July 26, 2026
Lake Tovel is open to visitors again until 20 September, and at weekends from 26 September to 1 November.
Lake Tovel is in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park
The lake is situated in Trentino, in the Adamello Brenta Nature Park at an altitude of 1,178 metres, and is one of the iconic landmarks of the Val di Non and the entire region. Formerly known as the Red Lake due to the summer phenomenon that coloured part of glaciers, today the lake is a peaceful spot that invites visitors to relax, and is ideal for anyone seeking gentle walks and time to contemplate on the trails leading to higher altitudes.
A trail suitable for families
The area surrounding Lake Tovel offers numerous hiking options, suitable both for those looking for a relaxing stroll and for those seeking a more challenging hike and wishing to venture to higher altitudes. The 3-kilometre path running alongside the lake is the best-known route: a simple, almost entirely flat circular walk, suitable even for families, which takes about an hour and a half and allows you to admire the lake from various angles. Those who prefer a more challenging hike will find Trail 309, an uphill route through the woods leading to Malga Tuena.
ph credits: Apt Val di Non
Parking and a shuttle service
Access to the lake is restricted, and you must book parking and shuttle buses online at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and bookings must be completed by 6.00 am on the day of your visit. Parking is free on weekdays until 30 June and subject to a charge from 1 July onwards. Once the valley’s car parks have reached maximum capacity, traffic is diverted to the former Cofco site in Tuenno, from where the shuttle service to the lake departs (on days when the shuttle service is operating, the final stretch of road between Lavacel and Lake Tovel is closed to private traffic from 11.00 to 14.30). Parking remains free for fully electric vehicles, holders of a disabled parking permit, ParcoKey holders and the authorised categories specified in the regulations. The lake can also be reached on foot or by bicycle.
Published in Cities & Regions
The Padovaland water park, a stone’s throw from the centre of Padua in Veneto, has introduced new enhancements and services.
Dozens of new palm trees
Following the recent acquisition of 162,000 sqm of land, the makeover, says owner Johnny Pozzi, "has given us the stability to be bold. After the Spray Park, this year we wanted to focus on the quality of the environment and visual appeal, So dozens of new Caribbean palm trees not only provide natural, cool shade on the hottest days, but also transport visitors to a completely different ecosystem.”
The Jungle Beach Spray Park has white sand
The exotic makeover gives the park the feel of a Caribbean island, framing the state-of-the-art Jungle Beach Spray Park, which was successfully opened last year. The attraction, situated on a large oasis of white sand, is the main recreational highlight of Padovaland and is entirely dedicated to families and young children thanks to its water games, fountains, tipping buckets and scenery reminiscent of the African savannah.
Safety lockers on the parasols
Services ensuring safety and technological innovation have also been enhanced, alongside water sustainability and environmental friendliness. Parasols can now be booked on the App, through which visitors can also specify their arrival times. From this season onwards, parasols are fitted with built-in safety lockers to ensure visitors do not have to leave their valuables unattended, and there is a dog area for four-legged friends.
Padua is called the Painted City
Padua’s historic centre is packed with historic cafés, markets and green areas. The Urbs Picta, or Painted City, is the name by which Padua is known for its extraordinary 14th-century frescos which were recognized by UNESCO in 2021, while the Botanical Garden is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Published in Experiences & Tips
As the southern gateway to the Po Delta Park, Cervia is a nature reserve teeming with birdlife and can boast a Salt Pan and a Butterfly House.
Cervia is famous for its salt production
Situated on the Romagna coast, next to Milano Marittima, just 22 kilometres from Ravenna and 35 kilometres from Rimini, Cervia is a town famous for its salt production, and is an ecosystem of great natural and historical value. Covering 827 hectares, the Cervia salt pan is the smallest in northern Italy and welcomed 32,708 visitors in 2025. Access to the salt pan is permitted exclusively via guided tours, for which advance booking is recommended via the website www.amaparco.it/salinadicervia
Visits by electric boat, canoe, bicycle or a small train
At the Cervia Salt Pan Visitor Centre, there are numerous activities available throughout the year, varying by season, offering ways to discover the salt pan and the surrounding area. Guided tours, available on foot, by electric boat, canoe, bicycle or on board a small train, offer different perspectives on the salt pan; some are also enhanced by food and wine experiences linked to the local area From February to November, the salt pan can be visited by boat; spring, in particular, is the ideal season for birdwatching, as the area is a stopover for migratory birds. During the summer and autumn months, you can learn more about the production techniques of Cervia’s prized sweet salt and watch it being harvested by hand. In particular, during the “Special Salt Harvest” event, you can see the wagons loaded with salt speeding along the tracks, the salt workers at work and the vivid pink pans. And with a bit of luck, you can spot numerous flamingos in every season.
