REGIONS BY NATURE.

SICILY AND TUSCANY
REGIONS BY NATURE.
PROJECT
urismo Verde is a project arising from the will of regions Tuscany and Sicily to enhance their local values and traditions
through a rediscovery of a wide natural heritage which is tightly connected with local artistic and cultural features, in order to provide
a value-added tourist offer able to turn existing local potentials into a social and financial resource as well as favour a wider awareness on the value of nature and its preservation at local community levels.
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In a wider, more ambitious context, Tuscany and Sicily - the only Italian regions boasting an internationally renown “brand” - also wish to contribute
to a more effective placement of Italy as a “product” on the international
marketplace by strengthening their image with this partnership project.
On the cross-regional level, Turismo Verde arose from the following
intents:
· establish an integral project within Tuscany and Sicily promotional activities;
· enhance image and coordination between both regions through
the Italy offer;
· develop all promotional actions within
a “sustainable” tour ism development
pro gram through
the certification of
Turismo Verde locations in partnership
with industry associations;
· offer fresh insights on the peculiarities of Tuscan and Sicilian
territories from the perspective of traditions and high-quality
manufactures in protected areas;
· support company offers through the co-ordinated scheduling of
actions aimed at differentiating and characterising local offers;
· create a qualification program for Turismo Verde circuit by
promoting the spread of procedures for companies to apply for
membership.
By complementing existing and ongoing independent initiatives for a sustainable development of tourism in either protected areas or areas of environmental interest, Sicily and Tuscany regions agreed a set of guidelines
for the implementation of a shared project in order to meet the following targets:
· implementation of targeted actions aimed at turning protected areas in Tuscany and Sicily into area destinations;
· creation of tourist
flows that are sustainable to local production entities;
· support to life quality initiatives for local
communities and tourists, able to fit typical
environmental tourism standards.
SPECIFIC ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN IN SICILY
experience sharing and spread industry best practices.
Taking into consideration the peculiar patterns of local tourist offer
in relation with naturalistic areas, which are not always optimally
oriented toward enjoyment and visibility, Regione Siciliana exploited
the opportunities offered by this project in order to provide for a
tangible, straight aid to reception system improvement, with particular care for the accessibility by the disabled and “knowledge spreading” on local wildlife heritage, by means of direct action aimed at
enhancing tourist reception in situ and promotion and entertainment actions aimed at strengthening local understanding of development opportunities related to environment and environment preservation, as well as to spread awareness on a proper management
of these resources.
Such actions complement further initiatives already promoted by
Regione Toscana in order to strengthen local understanding on development opportunities related to environment and environment
preservation, as well as to spread a better knowledge on a suitable
management of such a heritage by promoting preservation actions
that prove to be suitable in terms of profitability and sustainability,
as well as a triggering means for the achievement of customer satisfaction.
SPECIFIC ACTIONS UNDERTAKEN IN TUSCANY
Within the frame of local promotional and entertainment actions
for Turismo Verde project, several actions aimed at developing
environment protection initiatives
and proper tourist behaviour were undertaken.
In the light of a «virtuous exchange»
perspective, debate and awareness-raising events were organised for those having the responsibility to manage wildlife sanctuaries and other reception facilities
in both areas in order to promote
By virtue of such a role, Tuscan parks involved in Turismo Verde project addressed a younger target to spread awareness on the natural
world and promote park-related tourism.
In line with set targets, this
brochure in an introduction to
subjects involved in Turismo
Verde project. Readers will find
ex cursion itineraries, most
valuable points of interest, and
directions for a proper and
concerned enjoyment. This is a
su stainable journey – path
after path – to the discovery of
na turalistic and landscape
beauties that make Sicily and
Tuscany, regions by nature.
TUSCANY
TUSCANIAN-EMILIAN
APENNINES
NATIONAL PARK
rom grasslands to bilberry heathland, from wild peaks to lakes,
waterfalls, water sheets and rock faces rising sheer on water
streams, this Park boasts an extraordinary variety of landscapes, as
well as several fauna specimens such as wolves, mouflons, roes, golden
eagles, and botanic rarities. Visitors will find paths to go for a walk, mountain bike ride or horse ride among ridges between Tuscany and Emilia, up
to Alpe di Succiso, Prado Mount and Cusna Mount – over 2000 metres
above sea level. Some of the most interesting paths in the Tuscan side are
provided below.
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EASILY ACCESSIBLE PATHS IN THE ORECCHIELLA SANCTUARY
Three “improved” paths - for people with limited motor or sensory abilities - run through this sanctuary and cross at shared centres of attraction
for tourists: the visitors’ centre, the wildlife sanctuary, and Bears sanctuary. About 450 metres long with an average 6% slope, the Fontanone
path develops in a coniferous wood and is particularly suitable for the
visually impaired, as it is rich in sounds (birds, foliage, water) and scents.
A wooden handrail ensures path safety on the valley side. 1020 metres
long, the Orsi path allows to safely approach plantigrad specimens - kept
apart by means of a solid fence – in a natural environment, with a beautiful view on Alpi Apuane and surrounded by a shrubby vegetation
(brooms, ferns, and wild roses). Pastures show traces of boars and deer.
