My Best Wilderness Locations in Italy (for Swimming and Bathing) With Video

For most travelers, nothing quite beats the thrill of an outdoor adventure. That feeling you get when you step out of the busy urban life is unprecedented. A serene wilderness out there where nature is at its best can be breathtaking.

Factor in a destination with water where you can swim and or bath, and you have more to look forward to. Well, Italy has a fair share of some of the best picks you can consider. You will have many options at your disposal. We have put together four of the best wilderness destination picks for your next trip. If you are planning to enjoy your next getaway, then keep reading to find your perfect next stop.

Golfarone waterfall

Waterfalls have their own way of making any hike worthy. And this particular one offers an impressive climax to a wilderness adventure. The scenery spot is in a quite remote place in Val d’Asta in Appenninno.

How to get there

This waterfall is about 500 meters off the road; you will need to hike along an isolated path from Civago. The path leading to this waterfall is not marked, but it is rather apparent that you can hardly miss it.

Then wade through Secchiello stream to access the 15-meter high waterfall. Look for the right route so as not to become over exhausted. Below it you will find several hops with shallow but very clear water pools.

What to do once your’e there

Once there, you can have a great time cooling from the heat of the day in the wilderness. The only problem is that since 2017, people cannot swim in these pools. This resulted from numerous injuries as people were jumping off the waterfall and injuring themselves in the shallow pools below. Nevertheless, this small yet fascinating destination offers an ideal stop with its crystal clear water pools.

Only make sure not to go down there with sandals. Trekking down the slope to the waterfall is not as easy as a family walk. Consider bringing with you some ideal hiking boots. If you like being out in the wilderness, then this waterfall is worth a try. It offers all the serenity you would ever ask for in a spot away from the crowds.

Poiano Springs – Fonti di Poiano

#fontidipoiano #villaminozzo #modena #stream #apennini #toscoemiliano #tuscany #emiliaromagna #sportcam

Un post condiviso da Emilia Delizia (@emiliadelizia) in data: Ago 2, 2018 at 1:41 PDT

These springs offer yet another impressive destination to check out in Italy. They are located in the Villa Minozzo region. The source and the flow itself are quite amazing, with around 600 liters per second flow. The water is highly saline with minerals, both physically and chemically. It has a high level of sodium chloride, which makes it unique and intriguing scenery to visit. The interest in this spot isn’t new; it has been a cause for curiosity since the 1600s. The spot has an even longer history since about 2 million years ago; this area was under the sea. Then the sea evaporated, leaving the salinity in the hills.

It all started with the quest to exploit the area’s salinity. These waters have several therapeutic indications like constipation in the digestive organs, moderate liver dysfunction, and gallbladder disease. Others include diabetes and obesity among others. If you are looking for a relaxing on a picnic day out in the wilderness, then this is it.

How to get there

You can access them off the bridge Gatta in Castelnovo ne’ Monti town, Le Salse locality. Once you leave the town (which is not hard to find once you are in Italy) and proceed down, head for the banks of river Secchia. It only takes about two hours to reach the springs. The sources stand out thanks to their copious and whitish flow. You can take different routes through the woods, or reach it with a car if you so wish. Then enjoy a nice lawn where you can play.

What to do there

Among the things, you can enjoy include the beautiful fish in the flow. The short walk to the scenic destination takes you through paths that let you see the springs from different points. You will find perfect spots to enjoy the sun and relaxing shades under trees. Then there are tables where you can enjoy your lunch.

There’s also a bar and restaurant with impressive services. And yeah, you can take a bath in the end part of the stream as it enters the Secchia River. Among the reasons why these springs are worth a hard look is that they flow all year around. And every time of the year, the scene and the experience is always breathtaking.

Lago Santo Modenese

#lagosanto #cimone #italy #emilaromagna #glaciallake #altitude

Un post condiviso da Emilia Delizia (@emiliadelizia) in data: Ago 11, 2018 at 11:39 PDT

Italy has many exciting destinations to check out, and this lake is one of the top options on the list. The lake is about 1,501 meters above sea level, and formed from partly glacier and partly landslides. At 1250m perimeter, about 20 meters at its deepest point, and around 550 meters it’s the largest natural lake in the Apennines. The lake has three tributaries flowing into it, one flowing from Boccaia, the other from the Serra coast. And the last stream flows from a grassy 150m long, 600m long Borra dei Porci terrace that hangs about 150m above the lake surface.

