The 10 Natural Wonders of Italy

We often focus on searching for beautiful places to visit abroad and don't realize that Italy offers beauties that the whole world envies. From the sea to the mountains, there are numerous natural wonders in our Bel Paese that attract millions of tourists every year: but have we ever seen them? Here is a list of the 10 most beautiful natural wonders in Italy.

A wonderful lake located in Nova Levante, 25 km from Bolzano and at 1,534 m above sea level. Renowned as the "rainbow lake" for its splendid colors due to a family of plants, the lake has no inflow and its water comes from underground springs. Lake Carezza is a must-visit for those traveling in Trentino Alto-Adige and can be walked around its perimeter of 0.035 km² thanks to a well-equipped path.

How to get there: Exit A22 Bolzano Nord, take SS241 towards Ponte Nova and then towards Nova Levante. See also: 15 places to visit in Trentino

Rock face towering over the sea in the Sicilian coastline between Porto Empedocle and Realmonte, in the province of Agrigento. The stairway, a true natural tourist attraction, is formed from marl, a sedimentary rock of limestone and clay origin and has a pure white color. With a wavy and irregular shape, the name likely derives from episodes of piracy that occurred over the centuries by Arabs.

How to get there: By car from Agrigento, follow the signs for Porto Empedocle (about a 7.5 km route). Once you reach Porto Empedocle, follow the road signs for Lido Rossello (about a 7 km route). To climb the rock on foot, park in front of Lido Baia dei Turchi and walk down to the beach - Get directions See also: Scala dei Turchi - how to get there, info and pictures

A nature reserve featuring a decidedly unusual phenomenon: the "Earth Pyramids" have formed from the erosive force of water. This all began during the Riss glaciation (about 150,000 years ago). The Pyramids of Zone are of various sizes and heights and offer a truly unique spectacle in terms of landscape and colors, with the breathtaking backdrop of Lake Iseo. They can be easily reached in a few minutes on foot from the parking areas. An ideal path even for families with children.

How to get there: Exit A4 Brescia Ovest, follow the directions to Passo del Tonale (SP510 road) and exit at Zone.

Between the provinces of Florence and Arezzo lies another unique natural phenomenon, that of the Balze del Valdarno, or rock pinnacles and spires formed from the sediments of a prehistoric lake, shaped by atmospheric agents following the gradual retreat of the lake. The pinnacles and spires are up to a hundred meters high and consist of layered sand, clay, and gravel intertwined in very deep gorges.

How to get there: Exit A1 Valdarno. Follow the signs first for San Giovanni Valdarno, then after another roundabout continue towards Castelfranco di Sopra.

Karst caves located underground in Genga, in the province of Ancona. There are a series of caves: the first, called Ancona Abyss, is so large that it could contain the Duomo of Milan.

The discovery of these caves dates back to 1971, and inside one can admire real natural sculptures, formed from calcareous stratifications by the action of water and rock over an estimated period of about 190 million years. The formations include stalagmites and stalactites.

How to get there: A14, exit Ancona Nord. Superstrada SS76 Ancona - Rome, exit Genga (about 25 min from the motorway).

Sardinia is not just paradise-like beaches: it is also wonderful nature and very particular places. One of the spots that is among the natural wonders of Italy is where the Red Rocks are found, namely red porphyry rocks, the symbol of the Sardinian town of Arbatax. The show of colors at dawn is unmissable.

How to get there: Follow the scenic SS 125 towards Arbatax and proceed until the "Red Rocks" sign.

The Isle of Capri, located in the Gulf of Naples, offers breathtaking natural beauty: it is home to the famous Blue Grotto, a sea cave accessible by boat but with an entrance so low that you must lie down. The waters inside have a deep blue color resulting from light filtration.

How to get there: by bus from Anacapri or by boat from Marina Grande.

More caves, but of a totally different type from the previous ones: we are talking about the Bossea Cave, in the province of Cuneo, a karst cave with underground lakes, caverns, and streams. It was opened to the public in 1874. SEE ALSO: THE DEEPEST CAVES IN THE WORLD

How to get there: A6 exit Mondovì. Follow the signs to Mondovì, then to Vasco, and continue towards Corsaglia - Bossea Cave.

The Gole di Celano are one of the most famous canyons in Italy, located within the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park, in the province of L'Aquila. The Gole di Celano are a unique environment and are the result of erosion by the La Foce river, which has carved out a gash 4 km long, 3 to 6 meters wide, and 200 meters deep. The Gole di Celano are open for visits and provide refuge for some protected species like eagles.

How to get there: A25 highway Rome - L'Aquila, exit at Aielli Celano and continue towards Celano. Before entering the town, follow the signs for the restaurant-pizzeria "Le Foci" and continue along the road until reaching a large parking area.

In Sasso Pisano, in the province of Pisa, a strange geothermal phenomenon occurs, with vapors emitted from the fractures in the rocks that seem almost surreal. The landscape is very variable and there are 2 equipped trails.

How to get there: From Volterra take SR439 towards Castelnuovo di Val di Cecina.