Not so far away, the 320 metre long Cervi path offers wildlife sanctuaries hosting deer, mouflons, black grouses, and roes. (Info: Riserva Naturale
dell’Orecchiella - San Romano Garfagnana (LU), phone: 0039 0583 955 525)
BOTANICAL GARDENS OF FRIGNOLI - SASSALBO
Frignoli Botanical Gardens (900 m a.s.l.), can be found on National Road
no. 63 “Passo del Cerreto”. It is a public facility managed by Legambiente
devoted to environmental education and preservation of plant-life specimens within the Park territory. Primula Apennina is a symbol for this
Botanical Garden, being the only pink-petal flower growing on northern
Apennines. You can visit the botanical garden accompanied by naturalist
experts and spend the night in the guest room.
THE PATH
A slightly sloping mule track included in the Trekking Lunigiana circuit departs
from Frignoli and enters the wood. The Rosaro stream bed is easily reachable; from there, you will remount to Sassalbo, the hamlet where the Park
has its headquarters and the last city on the Tuscan side before Passo del
Cerreto. Along the way, you will enjoy a beautiful landscape on Apennine
ridges and particularly of the Triassic Gypsum outcrops above Sassalbo.
PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
Frignoli Entrance
Path length:
2.5 km
Travelling time:
30 mins.
Rise:
40 m
Difficulty:
E (excursion)
PRACCHIOLA - PRATI DI LOGARGHENA
Take the road to Cirone mount, just above Pracchiola (700 m a.s.l.) to
rise to Casseri mount (1217 m. a.s.l.) and reach the homonymous Saddle
("Sella"). Here you will pass road no. 128 - Strada Lombarda, an ancient
path running through Passo del Cirone which was once covered by wayfarers and pilgrims before the Bardote Mount road - the Francigena road
- was developed. Turn right to go along the valley of “Borra del Sale” up
to Portile pass between Logarghena and Braiola mounts. In a short time
you will reach Rifugio Mattei at Prati di Logarghena, where a sea of jonquils blooms in the Spring.
PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
Pracchiola
Path length:
10 km
Travelling time:
3 hours
Rise:
520 m
Difficulty:
E ( excursion)
POINTS
OF INTEREST
Pania di Corfino
A wild, rocky calcareous mountain massif rich in interesting plant and
animal specimens, as well as in geological items. A narrow gorge
between Pania di Corfino side and Sassorosso wall crossed by the
Fiume stream. A couple of golden eagles lives here. Accessible from
Orecchiella sanctuary.
Apella
Laying at the Apennine mountainside, this is the most northern hamlet of Licciana Nardi. Apella boasts a stately tower in a visual correspondence with Varano and Torre Nocciola towers on the other side
of Taverone river. Apella hosts a museum on Risorgimento devoted to
Anacarsi Nardi from Apella, who was shot in Calabria in 1844 along
with Bandiera brothers group.
Fortress of Verrucole
Verrucole rises at the core of north Garfagnana. Its Fortezza is considered as the most important Middle-age remains in the area. Traces
of ancient local settlements are constituted by several findings from
the Neolitics, a Ligurian necropolis (close to San Romano), and the
Roman-age Via Clodia road, though early written testimonies date
back to Middle Ages.
Info: Parco Nazionale Appennino tosco-emiliano, via Comunale, 23 54010
Sassalbo di Fivizzano (MS) - Phone +39.0585 947200
www.parcoappennino.it - [email protected] skype: parcoappennino.it
FORESTE CASENTINESI
MONTE FALTERONA
ENATIONAL
CAMPIGNA
PARK
his is one of the most valuable wood areas in Europe, with a
huge flora heritage and an extremely interesting fauna including Wolf, Golden Eagle, and several ungulates species.
Besides more demanding footpaths, nine Naturalistic Pathways, easily
accessible short itineraries are available arranged in order to show
landscape peculiarities. Three highly-accessible pathways (“Sentieri
per tutti... i sensi”, “Paths for every... sense”) are also available for the
visually impaired and disabled suffering from motion-related diseases.
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BADIA PRATAGLIA-CAPANNO,
LA FAGGETA (BEECH WOOD) NATURALISTIC PATHWAY
Developing from Badia Prataglia to the Camaldoli Hermitage, this
pathway crosses the small, enchanting valley of the Archiano d’Isola
stream, lined by an astonishing beech wood. “La Faggeta” also hosts
other tree specimens that were planted over 150 years ago. The path
intersects a tight net of further paths, a road net once used by local
inhabitants as well as by pilgrims and merchants. Several buildings still
witness that intense traffic with chapels, crosses, majesties, bridges,
and passageways.
PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
Badia Prataglia
Path length:
about 2 km (ring-shaped path)
Travelling time:
2 hours (including rests and way back)
Rise:
100 m
Difficulty:
T (tourist)
Recommended period:
May to November
CASTAGNO D’ANDREA, LA CIVILTÀ DEL CASTAGNO
(CHESTNUT TRADITIONS) NATURALISTIC PATHWAY
This pathway will lead you through the discovery of farm life and
chestnut traditions. Some huge chestnut tree specimens reaching 2025 m in height and 1 metre in diameter can be found along the road.
Men’s traces appear along the path: a desiccator used to dry sweet
chestnuts and eventually extract flour from them; and a “stazzo”, that
is a rock fence where flocks were collected at night in order to protect them against wolves.
PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
Castagno d'Andrea
Path length:
3 km (ring-shaped path)
Travelling time:
2 hours (including rest and way back)
Rise:
150 m
Difficulty:
T (tourist)
Recommended period:
April to November
POINTS
OF INTEREST
Penna Mount
A panoramic spot on the Lama wood below and on a large stretch of
valleys descending toward Romagna. This is one of the most evocative
shows offered by the Apennines: at the end of October, these centuryold woods acquire a wide range of colours. During clearer days, the
view line reaches the Adriatic coast and Romagna hills from Faenza
through Rimini provincial territories.
