National Parks in Italy

The National Parks of Italy encompass terrestrial, marine, fluvial, or lacustrine areas that host ecosystems either intact or partially altered by human activity. These areas possess physical, geological, geomorphological, and biological formations of national or international interest due to their naturalistic, scientific, cultural, aesthetic, educational, and recreational values. The conservation of these places justifies the intervention of the State.

Currently, there are 26 national parks in Italy listed in the Official List of Protected Areas (Elenco Ufficiale delle Aree Protette, EUAP), covering approximately 14,000 km², equivalent to 5% of the Italian territory, including the Vesuvius National Park, known for the famous Mount Vesuvius, and the Stelvio National Park, renowned as the largest in the Italian Republic.

List of National Parks of Italy

Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise National Park (1922)

Explore a vast expanse of mountains, forests, and wildlife in the heart of Italy, home to emblematic species like the Italian wolf and the Marsican brown bear.

Gran Paradiso National Park (1922)

Immerse yourself in an alpine paradise, where mighty peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows invite you to explore their natural beauty and rich wildlife diversity.

Circeo National Park (1934)

Venture into a unique coastal landscape, where golden sandy beaches blend with pine forests and saltwater lagoons, home to a rich variety of migratory birds.

Calabria National Park (1968)

Discover a natural treasure in southern Italy, where rugged mountains, lush forests, and pristine beaches combine to create an impressive and diverse landscape.

Aspromonte National Park (1989)

Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of southern Italy, exploring ancient forests, rugged canyons, and towering peaks that host a rich diversity of wildlife.

Dolomites National Park (1990)

Discover a spectacular landscape of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and alpine meadows in one of Italy’s most iconic parks, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga National Park (1991)

Embark on an alpine adventure in the heart of the Apennines, exploring impressive landscapes and rich wildlife diversity in one of Italy’s largest parks.

Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park (1991)

Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural beauty of southern Italy, exploring ancient forests, stunning cliffs, and charming medieval villages in this UNESCO World Heritage park.

Majella National Park (1991)

Discover the majesty of the central Apennines, where rugged peaks, ancient forests, and rich wildlife diversity await you in this national park.

Gargano National Park (1991)

Explore a unique coastal landscape, where rugged cliffs, Mediterranean forests, and golden sandy beaches invite you to enjoy the unspoiled nature of southern Italy.

Val Grande National Park (1992)

Embark on an adventure in the heart of the Italian Alps, exploring remote valleys, towering peaks, and pristine wilderness in one of Italy’s largest parks.

Pollino National Park (1993)

Discover the wild beauty of southern Italy, where rugged mountains, ancient forests, and rich wildlife diversity await you in one of Italy’s largest parks.

Foreste Casentinesi, Monte Falterona and Campigna National Park (1993)

Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural beauty of the Arno Valley, where ancient forests, crystal-clear rivers, and charming villages await you in this national park.

Monti Sibillini National Park (1993)

Explore a spectacular mountainous landscape, where jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and a rich diversity of wildlife await you in this national park in central Italy.

La Maddalena Archipelago National Park (1994)

Embark on an island adventure in the heart of the Mediterranean, exploring pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich diversity of marine life in this unique national park.

Tuscan Archipelago National Park (1996)

Explore a unique Mediterranean paradise, where unspoiled islands, turquoise waters, and a rich diversity of marine life await you in this national park.

Asinara National Park (1997)

Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of a unique Mediterranean island, where white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a rich diversity of wildlife await you in this national park.

Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu National Park (1998)

Discover the natural and cultural beauty of the Sardinian coast, where rugged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and a rich diversity of marine life await you in this national park.

Cinque Terre National Park (1999)

Embark on a coastal adventure in northwest Italy, where stunning cliffs, colorful villages, and terraced vineyards await you in this UNESCO World Heritage national park.

Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park (2001)

Discover the beauty of the central Apennines, where deep valleys, rugged peaks, and a rich diversity of wildlife await you in this national park.

Sila National Park (2002)

Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of the Calabria region, where ancient forests, crystal-clear lakes, and a rich diversity of wildlife await you in this national park.

Alta Murgia National Park (2004)

Embark on an adventure in southern Italy, where steppe landscapes, Mediterranean forests, and a rich diversity of wildlife await you in this national park.

Val d’Agri and Lagonegrese National Park (2008)

Discover the natural and cultural beauty of southern Italy, where rugged mountains, deep valleys, and a rich diversity of wildlife await you in this national park.

Pantelleria Island National Park (2016)

Explore a unique Mediterranean paradise, where volcanic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and a rich diversity of marine life await you in this national park in the heart of the Mediterranean.

How many national parks and protected areas are there in Italy?

In Italy, there are 871 protected areas, covering more than 3 million hectares on land, around 2,850 thousand hectares at sea, and 658 kilometers of coastline.

Among these areas, the 26 Italian national parks stand out, covering almost 1.5 million terrestrial hectares and 71 thousand marine hectares. Additionally, there are 29 Marine Protected Areas, totaling approximately 222 thousand hectares, along with two submerged parks and the International Sanctuary for Marine Mammals, which protect another 2.5 million hectares. In total, there are 32 Marine Protected Areas, according to data from the VI update of the Official List of Protected Areas.

Size of Italian National Parks

1. Cilento Park: Covering an area of 178,172 hectares.
2. Pollino Park: Covering 171,132 hectares.
3. Gran Sasso and Monti della Laga Park: Covering an area of 141,341 hectares.
4. Stelvio National Park: Covering 130,734 hectares.
5. Gargano National Park: Covering an area of 118,144 hectares.
6. Gulf of Orosei and Gennargentu Park: Covering 73,935 hectares.
7. Sila National Park: Covering 73,695 hectares.
8. Gran Paradiso National Park: Covering 71,043 hectares.
9. Sibillini Mountains National Park: Covering an area of 69,722 hectares.
10. Lucanian Apennines Val d’Agri Lagonegrese National Park: Covering 68,996 hectares.

The protected areas, biosphere reserves, and different Italian territories with protection levels can be seen in the following image: