Italy is one of the most popular vacation destination in Europe and it has many important landmarks that are visited by thousands of tourists every year. Rome, Florence and Milan are three major cities that make the top list of every tourist that comes to Italy, but this European country has so many more hidden treasures to offer so you shouldn’t limit yourself to the popular destinations, especially if you are a nature lover who love unique places.
The magnificent hidden treasures of Italy include forests, waterfalls, botanical gardens, palaces, lakes and other places that are not as crowded as the popular tourist destinations. There are many things to be discovered and activities to be experienced in these places so with no further ado, here are Italy’s hidden treasures:
Garden of Ninfa
Located in central Italy, in the province of Latina, the Garden of Ninfa is an Italian natural monument and a park where a wide range of exotic plants from all around the world can be found. In addition to the beautiful plant species, the park contains medieval ruins covered in rambling roses, several watercourses, numerous cypresses, poplars and oaks. This is the perfect place for those who want a romantic getaway since the Garden of Ninfa is considered the most romantic garden in the world.
Isola Bella, “The Beautiful Island”
Isola Bella is small but splendid island with many baroque architectural treasures and a blooming garden that blend together in a majestic way. Botanists will be happy to discover very rare vegetable essences in the botanical garden, while history nerds can visit and learn about the history of the Borromeo Palace.
Lake Como
Lake Como is situated in the region of Lombardy and it is renowned for its beauty and the dramatic scenery that includes clear blue waters and tall mountains. Visiting Lake Como should include visiting Brunate, the lakeside village from where tourists can admire the entire region. This place was nicknamed “The Alps’ Balcony” because the beauty of the landscapes are breathtaking.
Campo Imperatore
Campo Imperatore, also known as the “Little Tibet”, is the largest plateau of the Apennine ridge famous for its chameleonic appearance. During winter, the whole region is covered in white snow and it is a popular ski resort; during summertime, yellow and brown shades are predominant; spring means various shades of green and autumn has grey hues. The seasonal character changes make this place spectacular year round.
Marmore Waterfalls
The thick forest and luxurious grasslands that surround the waterfalls make this place perfect for nature enthusiasts who love to watch the water flow. Local stories say that the waterfalls inspired many Italian artists and poets thus Marmore Waterfalls are great for those who need inspiration and a place to relax.
Waterfall Varone Cave Park
Waterfall Varone Cave Park hides many amazing nature wonders including a 100 meters waterfall, two mysterious caves that go deep into the mountain and a stunning botanical garden. The natural landscapes and all the beautiful treasures make this place a great hiking, caving and relaxation destination.