Camaldoli
The history of Camaldoli is tightly connected with a Benedictine monk St. Romuald - who was attracted by the beauty of the surrounding wood
and by the possibility to build a refuge for pilgrims. In 1012, he decided
to build a hermitage and establish an order. Today, two important and
evocative historic and spiritual buildings such as the Hermitage and
Monastery may be visited, in a beautiful frame constituted by the surrounding woods.
The Park Peaks
The Falterona mount (1654 m) and Falco mount (1658 m) constitute
the most significant massif in the Park. The spring known as Capo
d’Arno rises close to the Falterona mount southern side, at 1358 m
a.s.l. This is deemed to be the spring for the major Tuscanian river.
Farther East you will find Lago degli Idoli, the most significant archaeological site in the Casentino area. The highest Park and Romagna
Apennines peak, Falco mount, stands in the proximity. Black cranberry and rare mountain cranberry brushes can be found in the prairies
surrounding the peak as well as in the leech woods nearby.
Ente Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi Monte Falterona e Campigna
via Guido Brocchi, 7 - 52015 Pratovecchio (AR) - phone +39.0575.50301
Comunità del Parco: via Nefetti, 3 - 47018 Santa Sofia (FC)
phone +39.0543.971375 www.parcoforestecasentinesi.it
[email protected]
ARCIPELAGO
TOSCANO
NATIONAL PARK
even islands are included in the Arcipelago Toscano National
Park: just like stone rafts spread through the Tyrrhenian sea, they
are made of magma rocks, lava and sediments revealing the complex geologic process that lead to the creation of the archipelagos. This
Park offers a tight net of pathways to follow by walk, horse ride or
mountain bike. If you are after relaxation, you may enjoy the landscape
from resting areas arranged at most evocative spots. Trekking lovers
may walk along the Grande Traversata Elbana (GTE) or rise the
Capanne mountainside (1018m), the highest peak in the archipelagos.
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PATHWAY STARTING FROM CASA DEL PARCO DI MARCIANA
PEAK OF CAPANNE MOUNT
This is one of the most beautiful itineraries available in the park, for
the astonishing landscape you may enjoy from Capanne mount: from
the jagged coast of the Elba island to the other archipelagos islands,
and Corsica. Several rare and endemic plants are available along the
path such as violet and Capanne cornflower, St. John’s red lily, several
orchid species and genista desoleana. Moreover, small Mouflon
groups can be seen and some raptor birds (kestrel, buzzard). You can
reach the Capanne mount peak by a cableway available in the proximity of the hamlet.
TO THE
THE PATH
Start from Casa del Parco di Marciana and follow the directions to
path no.6 until you rise along wide hairpin bends inside the wood.
Pass the wood, cross a flat stretch and then take the intersecting path
no.2 until you reach directions to path no.1, to be followed until you
reach the peak.
PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
Casa del Parco di Marciana
Travelling time:
about 3 hours and 30 mins
Rise:
650 m a.s.l.
Difficulty:
Average
POINTS
OF INTEREST
Capraia
The island is only inhabited over the stretch leading from the pier to
the hamlet. A wild, unpolluted nature rules over the remaining sides
and extends to the sea along small valleys crossed by pathways.
Giglio
This pearl - second in size after Elba - rises in the proximity of the
Argentario. A wide brushwood grows between its hamlets and develops through a series of well-signalled pathways.
Pianosa
After 150 years of “prison activities”, this island has been “freed” in
1998. You can reach it all the year long by taking a regular means
every Tuesday (www.toremar.it). In Summer, private companies also
connect this island with the main piers of Tuscanian coast.
The visit points
Case del Parco represent a reception point for tourists where you
may ask for information and publications on the Park. These constitute a very important tool for the introduction to the environmental
and cultural values of this wildlife sanctuary. Elba hosts two Case del
Parco: one in Rio nell’Elba and the other in Marciana. They are open
during Summer. We also inform you that in Portoferraio (seaport
area) the Info Park Are@, that is a tourist- information centre by
Guide Ambientali, is open all the year, for buying your gadgets and
maps, and having informations about area’s fruition.
Audouin’s Gull (Larus audouinii)
One of the rarest gull species inhabiting the Mediterranean Sea and
the archipelagos, Audouin’s Gull is protected by European regulations
for its rarity and also is a symbol to this National Park. A species at
preservation risk, it is well recognised by its red beak and greenish
feet, dark eyes and little size compared to herring gull and black-headed gull.
Info: Ente Parco Nazionale Arcipelago Toscano, via Guerrazzi, 1 57037 Portoferraio (LI) - phone +39.0565.919411
Fax +39.0565.919428 www.islepark.it - [email protected]
ALPI
APUANE
REGIONAL PARK
he Alpi Apuane Regional Park offers visitors a wide range of itineraries
to be enjoyed by walk, mountain bike or horse riding. Some of the
most popular itineraries are introduced below.
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CAMPOCATINO - EREMO DI SAN VIANO NATURAL PATHWAY
An easy ring-shaped itinerary allowing to cross the whole Campocatino
grass basin, once a glacial basin: a LIPU oasis where bird watching and butterfly watching activities may be carried out. After an initial stretch among
shepherds' “caselli” (huts) and past the terraces that were once cultivated
you will reach a beech wood lying at the Roccandagia north-western wall,
to be crossed up to its imposing south-eastern corner: when on the ridge,
you may even see golden eagles. Once you get to the dirty road leading back
to Campocatino, you can either end your trip there (1 hour and 30 minutes
so far) or take a steep mule track leading to S. Viano, a recessed hermitage
in a rocky wall overhanging Arnetola valley.