The Butterfly House is a museum of insects
Just a few minutes’ drive from the salt pans, the Butterfly House is a theme park and museum that introduces visitors to the world of insects, their ecosystems, and the protection of habitats and biodiversity. The large tropical greenhouse, on over 500 square metres, is home to butterflies from Asia, Africa and America that fly freely amongst the plants, whilst local butterflies flutter in a smaller greenhouse. The Insect House is the pavilion where you can observe beetles, leaf insects, mantises and other insects from all over the world up close. The Butterfly House attracts some 40,000 visitors a year and, as well as being a theme park, is recognized as a centre for scientific outreach of national importance. To book experiences in the parks of Romagna: Buy your ticket - AmaParco
Published in On the road
The Tre Cime Dolomiti Tourist Consortium, a UNESCO site is is preparing to host numerous sporting events this summer.
International sporting events
The area offers visitors the chance to enjoy days of well-being within a UNESCO World Heritage Site www.auronzomisurina.it. The Tre Cime area, and in particular thw town of Auronzo di Cadore, will be showcased through international sporting events ranging from gravel and trail running to canoeing and triathlon. But that’s not all: there are numerous and varied nature experiences on offer, even for the little ones.
A world circuit open to both professionals and amateurs
The first event will be on Saturday 20 June with the UCI Gravel World Series. Riders will cycle on gravel bikes through the majestic Tre Cime di Lavaredo, along a route of exceptional beauty, starting and finishing in Auronzo from 8.30 am, with the prize-giving ceremony at 4.30 pm. The set-up, including the opening of the stands, begins on Thursday 18 June and runs until Sunday 21 June. The world circuit is organized by the International Cycling Union and is open to both professionals and amateurs who can take part in the Randonnée, the non-competitive event at a leisurely pace open to everyone, even without a gravel bike but using a classic mountain bike.
Races of varying duration and elevation
The Lavaredo 80K trail running race will take place in Auronzo on Saturday 27 June. With a maximum duration of 22 hours, a distance of 80 km and 4,600 metres of elevation gain, the race starts in Val Marzon and finishes in the centre of Cortina. The event forms part of La Sportiva Lavaredo Ultra Trail by UTMB® in the Dolomites, which begins on 24 June in Cortina d’Ampezzo with races of various distances: from 10 km, 20 km and 50 km, up to the Lavaredo 120K with 5,800 metres of elevation gain and a maximum duration of 30 hours. There is also a kids’ version for the little ones.
A gravel triathlon event
The Gravel Cross Triathlon in Auronzo will take place on 11 and 12 July. One of the first gravel triathlon events in Italy, the Gravel Cross Triathlon is a variation of the off-road triathlon, which replaces the mountain bike with a gravel bike on dirt, gravel and forest trails. Participants will swim 1 kilometre in the alpine Lake Santa Caterina, before hopping onto their gravel bikes for a 26 km off-road ride with nearly 1,000 metres of elevation gain. The final 7.5 km will be trail running: a 600-metre climb from Lake Misurina leads to the Auronzo Mountain Hut, at an altitude of 2,333 metres. The race is also open to mountain bikes.
International Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe Championships
From 3 to 5 July, Lake Santa Caterina in Auronzo will also be the venue for one of the most eagerly awaited events of the summer: the International Canoe Sprint and Paracanoe Championships. The programme includes three days of heats and finals over 1,000, 500 and 200 metres, with hundreds of athletes competing in the Under-16, Junior, Senior and Masters categories.
A 34-kilometre walk
The 53rd Camignada poi Siè Refuge returns to Misurina on 2 August, organized by CAI Auronzo and now attracting over a thousand participants from all over the world. This is a non-competitive walk of approximately 34 km with 1,500 m of elevation gain, starting from Misurina and finishing in Auronzo, following trail 101. The route passes through six mountain huts: Rifugio Auronzo, Rifugio Lavaredo, Rifugio Locatelli, Rifugio Piani di Cengia, Rifugio Comici and Rifugio Carducci.
Lake Auronzo has a sandy beach for swimming
Between races, there’s plenty of opportunity to have fun and relax. Lake Auronzo has a small sandy beach with parasols, deckchairs, a swimming pool for diving in complete safety, and green areas for picnics. The Auronzo Fun Bob allows descents along a 3 kilometre route with a 500-metre elevation drop, reaching speeds of up to 45 km/h. The starting point for the bobsleigh is the top station of the Taiarezze-Malon chairlift, at 1,361 metres.
