Woods in Italy: 10 awesome natural havens to visit this autumn

We all know how the touch with nature is beneficial for both body and mind. So why not venturing into a magical forest bathing experience and travel to discover the most fascinating woods in Italy?

With approximately two million hectares of forests and countless nature reserves, the peninsula offers travelers a few truly spectacular places to stroll in serenity and breathe in the pure air, regenerate your inner balance and capture the most beautiful essence of nature with breathtaking photographs and views.

In this selection you'll find ten unmissable woods in Italy where trees aren't just plants, but living monuments with a long story to tell. Places with a fairytale and surreal atmosphere, where to feel captivated by the wonders of the landscape, its stories, its myths and legends that intertwine history with spirituality.

If you want to share an unforgettable experience with us, like in a fairytale, and can't wait to venture along hidden and mysterious paths, you're in the right place. Pack your backpack, hiking boots and camera, we’re setting off in search of the most beautiful Italian woods not to be missed this autumn!

For those who love losing themselves in the immensity of nature and enjoying unique and sensory-rich travel experiences there's nothing better than forest bathing, a green tourism discipline from Japan (Shinrin yoku) that invites to explore the woods with a multisensory approach, generating significant physical, mental and spiritual benefits.

Italian woods, with a rich biodiversity of flora and fauna and the dominant presence of beech, chestnut, oaks and spruce trees, are perfect for enjoying this and other magnificent green experiences, giving you all the emotions and that sense of well-being you've been searching for.

Every season of the year is a good time to venture into woods in Italy and feel amazed by their beauty. Autumn is impressive with the magic of the foliage and its intense colors, spring is ideal for photography lovers seeking memorable shots of nature in its vibrant awakening, while summer is perfect for exciting days of hiking and exploration sheltered from the heat under the treetops. And winter...well, the often snow-covered landscape of Italian forests can be a unique and evocative backdrop for an alternative Christmas holiday or a moment of retreat, taking a chance to visit the small inland villages and discover the taste of authenticity.

From the pre-alpine lands to the warm forests of the south, passing through the majestic woodland landscapes that outline the long chain of the Apennines in the heart of the peninsula, get ready to explore a priceless green heritage where well-being and pleasure meet.

Here are ten unmissable woods in Italy we recommend to discover on your next trip!

The “green heart of Europe”, a land characterized by an extraordinary concentration of protected green areas and exceptional biodiversity, Abruzzo is a must-see region when it comes to experiences within the woods in Italy.

Nestled in its mountain hinterland lies the Regional Park Sirente Velino, the subject of an ambitious project to revitalize the area's tourism, experiential and sensory potential as a green community, a small (great) heaven where forest bathing finds a beautiful and profound expression.

Not by chance, it is the first European Park of the Breathing Villages, a project that brings together all 22 villages of the park to promote air quality, the health of residents and visitors, and sustainable tourism that highlights the local natural and cultural heritage.

The park has renovated a wide hiking network, now boasting over 460 km of trails through woods and valleys ready to welcome trekkers of all levels and approximately 310 km of cycle paths for exciting mountain bike adventures.

Sirente Velino is renowned for its majestic beech woods, particularly the evocative Cerasolo Forest, stunning natural backdrops to unforgettable photo safaris among chamois - the Park's iconic animal - and the floral wonders that color the high-altitude landscapes all year round, from the brilliant spring blooms to the magical autumn foliage.

An experience made even more unique by the presence of balsamic paths, dedicated itineraries along the Park's trails for a full immersion in the local vibrant nature involving primarily the sense of smell. Let yourself be fascinated by the intense and therapeutic scents of the woods and mountain meadows and enjoy a pleasant feeling of regeneration and renewed inner balance, an olfactory embrace that transforms every step into a moment of profound well-being.

Nestled between the beautiful regions of Marche and Umbria, nature has created a green space of pristine beauty and peace, just waiting to be found out in the surroundings of the town of Cantiano. This is the Bosco di Tecchie Nature Reserve, in the heart of the central Apennines, described by many as a true “natural botanical garden” for its rich flora, whose colors and scents offer hikers a sense of profound and mystical tranquility.

Its strategic location makes the Reserve an inviting and easily accessible destination for all nature lovers, with incredible panoramic views perfect for truly unique landscape postcards. Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons to enjoy the beauty of Bosco di Tecchie, with the explosion of color due to the blooms of the many species of orchids that grow wild here and the magic of the foliage, which can be admired perhaps by following the evocative Itinerario del Cerro, a regenerating hiking route that penetrates for around 8 km into the woods among turkey oaks up to 30 meters tall and centuries-old beech trees.

This natural wealth, combined with the fresh clean air you breathe along its trails and the deep peace that embraces the territory, make the Tecchie Reserve one of the most interesting and relaxing woods in Italy, shaping outdoor experiences of adventure and moments of inner retreat.

A true natural sanctuary between Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, one of the most precious forest heritages in Italy and Europe, the Foreste Casentinesi National Park is undoubtedly a top destination for a stimulating and regenerating forest bathing experience.