PATH FEATURES
Path length:
4 km
Travelling time:
3 hours
Rise:
200 + 100 m
Difficulty:
E (excursion)
Alternatives:
Itineraries starting from the LIPU Centre – CAI path 177
- leads to Vagli sopra. (E)
Equipment:
clothing suitable for the period of the year, boots,
jacket, k-way jacket, hat, flask, binoculars
MOUFLON PATHS
PRUNO-MOSCETA-LEVIGLIANI ITINERARY
Start from Pruno (m 468 a.s.l.), a hamlet laying at Forato mountainside (m
1223 a.s.l.). The Forato mount is a breathtaking mount made of two peaks
linked by a clay arc measuring 32 m and moulded by erosive agents (see
picture). Follow the CAI path no.122, to cross century-old chestnut wood
and reach Colle a Iacopi. Follow the pathway rise to a mixed broadleaf
woodand reach Alpe di Pruno, where altitude prairies stretch; you will then
reach the Passo dell’Alpino (1080 m a.s.l.), a beautiful observation point of
the Apuane mountains: from here, take the CAI path no. 9 to cross a pasture area typically attended by mouflons. Cross a regenerated coniferous
wood to reach Foce di Mosceta and Rifugio (1180 m a.s.l.), between the
Corchia mount (1677 m a.s.l.) and Pania della Croce (1858 m a.s.l.), in the
very core of the Park. You may want to take an alternative road back: get
to the Passo dell’Alpino and go along path no. 9 to descend along a mule
track with breathtaking hairpin bends and reach the Antro del Corchia
entrance, then enter the hamlet of Levigliani (600 m a.s.l.) by following an
ancient pathway crossing mixed broadleaf woods and chestnut woods.
When in Levigliani, a visit to the “Museo della Pietra piegata” (Bent stone
museum), “Miniera dell’Argento vivo” (Live Silver Mine) and to a marble
cave is recommended.
PATH FEATURES
Path length:
about 4.3 + 4.7 Km (return)
Travelling time:
4 hours 30 mins.
Rise:
712 m
Slope:
580 m
Difficulty:
E (excursion)
Alternatives:
Trip to Forato mount or Pania della Croce and Pizzo
delle Saette or M.Corchia or Alpeggi di Puntato
or Isola Santa
Equipment:
clothing suitable for the period of the year, boots,
jacket, k-way jacket, hat, flask, binoculars
POINTS
OF INTEREST
Alpi Apuane Botanical Garden
Pietro Pellegrini - Pian delle Fioba (MS)
This Garden stretches over a surface exceeding 3 hectares, on a rocky
complex made of marble outcrops and “grezzoni”. Several specimens of
endemic and “relic” plants grow on the rock such as Globularia incanescens
(see picture), Santolina leucantha, Moltkia suffruticosa o Alchemilla xantochlora, a plant typically growing in wet areas and residing into the lake. The
Garden also offers an “easier” pathway and a multi-media room for basic
scientific activities sorting of Garden plants and most of all, environmental
education.
The tourist caves of “Alpi Apuane”
Alpi Apuane, as a whole, are one of the biggest karstic area of the Europe.
Visitors can see: “La Buca di Equi Terme” in Lunigiana, that is connected to “La
Tecchia” by a tunnels’ net, employed in the ancient time by bears and people,
as a refuge or burial; “Antro del Corchia” in Levigliani, Alta Versilia, has got 60
km of scouted tunnels and wells; but tourists can cover only about 1 km in a
confortable and illuminated way, into the bowels of the earth. In Fornovolasco, placed on Garfagnana side, there is “The wind cave” a wonderful place,
rich of stalactites and stalagmites. It is a full immersion in a water world, that
flows and gurgles, appears and disappears, as the life’s flowing.
Marmitte dei giganti
One more geo-morphological phenomenon gave life to the so-called
“Marmitte dei Giganti” (Giants’ pots), that is hemispherical caves - perfectly
smooth in some instances – excavated inside calcareous rocks. These can be
found in some of the ravines descending into Turrite Secca (Sumbra mount),
in Tambura mount and in the proximity of the Alberghi valley. Their formation is a result of a low abrasion activity exercised by small siliceous pebbles
combined with whirlpools.
Info: Parco Alpi Apuane - via Corrado Del Greco, 11 - 55047 Seravezza (LU) ·
phone +39.0584.75821 - fax +39.0584.758203 - www.parcapuane.it
MIGLIARINO
SAN ROSSORE
MASSACIUCCOLI
REGIONAL PARK
tretching between Viareggio and Livorno, this park is a unique
and diversified combination of scenarios: woods, pinewoods,
wet lands, prairies and Massaciuccoli lake. History, art and
architecture can be experienced in the archaeological remains of
Massaciuccoli, the church of San Piero a Grado in Tombolo, Villa
Medicea of Coltano, and Villa Borbone in Viareggio as well as the
Savoy mansions at Tenuta di San Rossore.
“DISCOVERING THE LAKE MYSTERIES” ITINERARY
This trip will allow to cross a section of Massaciuccoli lake on safe
kayak canoes (seating 1 to 3 places). In this way you will be able to
enter narrow water channels in search of evocative landscapes.
Particularly recommended for bird watching lovers. Those suffering
from pollen, dust or insect allergies are recommended to adopt all
due precautions.