A play course for younger children
The Tre Cime Adventure Park features four aerial courses at varying heights and suited to different age groups, including Tibetan bridges, pirate ladders, walkways, vines and zip lines, all operated with the utmost safety in mind. Younger children, aged 3 to 5, can try their hand at a dedicated play course, whilst older children and adults can choose from three different courses, up to the one at a height of 14 metres. To top it all off, there is a zip line for children and adults that crosses the river.
Published in MICE & Events
Emilia-Romagna isn’t just about the seaside and entertainment. It’s also has 30 cultural sites to discover.
AmaParco network: the most authentic side of Emilia-Romagna
The Emilia-Romagna region is also about nature, art and culture, and the AmaParco circuit www.amaparco.it run by the Atlantide cooperative proves just that. With 30 theme parks, museums and visitor centres of regional and national importance, the AmaParco network showcases the most authentic side of Emilia-Romagna through the lens of sustainable tourism, including a small portion of the Marche region.
From UNESCO sites to theme parks
The network spans the areas of Ravenna, Rimini, Forlì-Cesena, Ferrara and Pesaro-Urbino, showcasing the natural and cultural highlights of these places, including UNESCO sites, fortresses, archaeological museums and theme parks (many of which are recognized by the Region as ‘Musei di Qualità’ and CEAS Centres for Environmental and Sustainability Education). The AmaParco circuit also includes several visitor centres in the Po Delta Regional Park and the Casentino Forests, Monte Falterona and Campigna National Park, home to ancient beech forests that have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.
ph credits: Fucina Press Office
Over 350,000 visitors annually
Every year, AmaParco welcomes over 350,000 visitors seeking a slow, authentic and sustainable tourism experience. They take guided tours with expert guides and daily or multi-day nature excursions to explore the area in depth on foot, by bicycle, by electric boat, by canoe or by dedicated transport.
Parks with outstanding visitor numbers
With tourists coming mainly from the DACH region, France, the UK and Eastern Europe, the parks in the network that stand out in terms of visitor numbers, appeal and services offered include the Butterfly House in Milano Marittima, the Ridracoli Water Ecomuseum, the NatuRa Visitor Centre, the Cervia Salt Pan Visitor Centre, and the two sites in Verucchio: the Fortress and the Archaeological Museum.
The AmaParco parks can be booked online
The AmaParco system combines the protection, dissemination and enhancement of heritage, catering to all ages and paying particular attention to the educational sector. It integrates educational programmes focused on raising awareness and exploring topics ranging from archaeology to local culture, fostering greater environmental awareness and promoting an active and responsible relationship with the local area through immersive learning experiences on biodiversity, ecosystems and sustainability. The programmes combine nature, culture and local food and wine specialties, and can all be viewed and booked on the website: https://shop.atlantide.net/#
Published in On the road
Estate Fiesolana (Fiesole, Florence - Tuscany) returns from 8 June to 11 September, for its 79th edition and is Italy's oldest multidisciplinary open-air festival.
Performances in the Roman Theatre and other venues
Entertaining visitors since 1911 when it launched its first classical theatre performance since 1947, it has also included music, art, dance and cinema. Every summer, from June to September, the Festival offers classical, pop and jazz music, theatre and dance performances, as well as themed evenings and a high-quality film programme. It features numerous national and international artists, mainly in the setting of the ancient Roman Theatre, the festival’s central venue, but also extends to other locations in and around Fiesole.
The Fiesole Award for the Masters of Cinema
Among the recurring events hosted on the stage of the Roman Theatre is the prestigious Fiesole Award to the Masters of Cinema, awarded over the years to leading Italian and international directors and actors, accompanied by a screening of the winner’s films. Of Etruscan and later Roman origin, the little town of Fiesole in the Tuscan countryside, less than ten kilometres from Florence, is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards and cypress trees, and offers opportunities for walking and cycling excursions. It still preserves important archaeological remains from the Etruscan and Roman periods, such as the Roman Theatre and the thermal baths, dating back to the 1st century BC, as well as numerous artefacts housed in the Archaeological Museum.
