Italy Nature & Wildlife
There are over 100 mammal species found in Italy and common examples include the small alpine marmot, European snow vale, the Eurasian lynx, the Italian wolf, and the Marsican brown bear. On the coasts, dolphins and Mediterranean monk seals can be spotted. With 24 national parks, more than 1.5 million hectares of land in Italy are protected. This amount is equal to 15% of the national terrain. Famous parks include Gran Paradiso National Park, Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park and Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park.
Located in the Graian Alps, Gran Paradiso National Park was established in 1922. It became Italy’s first national park and was initially designed to protect the Alpine Ibex. It now provides shelter for not only the ibex but for other species including the ermine, alpine chamois, wolves, hares, and more. More than 100 bird species are found in the park, as are butterfly species like apollo, peak whites, and southern small white. The park gets its name from Gran Paradiso Mountain located within its borders. With an elevation of 4,061 m (13323.49ft), it is the seventh highest mountain in the Graian Alps.
Established in 1990, Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park has declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009. The park is home to the Dolomites Mountain Range in northeastern Italy. There are more than 1,300 plant species in the park and most areas remain untouched. Many people visit Dolomiti Bellunesi for its renowned skiing, mountain climbing, hiking, base jumping, paragliding, and many more adventure sports.
Like Gran Paradiso, Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise National Park were established in 1922. The park is spread over three provinces and twenty-five municipalities and as a result, represents a wide array of landscapes. Brown Marsican bears, wolves, ibex, and other species call the park home, as do many birds of prey. Activities in Abruzzo, Lazio, and Molise include horse riding, trekking, cycling, canoeing and more
Italy Vacation Information
At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to Italy.
Learn about the history and culture of Italy, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Italy's nature and wildlife, weather, and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering Italy for yourself. Start exploring...book your Italy vacation today!
Extend your Stay
Consider an additional stopover to your Italy vacation at one of Goway's other European destinations. You can choose from a Paris vacation, a London vacation, or an Amsterdam vacation, en route to or from Italy.
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