BIKING IN THE PARK WITHIN NATURE AND HISTORY
Bike itineraries within Tenuta di San Rossore cross beautiful woods
and allow to approach the fauna specimens living in the Park. With
bike you can cover wide lengths in a short time, though the park also
offers shorter pathways you can cover by walk. Expert guides will
provide all the information you need on deciduous plants, pine
woods, cultivated areas, rivers, dunes and more. You will be told a
brief history on Tenuta di San Rossore, once owned by Medicean family, that dedicated it to pasture and hunting sanctuary, and was then
transferred to the Lorena and Savoy families. Anybody can enjoy this
pathway and plunge into pure nature. Those suffering from pollen
allergy are recommended to adopt all due precautions.
PATH FEATURES
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PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
Tenuta di San Rossore
Travelling time:
3 hours
Difficulty:
Medium-Easy
Equipment:
suitable shoes or boots, long trousers, binoculars
and camera. Lively colours are not recommended,
as they might scare animals.
“THROUGH THE CORNACCHIAIA WOOD PATHWAYS” ITINERARY
This trip allows to experience an unforgettable walk through the
southern wood of Tenuta del Tombolo. This is a flat wood where
Mediterranean evergreen plants alternate with live oaks. Brush wood
is characterised by bushes and plants as well as fauna specimens such
as foxes, badgers and porcupines. WWF operators will lead visitors
and provide them will all the necessary information. Those suffering
from pollen, dust or insect allergies are recommended to adopt all
due precautions.
PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
southern area of Tenuta del Tombolo
Travelling time:
2 hours
Difficulty:
Medium-easy, ideal for school groups
Equipment:
suitable shoes or boots, long trousers, binoculars and
camera. Lively colours are not recommended, as they
might scare animals.
Starting point:
Massaciuccoli lake
Difficulty:
Suitable for people familiar with canoe.
Equipment:
sport shoes and rubber slippers, short trousers,
binoculars and camera. Lively colours are not
recommended, as they might scare animals.
Recommended period:
POINTS
Spring/Summer
OF INTEREST
The ancient San Piero a Grado church and tradition
San Piero a Grado church is a valuable sample of Romanic architecture
plunged into an extremely evocative landscape. The Church was built
in the 11th Century in the place where St. Peter landed according to a
traditional tale. The inside with a nave and two aisles still bears traces
of Early Christian settlements and frescoes (the Popes) by Lucca
painter Deodato Orlandi. Outside, three beautiful apses look east,
while the façade is replaced by a fourth apse looking west.
Villa Borbone and the surroundings
Built in early 19th Century by Architect Lorenzo Nottolini and commissioned by Maria Luisa Borbone, Villa Borbone was designed to be
a hunting residence. In 1985 Engineer Benvenuto Barsanti gave it to
the city of Viareggio and became a public place. This Villa lays in a
beautiful area, one kilometre and a half away from the seaside,
plunged into the coastal wood in the middle of a wide cultivated area.
Museum of marshland ecology system
The Chiarone wildlife sanctuary, managed by LIPU in cooperation
with the Park Authority, hosts a museum dedicated to marshland
ecology system. This museum is very peculiar: visitors explore it as if
it was a real marshland, with the possibility to touch animals, listen to
their sounds and admire colours. The possibility to touch truthful
models allows the visually impaired to discover the shape of animals
and plants. An exciting experience for adults and children of any age,
as well as for people with physical, psychic or sensory difficulties.
Info: Ente Parco Regionale Migliarino Massaciuccoli, Tenuta di San Rossore,
loc. Cascine Vecchie - 56122 Pisa - phone: +39.050.539111
[email protected] - www.parcosanrossore.it
MAREMMA
REGIONAL PARK
aremma Park stretches from the Ombrone river mouth up
to Talamone, along the Tyrrhenian coast. The park is characterised by a chain of hills sloping to the sea with sandy
beaches and cliffs, and surrounded by marshland, pinewoods, cultivated fields and pastures. The Uccellina park welcomes visitors by showing its gentle, though wild look. A clash of features that rouses and
releases pleasure for being in a paradise recovered. The Park boasts
11 itineraries (one of which is accessible to the disabled), for bike,
horse, canoe and carriage riding.
Moreover, night-time itineraries and bird watching activities offer the
possibility to know local wildlife.
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“LE TORRI” ITINERARY: HISTORY MINGLED WITH LEGEND
This is the most evocative itinerary available at the Park, as it reaches
all of the environments existing in this sanctuary and it is panoramic as
well.
THE PATH
A thick bush characterises the path leading to “Castelmarino” tower
(12th Century). Below, a luxuriant pinewood and beautiful beach lead
to Collelungo promontory, over which the homonymous tower (16th
Century) stands.
POINTS
OF INTEREST
Talamone Aquarium
An aquarium for Orbetello lagoon and recovery centre for sea turtle
protection. This facility is a pleasant, accurate replication of a typical
lagoon environment, and is also very interesting and significant from
the environmental perspective. Several seabed types were replicated
in the tanks for the relevant plant and fauna species, which are carefully followed and cared for by biologists.
Towers
The Maremma Park hosts several watchtowers within its territory.
Built by the Aldobrando supporters and Sienese population as a protection means against the Saracenics, they were restored and strenghtened during the Medicean era. Though eight towers have survived to
today, only Castel Marino, Collelungo and Uccellina towers can still be
visited.
PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
Centro visite di Alberese with shuttle bus
Path length:
about 5.8 km
Travelling time:
4 hours
Difficulty:
Average
Equipment:
trekking boots, k-way jacket
Info: Ente Parco Regionale della Maremma, via Bersagliere 7/9 Alberese (GR) - www.parco-maremma.it - [email protected]
SICILY
MADONIE
REGIONAL PARK
adonie Regional Park offers several kinds of evocative itineraries such
as the following:
M
“GORGONERO” GREEN ITINERARY
This itinerary develops through a wood populated by chestnut trees, Atlas
cedar, and Himalaya cedar; several plant species can also be found in the sun-lit
area: Fern, Mosquitograss, Bluebottle, Basil, Wild geranium, Laureola, Vetchling,
Wild basil, Herb Robert, Holly. A wooden terrace overlooking a pond can be
found along the way. The path rises toward an area equipped with quartz-rock
tables and chairs; and a plant hut – known as “pagghiaru” – inside a holly complex. The road goes on to a descending staircase that leads back to the starting
point where an evergreen tree – Oregon pine – can be found. This area has
been recently equipped with five recreational paths for children and adults as
well as with a wide pic-nic area.
THE PATH
Take the Tre Monzelli exit on the Palermo - Catania A19 motorway. After about
20 km, you will reach Petralia Sottana: pass the Imera river bridge and the crossroad to the hamlet (on the right), then follow 4 km along the Provincial Road
no. 54 to Piano Battaglia and reach the “Gorgonero” Green Path.
PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
Petralia Sottana – Provincial road to Piano Battaglia
Path length:
700 m
Travelling time:
1 hour
Rise:
1150 m
Difficulty:
Easy, for anyone.
Equipment:
Clothing suitable for the period of the year, boots,
jacket, hat, sweater.
ABIES NEBRODENSIS NATURALISTIC PATH
The Abies nebrodensis area is included in Polizzi Generosa municipality and is
dedicated to a small population of Abies nebrodensis, the most meaningful
endemic species to be found in the Park and subject to extinction. A little natural population composed of 30 specimens only. In order to increase this population, a reforestation initiative has been undertaken with over 3000 natural
specimens grown in a nursery.
THE PATH
Take the Tre Monzelli exit on the Palermo-Catania A19 motorway. After
about 11 km, take the road to Polizzi Generosa, and drive about 9 km more.
PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
close to Polizzi Generosa
Path Length:
1700 m
Travelling time:
2 hours
Rise:
1500 m
Difficulty:
Easy
Equipment:
Clothing suitable for the period of the year, boots,
jacket, hat, sweater.
POINTS
OF INTEREST
Madonna dell'Alto Sanctuary
A traditional destination for religious tourism, this sanctuary lays on the highest peaks of Madonie (1819 m). Pilgrims visit it over several occasions during
the year, and reach by walk from surrounding hamlets. Besides the religious
aspect, the landscape beauty and healthy environment are two more good
reasons for visiting this place.
Piano Battaglia
At 1,600 m a.s.l., the only ski resort in Western Sicily with lifts and dowhills
rises in the heart of the Park, with the possibility to enjoy cross-country ski
and ski mountaneering. Battaglietta is the most famous trail of this resort.
During Summer, excursionism fans and tourists seeking for fresh air join this
area.
Tiberio ravines
Mesozoic outcrops moulded by river erosion constitute the Tiberio ravines
in the municipality of S. Mauro Castelverde, in the farthest Eastern area of
Madonie along the Pollina river bank. A visit is particularly worth in Spring for
excursionism lovers and fans of river sports.
Info: Ente Parco Naturale delle Madonie,
Corso Paolo Agliata no. 16 - Petralia Sottana (PA)
phone +39.0921.684071 - [email protected]
www.parcodellemadonie.it - www.parcoavventuramadonie.it
NEBRODI
REGIONAL PARK
he Nebrodi Park offers several excursion alternatives. Among the
several available itineraries, the following pathways are introduced:
T
MANGALAVITI EDUCATIONAL PATHWAY
Developing through the territory of Longi, this ring-shaped pathway is suitable to anybody. Flora species typical of this park (Turkey oak, Maple, Leech,
Holly), animal traces and shelters may be admired when crossing prairies
lined up with wet areas bordering a tight, flourishing wood. From the pathway starting point – in the proximity of Mangalaviti wood, about 1200 m a.s.l.
– you will be able to enjoy a beautiful view of Rosmarino valley, Rocche del
Crasto and Aeolian Islands. Case di Mangalaviti is also an interesting rural
complex that has been renovated recently. Students will be able to follow the
path with the aid of educational notebooks.
THE PATH
Leave Portella Gazzana, a crossroad from Longi, Galati Mamertino and
Alcara Li Fusi, and follow the tarred road rising toward the woods. About 4
km later you will reach Case di Mangalaviti, where the excursion starts.
PATH FEATURES
PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
Hamlet of Grazia - Alcara Li Fusi
Path length:
1 km
Travelling time:
15 mins.
Difficulty:
Low. Recommended to anyone: adults, youth, disabled.
Equipment
Clothing suitable for the period of the year, boots,
jacket, hat, sweater. Camera.
AREA DEL CAPRIOLO (DEER AREA)
A group of deer kept in semi-captivity lives in the hamlet of Miserella, falling
within the municipality of Galati Mamertino. Guides from the Amici della
Terra association will lead you to discover the deer hiding into the vegetation
with amazing jumps.