Museums and Italian-style gardens
The Convent of Saint Francis, founded in the 13th century, is an ancient religious complex, as well as a centre of Franciscan spirituality and theological studies. In the 1400s the town also became the Medici family’s summer residence: the Villa Medicea, with its Italian-style gardens, is currently open to visitors. In the centre of Fiesole stands the Cathedral, dating from 1028, with paintings, frescoes and sculptures by great artists, and the Bandini Museum, which has a significant collection of works of art gathered by the Bandini family over the centuries. To purchase tickets and view the calendar of events, visit the website: https://www.bitconcerti.it/estate-fiesolana-2026.html#
Published in MICE & Events
Ridracoli, which is ideal for canoeing and forest bathing buffs, is located on the border between Emilia-Romagna and Tuscany in the Foreste Casentinesi National Park.
Guided tours of the dam on the Bidente river
This area is known for its imposing dam, built in the 1980s on the Bidente River, which created a picturesque lake at 557 meters asl surrounded by pristine forests. This unique ecosystem can be explored via electric boat or canoe tours in the spring and summer months, as well as along e-bike and hiking trails. The dam not only provides drinking water to much of the Romagna region, but also offers the opportunity to view this engineering masterpiece from unique vantage points. The electric boat, equipped with 43 seats, takes visitors from late March through September with an environmental guide on board who recounts the history of the dam, the landscape, and the wildlife inhabiting these forests.
Half-day, full-day and overnight canoe trips
The tour allows, upon request and provided the lake level is high enough, for a stop at the Cà di Sopra Refuge for lunch or to set off from there on a short hike through the woods. Among the water-based experiences, canoe trips are available as half-day or full-day excursions, in the evening or at night; including an overnight canoe trip to the village of Seghettina, scheduled for June 27–28, July 25–26, and August 29–30 (discover more).
The Casentino Forests Triathlon combines hiking, canoeing, and e-biking
For cycling enthusiasts, it is possible to rent e-bikes with a certified MTB guide for an excursion along the forest trail leading to the Foresta della Lama. It is also possible to complete a loop around Lake Ridracoli, or to set out on one of the many trails to discover the most fascinating spots in the National Park. Outings range from half-day trips to night excursions. A perfect destination for nature lovers, Ridracoli is also the venue for the Casentino Forests Triathlon, a sporting and nature-based experience that combines hiking, canoeing, and e-biking in a single event. For hikers numerous trails lead to picturesque spots such as San Paolo in Alpe and the Foresta della Lama, on the edge of the Sasso Fratino Integral Reserve, Italy’s first integral reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2017.
Forest bathing with certified guides
The events calendar is packed with all kinds of activities. Among these is Forest Bathing, a practice of sensory immersion in nature that offers numerous benefits for physical and mental well-being. The experience is led by a certified forest immersion guide and offers a rejuvenating break for body and mind, with great health benefits. The Ridracoli Dam and IDRO Ecomuseum - Forest Bathing
Water-based activities for young and old
This summer with the “Wednesdays of the Giant” and year-round with “At the Giant’s Feet,” the dam can occasionally be visited from below with exclusive tours of the internal tunnels to discover how it works, including control instruments, history, technical curiosities, and observation points normally inaccessible to the public. All these events can be viewed on the website https://www.ridracoli.it/calendar/. Also interesting is a visit to Idro – Ecomuseo delle Acque di Ridracoli, a fun and interactive museum dedicated to the history and operation of the dam. This is also perfect for young children as it focuses on discovering water, local flora and fauna, and environmental education. And the museum features a collection of stuffed animals that inhabit the area’s forests and explains in detail how the dam works. To purchase experiences in the parks of Romagna: Buy your ticket - AmaParco
Published in On the road
Sant'Alberto, the "Poets Village”, a hamlet in the municipality of Ravenna, in Emilia-Romagna. on the ancient banks of the Po di Primaro, is in the Po Delta Park which offers nature in the wild.
One of Italy's largest flamingo colonies
Between the River Reno and the Comacchio Lagoons:, Sant'Alberto is in the largest complex of brackish wetlands in Italy. The area is a unique balance between fresh and salt water, which contributes to its high biodiversity and ir is particularly attractive for its diverse birdlife, with dozens of species finding refuge here, including Italy’s largest flamingo colony and one of the largest in the Mediterranean.
The Visitors Centre has bicycle and e-bike hire services
Sant’Alberto is home to the NatuRa Visitor Centre, a hub for exploring one of Italy’s most fascinating ecosystems. The Centre offers bicycle and e-bike hire services, allowing you to explore the area independently or with a specialist guide. Among the most evocative experiences, the "Flamingo Cycle" is a breathtaking route through the Southern Comacchio Valleys, whilst a 55 kilometre circular route allows you to set off from Sant’Alberto and reach Comacchio halfway along the way.