The Park, awarded the prestigious Unesco World Heritage status in 2017 for its significant environmental and landscape relevance, is dominated by the imposing yet gentle presence of the Falterona and Campigna mountains. This green haven is home to ancient beech forests and centuries-old silver firs, including the tallest native fir in Italy reaching an impressive height of almost 52 meters, icon of the area and the effective environmentally friendly conservation.

These natural wonders can be explored and admired thanks to the many itineraries that venture through the woods, with over 600 km of accessible trails for engaging hiking experiences suitable for everyone. Foreste Casentinesi are famous for their “Nature Trails”, nine hiking paths designed to stimulate all senses and immerse in the tranquility of the greenery, experiencing its benefits for mind and body, including also handy information boards guiding you through this beautiful area providing valuable geographical information and tips about the most beautiful attractions to visit.

For photography enthusiasts seeking captivating multisensory experiences, Foreste Casentinesi offer the extraordinary spectacle of foliage and the season of falling leaves to be experienced through the “Autumn Slow” events, including guided tours, hikes and opportunities to explore the area while sampling its typical products. It can also be the perfect chance to find out the amazing flows of the Acquacheta Waterfall, a breathtaking view for beautiful snapshots after a walk in the wellness.

In Calabria there's a stunning mountain land, lush with natural beauty and magnificent landscapes, stretching over 70.000 hectares of forests, hills and small villages steeped in magical traditions. This is the National Park of Sila, nicknamed “Great Wood of Italy” for its priceless forest heritage starring as undisputed icons fifty-eight majestic Larch Pines, or Sila Giants, centuries-old protected  trees towering up to 45 meters tall that elegantly and majestically rise above the entire landscape. They are true living monuments worthy of a photograph!

The Sila area, recognized by Unesco as a natural heritage site and Biosphere Reserve, is an ideal destination for a deeply immersive forest bathing experience, enhanced by the purest air and an almost primordial silence.

There are countless outdoor activities to make the most of your experience in one of Italy's richest and most fascinating woods, especially in summer. Sila offers a vast network of trails, allowing to almost tiptoe around its sacred giants, and dirt tracks for adventurous days in the greenery ideal for mountain-biking. For water sports enthusiasts, it's impossible to resist a canoe trip on the picturesque artificial lakes Arvo and Cecita. And in autumn, the unparalleled spectacle of foliage offers breathtaking and unique photographic views.

Between Peloritani and Nebrodi Mountains, a green heritage in the province of Messina, lies a rich natural ecosystem as beautiful as fascinating and adventurous: it’s Bosco di Malabotta Nature Reserve, acknowledged as one of the oldest and most aesthetic forests in Sicily, not far from the charming village of Montalbano Elicona.

This little corner of paradise invites for a total immersion in the greenery of one of the last remaining primeval woods in Sicily, a multisensory experience capable of satisfying hikers' desire for adventure and exploration but also the wish for peace and relaxation of visitors interested in strolling around at a slow pace along the trails, stopping, breathing and feeling lightened in body and mind.

Bosco di Malabotta’s hiking experience is enriched by a thick network of trails that wind among majestic centuries-old oak trees, particularly the “Path of the Patriarchs”, so named for the presence of ancient and imposing durmast oaks on the route; this circular trail, among the most scenic in the woodland, leads to exceptional vantage points with breathtaking views of Mount Etna, the Alcantara Valley and the Aeolian Islands.

Photography enthusiasts will find incredible views for extraordinary postcards from a privileged position, with memorable landscapes season by season. Also not to be missed the Megaliths of Argimusco, a natural site on the northern side of the forest reminiscent of lunar landscapes, full of mysterious rock formations that have earned it the nickname of the Sicilian Stonehenge. A truly incredible location to add that extra touch of fascination to this unforgettable outdoor experience discovering one of the most evocative woods in Italy.

Named as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2017, the thousand-year-old Foresta Umbra is located about 800 meters above sea level in the Gargano National Park, in the province of Foggia. For who’s looking for a green haven and some coolness during the hot summer days, this is the ideal place for a refreshing forest bathing moment.

Here find place woods with dense vegetation consisting mainly of beech trees that grow at a lower altitude than average due to the particular climatic conditions of the area. In the wood you can admire and contemplate the majesty of the centuries-old trees, or excite your sense of smell with the scent of eighty-five species of wild orchids of vivid colours that blend with the surrounding greenery harmoniously, giving visitors strong sensory emotions.

Among the fifteen beautiful paths that branch out across the area, it’s recommended the charming “Umbra-Mare” route that leads straight to the sea near Vieste. On the way it’s east to come across rare species of animals such as fallow deer or wildcats and perhaps spot an eagle owl or a hawk.

You will also get to know the King of the Forest, one of the most beautiful and fascinating trees in the woods: Millacero, originated according to legends from the wrath of Jupiter who transformed the beautiful nymph Gargara into a tree, as she opposed the wishes of the God. A myth that nowadays don’t scare anymore, but that surely arouses much curiosity for adventurers looking for satisfying hikes, between outdoor action and folklore.

