Discover the top 10 nature parks in Tuscany, and follow our tips to live the best eco-friendly holiday experience
Tuscany is certainly famous for its picturesque villages, beautiful landmarks and iconic art galleries. But don’t forget that this area is also home to some of the best nature parks in Italy! Let’s discover the top 10 nature parks in Tuscany, and the ultimate eco-friendly tips to live the most unforgettable holiday experience.
1. Nature Park Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli: One of the Best Nature Parks in Tuscany
The first of the top 10 nature parks in Tuscany is the Nature Park Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli. It is a verdant protected natural area, that stretches along the coastline of the beautiful cities of Pisa and Lucca. This park is also one of the largest ones in Tuscany. This is the perfect place if you fancy a green adventure not too far from the seaside.
For example, you may decide to bike from the picturesque promenade of Viareggio, and head to one of the most beautiful spots in this park: Lake Massaciuccoli and Oasis. This low difficulty green itinerary in Versilia will take about an hour to complete.
2. Poggio Neri Forest Park: a Beautiful Park in the Province of Livorno
Another beautiful nature park that is worth visiting is Poggio Neri Forest Park, in the province of Livorno. In particular, it is located in Sassetta. This green public park stretches for about 700 hectares and boasts several trees belonging to the Regional Agricultural Forest Heritage of Tuscany. In fact, you will witness beautiful chestnut trees, groves and oaks among other verdant beauties.
Poggio Neri Forest Park is also really close to one of the most beautiful green accommodations: Pian Delle Ginestre. This accommodation is perfect for those glamping lovers who want to be immersed in nature but also wish to spend a couple of days visiting the near historical centres or at the beach.
3. Oasi LIPU di Santa Luce: One of the Nature Parks in Tuscany Nestled among the Fields
Another beautiful park among the best nature parks in Tuscany is the Oasi LIPU di Santa Luce. It is a stunning nature reserve along the Etruscan Coast. You will find this beautiful park right in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, as it is nestled among the fields. It even includes a small lake, and it is home to over 150 registered species. It is also an important resting area for migratory birds. If you are a wildlife lover, make sure you spot as many natural species as possible!
You may also plan a walking tour of one of the most beautiful medieval villages of Tuscany, Suvereto, which is located near the park. Its amazing picturesque streets, alleyways and small squares will make your visit to Tuscany simply unique.
4. Val d’Orcia Park: a Unique Colour Explosion
The Val d’Orcia Park is in the province of Siena. It is an art and culture nature park, which is also on the list of World Heritage Sites (Unesco). This beautiful park comprises 5 areas: Castiglione d’Orcia, Montalcino, Pienza, Radicofani and San Quirico d’Orcia. Its most striking feature is certainly the mixture of the colours of the Tuscan countryside and hills, fields, vineyards and cypresses. It is a truly unique landscape that inspired so many renaissance-style paintings!
The Val D’Orcia Park also comprises two spa towns: Bagno Vignoni and Bagni San Filippo. Make sure you plan a visit to these iconic places, for a truly regenerating green experience in the Tuscan countryside!
5. Maremma Regional Park: the Best Among the Nature Parks in Southern Tuscany
The next nature park in Tuscany you need to visit is the Maremma Regional Park. Situated in the area of Grosseto, it is one of the most ancient nature parks in Tuscany. As a nature reserve, it includes many animal and plant species, which greatly vary according to the different areas. In fact, while some lands are used for agricultural purposes, there are also some wild and rocky areas and forests.
If you love beach life, make sure you visit one of the nearest seaside towns: Talamone. It lies on a rocky promontory and comprises the perfect mixture of the typical vegetation of the Mediterranean, long sandy beaches and amazing pine trees. This is the perfect relaxing experience that preserves and does not negatively impact the environment.
6. Argentario Marine Park: Enjoy one of the Most Beautiful Marine Nature Parks in Tuscany
If you fancy nature and a seaside holiday in Tuscany, the Argentario Marine Park is the best place for you. It is located around the Argentario Promontory. Some of the best spots you can visit are Porto Ercole and Santo Stefano, and also the Duna Feniglia Nature Reserve. This is one of the most amazing places to relax among the soothing sounds of nature and the sea!
Don’t miss the chance to visit the near Isola del Giglio, in the province of Grosseto. This is one of the most beautiful among the 7 islands making up the Tuscan Archipelago, and from the Park, you can reach it by taking the boat from Porto Santo Stefano. Make sure you reach the port by using public transport! Green mobility will lower your impact on the environment.
7. Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia: a Beautiful Park on the Etruscan Coast
The Archaeological Park of Baratti and Populonia is one of the most beautiful parks among the Val di Cornia ones. It is situated on the Etruscan Coast and stretches for about 80 hectares between the slopes of the Piombino promontory and the Gulf of Baratti. This is a really beautiful archaeological and natural area, where the legacy of the Etruscan civilization perfectly combines with the natural surroundings. The lovers of history and ancient cultures will really enjoy this beautiful and unique place!
Green tip: visit the park on foot, and take part in one of the many proposed routes. They include several nature trails, the Necropolis of San Cerbone (including tombs from the 7th and 6th C BC, and the amazing ‘Via Delle Cave’ and ‘Via Del Ferro’.
8. Tosco Emiliano Park: One of the Best Nature Parks in Tuscany and Emilia Romagna
Another beautiful park among the top 10 nature parks in Tuscany, is the Tosco-Emiliano Park. You will find it on the border of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna since it includes several areas of both Regions. On the Tuscan side, it stretches along the areas of Lucca, Massa and Carrara. You will witness many high peaks and beautiful panoramas, which comprises small lakes, water streams, and many animal and plant species. This is one of the most fascinating areas in Tuscany. Don’t forget to take pictures!
Make sure you plan a day trip to the city of Lucca. Its historical centre is almost entirely a pedestrian zone so that a green adventure by foot is the best and most eco-friendly way to get around. Follow our green itinerary, to visit the most beautiful spots in the city! You really won’t regret it.
9. Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona, Campigna National Park: a Beautiful Green Gem in the Heart of Tuscany
Another beautiful nature park in Tuscany and Emilia Romagna is the Parco Nazionale delle Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna. It stretches for about 368 square kilometres, on the two sides of the Apennine. In Tuscany, it comprises the provinces of Arezzo and Florence. It is one of the most interesting nature parks in Tuscany, since the verdant forests mix with the historical villages of the area, creating a magical atmosphere. In fact, you will witness many abbeys, churches, shrines and historical sites immersed in the silence and colours of nature.
If you wish to sleep green in this area, you may choose La Colombaia, just outside the city of Florence, in the Mugello countryside. This beautiful organic farm is the best place to relax in the natural swimming pool and beach, and taste many km0 products such as extra virgin oil, wine and traditional Tuscan legumes.
10. Apuan Alps Park: a Beautiful Nature Park near Lucca
Last but not least, visit the Apuan Alps Park. it includes the areas of Garfagnana and Versilia, close to the city of Lucca. One of its most beautiful areas is Orecchiella Park. it is a nature park protected by the State Forestry Department and includes large forests of beeches, chestnuts and firs. You may also spot Italian wolves, bears, wild boars, deers and mouflons! But also falcons and golden eagles. This is a true paradise for those who love wildlife! You may also plan a picnic in one of the free access areas.
Plan a visit to the Botanical Garden ‘Maria Ansaldi’ in the park, which features many plant species typical of mountain areas.
Which one among the most beautiful nature parks in Tuscany would you pick up first? Make sure you visit as many nature parks as possible during your eco-friendly trip to Tuscany.
Featured Image via Canva