Accessing this lake is easy from the nearest and largest village – Pievepelago along Brenner road. From here, you can turn to state road that connects to Passo delle Radicci as you head out to the wilderness Then you will find signs for the Tagliole village and Lake Santo. If you are coming from Abetone, you can make use of a recently opened road along the Dogana Nuova region.

Turn to the left, with the Monte Modino massif on your right side, then cross Valle delle Tagliole and several other villages as Ronchi, Rotari, and others. Along the lake’s shores, you can park your car in a large parking lot available. You can reach it easily from a car park in only a few minutes.

What to do there

This makes a scenic destination for anyone seeking to enjoy the Italian wilderness away from the heat of the city. Have an adventurous time and enjoy the cool, clear and fresh waters and fantastic scenery out here. From swimming to bathing, diving and just kicking back and relaxing, the fun is almost endless. There is always a reason to visit this lake; it has a rich history that you can want to relive. But it’s the lovely scene and the fun out there that will blow you away.

Polle di Molbacco

Polle di malbacco #versilia #tuscany #hiking #riverside #italy

Un post condiviso da Emilia Delizia (@emiliadelizia) in data: Giu 13, 2018 at 1:02 PDT

For a place with fresh and cold bathing water, this is where you need to enjoy a hot summer day out in the wilderness. Here, you will find natural pools for an unparalleled experience. It only takes a few minute hike from Versilia. But finding these pools can prove challenging, make sure to have sensible shoes on. Also, be careful with the stepping-stones. You don’t want to bear an excruciating trek back to your villa.

So, how do I get there?

There are many routes to get to these pools. One of these is crossing Pietrasanta, and proceeding right along the riverbank. Head straight to and past Vallecchia, then cross a bridge and take to the right. Another option is approaching from Pietrasanta, head to Querceta, once you reach the second traffic light, proceed to the underpass and take the route to Monti, past Pozzi and Ripa.

Once you get here, the path is mostly the same. When you get past Corvaia, you will find a fork in the river, with an iron bridge to the right, go for the left-side road. This one will take you past Seravezza, Riomago as well as Molbacco. Keep going right ahead, around 1.2 km past Molbacco, you will come to the first pool on your left. There’s also an ample parking space. Proceed for another 2 km, you will find a sign on the left. You can park here and proceed on a footpath that descends about 10 minutes through the woods to Molbacco.

What to do

You can have fun in these pools, bathing and swimming to cool off the hot sun in the wilderness. It’s best to bring with you a packed lunch. And come in the late morning hours for the best experience. Molbacco pools are among the best destinations you can go for, there’s a lot to see and do. The experience is outright unique.

Apparently, Italy has a whole lot to offer for virtually every adventurer. And these four destinations offer some of the best treats by far. You can always step out there and have all the fun in the cool water. Have a scenic view of the virgin wilderness and enjoy the ample environment away from the cities. The fun is ever flowing out there; go and have a share of this bliss.

Cinque Terre: Is The Via dell’Amore Open?

Bad news first – no, the Sentiero dell’Amore is not currently open. And according to locals it doesn’t seem like a lot of effort is being put into securing the trail for public access.
But now that you know, let’s take a step back and see what we’re talking about and what alternatives you have.

First of all, if you found yourself looking for exciting and stunning trails and footpaths to walk down during your trip to Liguria, the Cinque Terre area is exactly what you need.
It is a portion of the coastal area of Liguria and it spans the Italian Riviera from just West of La Spezia and across five villages. The towns, coastline and surrounding hills are part of the Cinque Terre National Park and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the incredible landscape made of steep cliffs and terraced zones is subject to the elements and is affected by seasonal torrential rains and the consequent floods and mudslides. These events have caused several problems when it comes to the trails that line the Cinque Terre (the most notable example being the subject of this article, the Sentiero dell’Amore), so be careful to check weather alerts (“allerta meteo” in Italian) for dangerous weather conditions, and double check online or with local guides to make sure the trail and footpaths of your choice are currently safe and open to the public.
Of course, while you’re visiting the Cinque Terre, you can’t miss out on the other opportunities unique of this territory, such as local cuisine. You can enjoy great seafood dishes and wines made from locally sourced and produced grapes, and many other dishes and snacks. Try out authentic pesto pasta, focaccia and farinata!