In the far north of the peninsula, between Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, lies a forest enchanting people with its nature, history and legend. This is Bosco del Cansiglio, or Bosco del Reme, an extraordinary place that extends across the Cansiglio Plateau and is considered one of the most important Italian natural heritage sites.

Here the autumn foliage is an attraction within the attraction, a spectacle of hues and shadows that will literally leave you speechless. Cansiglio is the ideal wood for long walks, where to stare in awe at the numerous tree species that find a fertile and healthy habitat here: the protagonists of the forest canopy are especially the beech trees, which rise majestically like living guardians of this evocative green space.

These trees boast an historical importance, related above all to the processing of beech wood, which for centuries has sustained the region's populations - in fact, this wood was long used by the Republic of Venice to build its ships. A history to be retraced with the scenic hike of Cimbrian Trail, visiting the visible remains of villages and the passage of ancient civilizations in the area while enjoying the extraordinary scenery of the beech and spruce forests.

For lovers of mythology and legends, Cansiglio offers a glimpse into the region's dark folklore better than any other location. On your excursions, don't miss a visit to Lake Santa Croce, believed to be home to the mysterious Anguane Fairies - said to be evil sirens engaged in malicious rituals - and the evocative Light’s Hole, an 180-meter-deep chasm that fascinates, yet can also unsettle adventurers who look for challenge into this place worthy of a fantasy novel.

White and red firs extend over an area of more than 700 hectares forming the wonderful Gran Bosco del Salbertrand, a corner of wild and lush nature in the Cottian Alps of Piedmont, a few kilometres away from Turin.

Here it’s easy feeling amazed by the beauty and peculiarity of this place, with a rich and unique flora and fauna thanks to the particular micro climate of the Western Alps. In addition to the rare specimens of fir trees, walks across woods could be colored by the magic of meeting deer, chamois, squirrels and over seventy species of birds.

The Gran Bosco del Salbertrand Park is the heaven for hikers, counting overall fourteen picturesque paths to follow on foot, by bike or by wearing snowshoes. The unmissable itineraries include the famous Via Francigena, which precisely in these area crosses the region, and the exciting French Path; the latter, according to historical sources, was walked by Charle Magne at the head of his army for crossing the mountains, traveling in order to attack the enemy Lombard who inhabited these lands.

With its historic charm, fresh uncontaminated air and breathtaking natural landscape, the Gran Bosco del Salbertrand is a forest bathing experience that will enrich you inside and out. But beware and don’t go too far on your hiking journeys, as since 1997 the wolf has also reappeared in this forest!

In the Tuscan Apennines lies a magical place where nature and spirituality merge. It is the Bosco della Verna, located near the Franciscan Sanctuary on Mount Penna, where Saint Francis received the stigmata. A labyrinthine-like forest, with a wild and shady nature, perfect for a different kind of woodland immersion.

The enchantment of this forest is not only bound to its unique landscape, with ancient beech and silver fir trees, roots entwining the ground and imposing rocks with wide scenic crevices. The history here is also mysterious and fascinating.

For a long time, Bosco della Verna was considered a dangerous and evil place, a hideout for bandits - the forest owes its name to the goddess Laverna, protector of thieves in roman mythology. This reputation changed critically when the forest was visited by Saint Francis from Assisi, who spread his message and founded a small community of monks, transforming what was once considered a dark place into a cult destination for religious (and non-religious) people seeking peace and serenity, attracting over the centuries thousands of pilgrims from all over Italy to meditate and immerse themselves in the sacred vitality of these woods.

Among the hiking trails the most evocative is the ancient road leading to the Sanctuary, starting from the hamlet of Chiusi di La Verna: a journey for crossing the forest physically and spiritually, and experience firsthand the mysticism of one of the world's most praised saints while enjoying breathtaking landscapes, among the most picturesque in Tuscany.

Bosco del Sasseto Torre Alfina might not have a particularly famous or evocative name, but too often appearances can be deceiving. This scenic gem in the town of Acquapendente, in the province of Viterbo, has been nicknamed “Snow White's Forest” for its aura of magic and fantasy that here, among particular centuries-old trees and lava rocks covered in moss and lichen, seems truly perceptible in a perfect balance between dream and reality.

The woodland area can be explored by slowly traversing intricate and silent paths, admiring over thirty species of trees reaching up to 25 meters in height and a dense undergrowth, including fallen logs, lush bushes and mushrooms that provide an ideal habitat for countless species of insects, amphibians and small reptiles.

Making this place even more special and surreal the presence of a gothic-style grave, as magnificent and photogenic as spooky. Here was buried Marquis Edoardo Cahen, once owner of the entire forest and the nearby Torre Alfina mansion. It was Cahen himself who decided to leave this forest untouched and wild, shaping only basic trails to guide visitors, with elegance and respect, into the fantastic world of nature.

Bosco del Sasseto, now a Natural Monument of the Lazio Region, is the perfect synthesis between a place of mystery and that natural wild purity that can fascinate like nothing else in the world, one of the unmissable woods in Italy to discover, experience and breathe in on your next trip.