THE PATH
It is easily reachable from the road leaving from S. Giacomo square in Galati
Mamertino and rising toward the hamlet of Rafa; once you get to the col, follow the left-side direction to Miserella.
Starting point:
Case di Mangalaviti
Path length:
2.6 km
Travelling time:
1 hour
Starting point:
Hamlet of Miserella - Galati Mamertino
Difficulty:
Low. This path develops on different road types:
a mule track earlier and dirty road later.
Recommended to anyone, both adults and youth.
Path length:
1.8 km
Travelling time:
30 mins.
Difficulty:
Low. Recommended for anyone, adults, youth, disabled.
Equipment:
Clothing suitable for the period of the year, boots,
jacket, hat, sweater. Camera.
Equipment
Clothing suitable for the period of the year, boots,
jacket, hat, sweater. Camera.
AREA DEL GRIFONE (GRIFONE AREA)
In the outskirts of Alcara Li Fusi and at Rocche del Crasto mountainside, the
Park authority arranged a bird-watching pathway dedicated to Griffon
Vulture. Free Griffon vultures may be watched along with samples still held
in percheries and expecting to be freed. Griffon Vultures had disappeared
from Sicily in 1965, when men’s’ negligent behaviour led to the poisoning of
foxes and stray dogs, which turned into poisoned food for this necrophagus
species. The Nebrodi park authority reintroduced them in 2000. The forty
specimens living in Rocche del Crasto can be easily watched. Skilful guides
will take you to observation points and to the perchery; your group be welcomed by the members of Ambientesicilia association. The educational laboratory “Tana delle Idee” is worth a visit.
THE PATH
The Griffon vulture watch point is easily reachable from Alcara Li Fusi belt
road leading from Rocche del Crasto mountainside to the hamlet of
Grazia.
PATH FEATURES
POINTS
OF INTEREST
Rocche del Crasto (1315 m a.s.l.)
These calcareous, severe, deeply cracked rocks stand within the municipalities
of Alcara Li Fusi, Longi, Militello Rosmarino and San Marco d’Alunzio. Harsh and
hardly accessible, they serve as nestling sites for several raptor birds.
Soro Mount (1847 m a.s.l.)
This is the highest peak in the Nebrodi massif. You can reach it by road from
Portella Femmina Morta (1524 m. a.s.l.) intersection of national road no. 289
San Fratello-Cesarò. The huge Sycamore Maple (Acer pseudoplatanus) - one
of the largest specimens in Italy reaching 22 metres in height and about 6
metres in circumference - is worth a visit.
Biviere Lake (1278 m a.s.l.)
This is a natural harbour basin laying at Soro mountainside. An important site of
naturalistic and landscaping interest.
Info: Ente Parco dei Nebrodi - Registered office: c.da Pietragrossa SS 113 - Caronia (ME)
phone +39.0921.333015 – Operating office: via Cosenz, 155 - S. Agata Militello (ME)
tel. +39.0941.705934 - [email protected] - www.parcodeinebrodi.it
ETNA
REGIONAL PARK
he Etna park stretches over an exclusive, unparalleled environment that owes its extraordinariness to the imposing volcano, with its huge eruptions and glowing lava flows. Here are
two of the most interesting itineraries available within the Park.
T
MONTE NERO DEGLI ZAPPINI NATURALISTIC ITINERARY
This itinerary starts from the Etna southern side, close to Grande
Albergo del Parco and Astrophysics Observatory, a few kilometres
away from peak craters.
THE PATH
Starts from the plateau west of Vetore Mount and runs along ancient
and new lava fields, lava flow caves, hornitos, natural and artificial
wood areas, exceptionally beautiful and imposing stand-alone pines,
to reach the “Giardino botanico Nuova Gussonea”, one of the most
important and largest botanical gardens in Europe.
PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
THE PATH
Starting from a poplar wooded area, the pathway stretches along cultures: aromatics, shrubs, wood plants, fruit plants, vineyard, and
broom, to return to the starting point.
Points of interest are signalled by means of aluminium plates covered
with bi-component, transparent vitrified resin bearing a three-line
writing and Braille characters; special environmental education and
interpretation have been set up that can also be used by the visually
impaired. A wood and steel handrail has also been installed for the disabled.
POINTS
OF INTEREST
Bove Valley
Stretching over a large portion of the Etna volcano complex south-eastern area, the valley is an exceptional testimony to the complex geologic
history of Etna. The valley bottom is now covered with ancient and
recent lava flows, which scoriaceous surface smoothens a wide valley
bottom from which several ancient and recent eruptive structures
emerge. The valley also hosts the typical dagale, patches of vegetations
that lava flows have failed to reach.
Pianoro, west of Vetore Mount
Path length:
4 km
Travelling time:
2 hours and 30 mins.
Rise:
Starting height 1,740 m, rise 200 m
Peak craters
The current peak area is composed of four main craters. The Middle
crater, which has existed from time out of mind; the north-eastern
crater, which appeared in 1911 following a collapse of the Middle crater;
the Bocca Nuova, also known as Western Chasm, which appeared in
1968; and south-eastern crater, which appeared in 1971. This is the most
active crater and shows a persistent activity, with vapours, scoriae, ashes
and sand as well as Strombolian-type activities.
BANCA DEL GERMOPLASMA NATURALISTIC ITINERARY
This pathway develops within a collection field created by Banca del
Germoplasma vegetale, an entity established by a consortium
between Etna Park and Catania University. The collection field in
close to the former San Nicola La Rena Monastery, now hosting the
Park headquarters.
