Tuscan National Parks
The nature of Tuscany is very diverse. Here you will find vast expanses of forests, rivers and lakes, fields and vineyards, mountains and hills. Tuscany is blessed with marvelous national parks where you can walk through scenic areas or go camping. The landscapes are breathtaking. Make sure of that by discovering the most picturesque Tuscan national parks.
The Tuscan Archipelago National Park
The Tuscan Archipelago National Park is an integral part of Europe's largest marine reserve. It is a collection of islands, rocks, and reefs of volcanic origin and is a fascinating place to visit on holiday in Tuscany.
The Tuscan archipelago consists of seven main islands – the three larger – Elba, Giglio, Capraia and the four smaller – Pianosa, Montecristo, Gorgona, and Giannutri. Each island has its own flora and fauna. The park is home to 600 plant species and numerous animal species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians. The sea around the islands is rich with coral reefs. Tuscan archipelago is an excellent destination for divers, with underwater caves and shipwrecks scattered around the islands.
The National Park of Casentino Forests, Mount Falterona, Campigna
Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna is a National park in the Province of Arezzo in Tuscany. The park covers an area of 50,000 ha (124,000 acres). It is located between the valley of the Arno river and the upper area of the Casentino.
The area is characterized by a heterogeneous landscape including woods, lakes, and mountains with peaks between 1600 and 2000 meters. There are also high waterfalls and rock faces that offer spectacular views. The park's scenery is characterized by the unspoiled natural environment where the wildlife and flora have been preserved. The region is also known for its rich historical and cultural heritage. There are lots of hiking trails that allow visitors to discover the beauty of this territory and enjoy the views at different times of the year.
Appennino Tosco-Emiliano National Park
The Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park was established in 2001. It covers an area of almost 70,000 hectares. This national park is located in the northern part of Tuscany and the southern part of Emilia Romagna. The park hosts most of the highest peaks of the Apennines, with a maximum altitude of 2,120 meters reached by Monte Cusna. The territory is characterized by various landscapes, from high mountains to wooded hillsides and vast valleys. In this region are present large forests of beech and fir trees, as well as pastures and alpine lakes, grasslands and waterfalls. The landscape of the park also includes numerous castles and isolated villages with ancient origins.
