The most beautiful natural attractions in Italy

In addition to its artistic and cultural heritage, Italy boasts many natural wonders. Discover some of the most beautiful natural sites in Italy and choose your next destination with Ferryhopper.

The Capo Nieddu waterfall in Sardinia flowing into the sea

The best natural wonders to visit in Italy

The natural landscapes of Italy are famous all over the world. Each Italian region has a great variety of parks, caves, waterfalls, and other natural sites for all travelers.

Some attractions are less known than others, but at Ferryhopper we love to hunt down even the most hidden of places! So, if you’re planning a day trip or a short break away from the hustle and bustle, read on.

Here are 6 natural attractions to visit this year in Italy:

1) The Capo Nieddu waterfall in Sardinia

If you love trekking and breathtaking landscapes, this is what you’re looking for: the Capo Nieddu waterfall flowing directly into the sea of Sardinia.

The magnificent river Salighes (near the city of Oristano) crosses a basalt terrain and then makes a 40-m jump into the sea. Get ready, as in spring the show is even more impressive! You can reach the waterfall on foot by walking for 9 km or by boat from Oristano, Santa Caterina di Pittinuri or Bosa.

Useful info: the closest port to the province of Oristano in Sardinia is Porto Torres, around 2 hours by car.

2) The Blue Grotto of Capri

If you are spending a few days in Naples or on the Amalfi Coast, you can't miss Capri! Thanks to the daily ferry connections from Naples, Positano, Amalfi, Castellammare di Stabia, Sorrento, and Salerno, you can get to one of the most beautiful islands in Italy and enjoy its Blue Grotto.

This quarry is 60 m long and 25 m wide, with a small entrance from which only rowing boats can access. At some point you will have to lie down to the bottom of the boat to be able to enter. A few seconds of darkness and then... a real blue show!

Tip: you can visit the Blue Grotto every day from 09:00 to 17:00, but only if the weather conditions allow it.

The wonderful colors of the Blue Grotto in Capri

3) The Scala dei Turchi in Sicily

Sicily is a land of sea, sun and good food, but above all it has unique natural beauties. The Scala dei Turchi, close to Agrigento is surely among the best nature spots on the Italian island.

This rocky cliff overlooking the sea attracts millions of visitors every year and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the centuries, the wind has shaped the white cliff creating "big steps" that slide into the crystalline sea.

You can easily reach it from Porto Empedocle following the street signs for Lido Rossello, and park in front of Lido Baia dei Turchi.

4) The thermal baths of Saturnia in Tuscany

What's better than a natural spa to unplug? The springs of the Terme di Saturnia are just what you need! Located in the Maremma Grossetana area, these limestone pools have been offering regenerating experiences for centuries thanks to their sulfurous waters of almost 38°C.

According to legend, the thermal baths were born as a result of a quarrel between Jupiter and Saturn, who dodged a lightning that crashed to the ground creating this magical place. Reality or fantasy, it doesn't matter: we love them anyway!

Info: you can get to the Terme di Saturnia from Civitavecchia in 1 hour 15 minutes or reach them from Piombino by driving about 2 hours.

A relaxing day at the Terme di Saturnia

5) The Frasassi Caves in the Marche region

If you get to Italy by ferry through the port of Ancona, you should definitely visit the Frasassi Caves! This underground complex is located in Genga (less than 1 hour driving from Ancona) and is part of a beautiful park.

Water and rocks have been creating natural sculptures for almost 190 million years, giving life to stalactites, stalagmites and tunnels. The cave network extends for over 20 km, but the visitable path is about 1500 m. You can opt for the standard walk or the speleological route, perfect for the more adventurous!

Tip: remember to take extra clothes with you, as the temperature inside the cave is always 14°C, even in summer!

6) The Bracciano Natural Park near Rome

About 40 minutes from Rome there is a magical place surrounded by nature: the Bracciano-Martignano Natural Park. With its millenary trees, lakes, marshes, and volcanic landscapes, this protected reserve is among the most famous in Italy. If you love trekking and cycling, it’s a place not to be missed, especially for its scenic trails!

Remember to also visit the Caldara di Manziana Natural Monument, a unique place where small geysers and bubbles gurgle in the middle of the swamp.

Useful info: you can reach the park from Civitavecchia in less than 1 hour.

The Caldara di Manziana Natural Monument in the Bracciano Natural Park

Book cheap ferry tickets to discover the natural wonders of Italy

On Ferryhopper, you can book ferry tickets to Italian ports and set off to discover the country's most beautiful natural attractions with no hidden fees! Choose your next destination, check out all ferry connections, compare companies, and off you go.