Info: Parco dell'Etna, via del Convento no. 45 - 95030 Nicolosi (CT)
Phone +39.095.821111
[email protected] - www.parcoetna.it
ALCANTARA
RIVER PARK
hen the Alcantara River Park was established in 2001, the
landscape and natural environment surrounding the homonymous river was at stake. This Park falls within the territory of
twelve Municipalities, of which three belong to Catania province Calatabiano, Castiglione di Sicilia and Randazzo, while the remaining nine
belong to Messina: Francavilla di Sicilia, Gaggi, Giardini Naxos, Graniti,
Malvagna, Mojo Alcantara, Motta Camastra, Roccella Valdemone and
Taormina. Landscape along the river bank is characterised by fruit
orchards, though unpolluted wild plants still grows in the proximity of
water. Several river-side vegetation patches can be found here made of
willows (white willow, salix pedicellata and Gussone endemic species),
silver-leaved and black poplars, ash-trees and black alders; a few holly
oaks and most of all, rare specimens of Oriental sycamore, now only
available on the riverbanks of eastern Sicily. River waters are inhabited
by a rich variety of water plant species, either floating or rooted. The
Alcantara River Park offers some excursion alternatives. Among possible
itineraries, the following is proposed for its natural beauty:
POINTS
NATURALISTIC PATHWAY
ALCANTARA’S “GURNE”
A walk into nature, history and traditions to discover the Alcantara
river beauties: the remains of Francavilla Castle, archaeological excavations, “saje” and “Gurne” - water ponds plunged into vegetation.
Taormina
An internationally renown tourist destination, this city offers several
itineraries: from the Greek Theatre to the “Isola Bella” naturalistic
landscape, which was awarded the status of particularly valuable
monument for its artistic and historical interest in 1984. At Taormina’s
Palazzo Corvaja, an information office is available to ask useful information on the Alcantara river park and buy books and gadgets.
W
OF INTEREST
Mojo Alcantara: Vulcanetto
You can enjoy a trip along the pathway leading to an ancient small volcano from which you will be able to admire a large stretch of the
Alcantara river valley as well as the northern side of the Etna complex.
The volcano is a unique sample in terms of geologic and morphologic
interest, in fact, even if it is included in the Etna volcano complex, its
features differ from the characteristics of other small volcanoes in the
same complex.
Graniti: Pine Wood
A man-made wood made up of umbrella pines (Pinus pinea), maritime
pine (Pinus pinaster) and Aleppo pine (Pinus halepensis) where you
will be able to breath pure, healthy air spending leisure time in special
equipped areas.
PATH FEATURES
Starting point:
Francavilla di Sicilia - Piazza San Francesco
Path length:
about 2,400 m
Travelling time:
2 hours
Difficulty:
Easy. The pathway is provided with Braille signage.
Alcantara Ravines (Motta Camastra)
An extraordinary, unique geologic phenomenon, the “gole” (ravines)
constitute a particularly valuable environmental and landscape experience. By flowing and eroding hard volcanic basalt, the river has created vertical walls in some stretches, thus bringing to light breathtaking prismatic profiles of basalt columns, extraordinary natural sculptures that make one think of organ pipes, elegant fans, and neat wood
stacks. The “gole” are a definitely unforgettable environmental experience.
Minimum/maximum altitude: 295 m. asl/380 m. asl
Equipment:
Trekking shoes or a similar, camera and binoculars
OBSERVATION POINTS ALONG THE PATHWAY
In the stretch between Castiglione and Francavilla di Sicilia, the
Alcantara has been unceasingly exercising its erosive action on lava
flows creating little rounded-shaped lakes known as “Gurne”. An ideal
habitat to the life of lenitic water plants such as Chalk Stream Watercrowfoot (Ranunculus penicillatus). This plant species has particular
ecologic need as it grows in cold, clear flowing water well endowed
with oxygen. “Saje” can also be seen along the footpath. These were
introduced by the Arabs as an innovative, efficient irrigation system
composed of water supply systems and small channels. With new plant
species also introduced by the Arabs (citruses), “saje” promoted local
agriculture development. The Normans built a castle in a strategic position over the hill dominating Francavilla di Sicilia.
Castiglione di Sicilia
An ancient city placed in a strategic location, Castiglione di Sicilia
offers several monuments and is also a host city for the Environmental
education research centre on river ecosystems managed by the Park
Authority.
Info: Ente Parco Fluviale dell’Alcantara,
Via dei Mulini - 98034 Francavilla di Sicilia (ME)
phone +39.0942.989911 - Fax +39.0942.981038
[email protected] - www.parcoalcantara.it
Presidenza del Consiglio dei Ministri
DIPARTIMENTO PER LO SVILUPPO E LA COMPETIVITÀ DEL TURISMO
Developed by
In partnership with
REGIONE SICILIANA
Assessorato Turismo, Comunicazioni e Trasporti
Dipartimento Turismo, Sport e Spettacolo
REGIONE TOSCANA
Direzione Generale Sviluppo Economico
Settore Politiche di Sviluppo e Promozione del Turismo
Graphic design by
Translation
CAMBRIDGE ACADEMY
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OFFICINE GRAFICHE
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Thanks to all project partners
for their co-operation
This publication results from the organisation of information, pictures and suggestions provided by Turismo Verde project partners.
Information contained herein is subject to change and should not be considered as completely exhaustive. Mistakes and inaccuracies
might be found also due to any changes in timetables, telephone numbers, accessibility conditions and any other inconvenience that may
occur over time. We decline any responsibility on these matters.