To get back to the topic at hand, let’s see what options are available along the Cinque Terre as far as hiking goes. Don’t worry, there’s plenty to do and see for walkers and hikers both travelling solo, in groups, or with their significant other.

What Exactly Is The Sentiero dell’Amore?

The Sentiero has been closed off to the public ever since a landslide back in 2012. Before the rockfall hit, this particular trail was famous for being the most romantic hike one could possibly do in the Cinque Terre area.
The trail is more of a paved path, like a long terrace overlooking the sea, and easy access for the disabled was available to allow everyone to enjoy the Sentiero. The landslide made it impossible to gain access to the trail, save for a short section that can be reached from Manarola, so anyone looking to walk along the Cinque Terre will have to look for alternatives.

Is It Currently Open?

As mentioned, no. The Sentiero dell’Amore is closed off, and any access to the other trails and footpaths depends on weather conditions, due to the region’s periodic floods and landslides that can always block passage to walkers and tourists. The National Park and local authorities will block access and close paths (most often only for a few days) for safety reasons when heavy rains are expected.

The Problems The Trail Is Facing

Since the region has to face periodical heavy rains, due to the area’s climate and the peculiar shape of the territory, with cliffs and rocky formations, the authorities have to face several occurrences of accidents and damage to the paths along the Cinque Terre. The copious amount of tourists visiting the area and enjoying the activities and establishments in the villages along the area’s trails ensure a steady income that is used to maintain the structures and footpaths, but the severe damage caused in 2012 to the Sentiero dell’Amore still hasn’t been repaired.
One of the main problems in the area remains the landslide between Manarola and Corniglia, that has already caused the trail’s closure during the past year. Local accommodation and business owners maintain some of the trails, as volunteers.
You can easily by-pass the problematic section by enjoying a beautiful walk leading through the hamlet of Volastra.

Here Are Some Alternatives

There are plenty of beautiful, picturesque and romantic trails that you can walk for a fantastically immersive experience in the Cinque Terre, so be sure to check the Park’s official website for info. Some trails are recommended for expert hikers, as they can be quite steep and challenging, but if you’re being accompanied by a tour guide most of the alternative paths to the Sentiero dell’Amore will be completely manageable.
Before the inauguration of the Sentiero dell’Amore, directly coasting the sea with a paved path, locals had been walking the upper path from Riomaggiore to Manarola. This is a trekking trail with steep steps that can pose some challenge when wet because of recent rains, so caution is advised and proper gear is recommended.

Black Truffle Hunting Norcia Umbria

The guests In the green, in the silence of nature and in the beauty of its landscapes will live in Norcia a day as a real “quarryman”.

Discover truffles with a a guided hunting tour by professional guide.

Hunting truffles in Italy — Truffle hunts in Umbria

The itinerary that our guests will travel will be immersed in the green heart of Umbria, in Norcia one of the areas of central Italy with the highest index of biodiversity.

Norcia is in the middle of an area very rich from all points of view and the visitor who arrives there is always surprised by the characteristics of the territory, by the beauty of the landscape,by the local products of gastronomy.

Together with our faithful “friend” fours we walk with our groups on the field and in this way they will make a unique experience and they will observe how it performs the search of famous black truffle of Norcia.

After the tour our guests will eat and test the intense flavor of truffles and with a good glass of wine eat many other tasty local delicacies.

So, In the green, in the silence of nature and in the beauty of its landscapes our guests will live in Norcia a day as a real “quarryman”.

The truffle hunt is guided by Stefano. Professional and licensed guide in Italy. He will take care of making you discover the beauty of these mountains.