Home to the rare Camargue horses
Here, in the Southern Valleys of Comacchio and just a few kilometres from the NatuRa Visitor Centre, the guided excursion to Boscoforte is not to be missed. This 6.5 kilometre peninsula that remained closed to the public for over ten years and can now boast an exceptionally high level of biodiversity. Wild nature reigns supreme in Boscoforte, an ideal habitat for numerous species of migratory birds, including falcons, herons and flamingos. It is also being one of the best places in Italy and Europe for birdwatching, and is also home to the rare Camargue horses, which can be spotted here in the wild. The Boscoforte Peninsula is now accessible only on foot and via guided tours, offering an exclusive opportunity to explore a place of extraordinary beauty. To purchase experiences in the parks of Romagna: Buy your ticket - AmaParco
Published in Experiences & Tips
Verucchio in Romagna is one of the “Most Beautiful Small Towns in Italy” and has may great treasures waiting to be explored.
Close to Rimini and San Marino
Strategically situated less than 30 minutes’ drive from Rimini and on the border with the State of San Marino, Verucchio, which has held the Touring Club’s Orange Flag since 2005, was the cradle of the Malatesta family in the 13th century, It also bears witness to the Villanovan civilization (9th and 6th centuries BC) and today still retains its medieval layout, consisting of steep narrow streets with the fortress at the top of the town.
ph credits: Elisa Biagioli
The magnificent Malatesta fortress
The Malatesta Fortress of Verucchio overlooks the Valmarecchia from a rocky outcrop, offering a view stretching from the Apennines to the sea. This superbly preserved fortress remains a symbol of the power of the Malatesta family, one of the most influential dynasties of the Middle Ages, which ruled these lands unchallenged from 1295 to 1500. The fortress offers a diverse range of immersive experiences, from guided tours to candlelit events, escape rooms and murder mystery dinners, as well as private events.
The Villanovan Archaeological Museum
A visit to the nearby Villanovan Archaeological Museum further enriches the exploration of this small village, allowing visitors to delve deeper into its historical roots by recounting the social and economic life of the time. In the former monastery of Sant’Agostino, dating back to the 13th century, the museum holds treasures of international significance from the excavations of over 600 tombs discovered beneath the town. Among the weapons, pottery and jewellery, highlights include a wooden throne, incredibly well-preserved organic textiles and a large quantity of precious Baltic amber. It is no coincidence that the Archaeological Museum was recognised in 2000 as one of the 10 best in Europe.
ph credits: Elisa Biagioli
Local cuisine, dancing and folklore
Verucchio also hosts various events, particularly during the summer months. These include the Verucchio Music Festival in July; shows, re-enactments and medieval dinners at the Rocca in August; and, also in August, Verucchio Calici, during which visitors can discover and taste the region’s finest wines. And then in mid-September the Fiera di Santa Croce offers a feast of local cuisine, dancing and folklore.
Published in Experiences & Tips
Hundreds of historic homes across Italy will open their doors on Sunday 24 May for the16th edition of National Historic Homes Day.
Over 450 exclusive sites
This will be a unique opportunity to visit historic homes across Italy free of charge. And most of them are situated in little-known locations far from the traditional tourist routes. The event, promoted by the Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane, which brings together owners of historic properties from across the country, forms part of Italy’s packed calendar of cultural events and offers a unique opportunity to visit over 450 exclusive sites, including period properties, residences, castles and historic gardens of great charm and rich historical and cultural heritage.
Some 80% of Italy consists of smaller towns and inland areas
Italy has unique monuments located throughout the country in cities, regional capitals, towns and villages, in the mountains, in valleys, on the coast and in the plains. “In 2025 alone, over 500 historic homes took part in the event, welcoming more than 250,000 visitors,” says Maria Pace Odescalchi, president of the Italian Historic Homes Association. The initiative is part of an effort to raise awareness of the importance of protecting and conserving Italy’s private historical and architectural heritage, as well as the significance of its role in generating value across the country, nearly 80% of which consists of smaller towns and inland areas.
Castellamonte Castel - ph credits Martina Alesse
Generating cultural, social and economic value
The theme of the 2026 edition is “Guardians of the Future. A living heritage for a shared value,” and offers an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility involved in caring for assets that are not only to be preserved, but also to be enhanced and made accessible within their local communities, to generate cultural, social and economic value. For information: https://www.associazionedimorestoricheitaliane.it/giornatanazionale2026/)
Published in Hospitality
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