here is birdwatching, given the wide variety of bird species that live in the reserve. The park features flora with more than 1,800 plant species, including Palinuro primrose, the park's symbol. The cultural heritage of the reserve is also enriched by several archaeological sites such as Paestum, which trace the succession of various civilisations that have inhabited the area throughout history.
- Find holiday rentals in Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park
- Find houses and flats for sale in Salerno
Discover Tepilora, Rio Posada and Montalbo Biosphere Reserve
Quite recently, in 2017, the Tepilora, Posada and Montalbo Park also became part of the Italian Biosphere Reserves recognised by Unesco. This nature reserve is located just a few kilometres from Olbia, covers an area of 8000 hectares and protects an interesting biodiversity characterised by the Mediterranean sclerophyll forest and the typical fauna of the Sardinian maquis, which includes wild boar, foxes, fallow deer and mouflon, as well as various bird species including the golden eagle, which nests on Tepilora. In our ranking of the most beautiful Biosphere Nature Reserves in Italy, you cannot miss this natural paradise in Sardinia, which will steal your heart with its breathtaking paths and landscapes.