The Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna is a national park in in the Apennine region of Tuscany and Romagna that was established in 1993 and preserves over 365 square kilometers of Italian flora and fauna.
Divided between the provinces of Florence, Arezzo and Forli-Cesena, it is made up of the best preserved and largest forest in Italy and takes in mountains, valleys, springs and over ten villages. It is an area of uncompromising natural beauty and tranquility and is the perfect place for a whole host of outdoor pursuits including biking, horse-riding, hiking, bird-watching and orienteering.
Just find a luxury villa in Florence or a luxury villa in Arezzo and you can head out on daytrips to the park, reconnect with nature, relax, breathe in some fresh air, take in the beautiful views and get away from it all.
Divided between the provinces of Florence, Arezzo and Forli-Cesena, it is made up of the best preserved and largest forest in Italy and takes in mountains, valleys, springs and over ten villages. It is an area of uncompromising natural beauty and tranquility and is the perfect place for a whole host of outdoor pursuits including biking, horse-riding, hiking, bird-watching and orienteering.
Just find a luxury villa in Florence or a luxury villa in Arezzo and you can head out on daytrips to the park, reconnect with nature, relax, breathe in some fresh air, take in the beautiful views and get away from it all.
Animal-lovers, in particular, will find the park fascinating with many different creatures such as the golden eagle, wolf, fallow deer, roe deer and several other species, as well as countless birds, smaller animals and insects making their homes in the area. The distinct climate of the park, a mix between Mediterranean and Alpine, means that the vegetal diversity of the park is also quite diverse and interesting with thousands of different plants growing in the area.
If history is more your thing, then you'll also find something of interest in the park: there are many intriguing remnants of early civilization to be discovered and learned about in the area. You can visit and explore ancient settlements, monasteries, hermitages and parishes within the park, the famous sanctuary of La Verna and the Camaldoli monastery among them.
If history is more your thing, then you'll also find something of interest in the park: there are many intriguing remnants of early civilization to be discovered and learned about in the area. You can visit and explore ancient settlements, monasteries, hermitages and parishes within the park, the famous sanctuary of La Verna and the Camaldoli monastery among them.
Of course, it is the natural wonders and amazing scenery and views that are most impressive: the Acquacheta waterfall that sees water race over a sheer 70 meter drop; the ruins of the old monastery of San Benedetto that are perched in the Alps; the Churches of St. Donninio and St. Ilariano that are decorated in works by Vasari; the views of both the Mediterranean and Adriatic over the trees on clear days in Camaldoli; the ancient village of Poggio, nestled at the crossroads of three rivers; and Monte Penna's view over the entire Lama Forest, a collection of centuries-old trees as far as the eye can see.
Whether you want to walk, explore and take in some fresh air, admire and photograph scenic views, learn about Tuscan history and culture or try out some outdoor pursuits, this gem in Tuscany can offer it all and more!
Whether you want to walk, explore and take in some fresh air, admire and photograph scenic views, learn about Tuscan history and culture or try out some outdoor pursuits, this gem in Tuscany can offer it all and more!
Photo credits
Picture 1: Mister X / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: Elwhajeff / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Sten / CC BY-SA 3.0
Picture 1: Mister X / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: Elwhajeff / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 3: Sten / CC BY-SA 3.0
