Italy’s Wild Heart: A Guide to the Country’s Most Spectacular National Parks

Discover Italy's breathtaking national parks, from the snow-capped Dolomites and Gran Paradiso to the coastal cliffs of Cinque Terre and Gargano.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 26, 2026, 8:14 AM EST

Source: tripsavvy

The Alpine Giants: Northern Italy

The north is defined by the high-altitude grandeur of the Alps and the unique limestone formations of the Dolomites.

Gran Paradiso National Park (Aosta Valley/Piedmont): Italy's first national park, originally established as a royal hunting ground to save the Alpine ibex from extinction. It remains one of the best places for high-altitude trekking and wildlife spotting.

Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park (Veneto): A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vertical walls, deep valleys, and "Pale Mountains" that turn pink at sunset.

Stelvio National Park: One of the largest protected areas in the Alps, famous for the Stelvio Pass—one of the highest paved mountain passes in Europe—and its extensive glacier systems.

Coastal Splendor: The Mediterranean Parks