Italy is one of the most fascinating countries and always has been a magnet for travellers. How can you blame them? Italy offers a rich history, it prevails in fashion and arts, and it has a rich culture and traditions that often outsiders envy. Perhaps one of the best gifts that Italy received from above was the natural beauty and landscape that would astonish and take back anyone. In the north of Italy you will find the Italian Alps which are ideal for thrilling adventure experiences, whereas the south is a lot warmer and laid back, and to top it off you got the islands, of which the largest and most known are Sicily and Sardinia. If you love nature and the extra adrenaline then here are some of the activities that can be taken around Italy. For information on flights from your local airport in UK and for holidays offers see Directline Holidays, that currently is doing a low deposit of £25 per person for holidays in 2013.

Ancient theatre in Taormina Sicily with Mount Etna

Rock Climbing
The Alps offer the widest choice of rock climbing in Italy, with Mont Blanc being the highest point to conquer at 15770 feet. In this region the Dolomites that stretch far into the Austrian border will offer an excellent choice of routes, and challenges that can thrill even the most experienced, like the grade 5 Eterna Brigata VF near Marmolada. However, the Alps are not the only place where you can climb in Italy. Arco, near Lake Garda is gaining popularity among climbers in Italy, and in the south you will find 11 major crags between Potenza and Cosenza or for multi pitch climbing and for stunning views across the sea then head near Moneta which close to Naples.

Climbing Via Ferrata in Marmolada

The major islands have great climbing options of which Mount Pellegrino near Palermo is considered a major climbing point in Southern Italy with a great choice of single and multi pitched routes and limestone crags. Sardinia is another great choice that would offer great climbing thrill, especially around the popular area of Cala Gonone. The best time to go and fully enjoy those climbs is in the summer, especially in the Alps, where the weather is unpredictable through the winter months.

Trekking
If you just like walking and actually enjoying nature at a slow pace then trekking is the best choice, especially in the summer. Again the north of Italy is well known and admired among trekkers, especially along the major lakes. However, here are two unusual and equally stunning trekking routes for which you will not be disappointed.

The Torre Salsa is a natural reserve near Agrigento, in Sicily, covering an area of nearly 740 hectares of marshes, sand dunes and secluded beaches that often are deserted. This area is managed by WWF and hosts a number of rare plants and animals, including the loggerhead sea turtle called “Caretta Caretta”. If you cannot stand the peak summer temperatures then is best to avoid coming here in August or trek in the early hours of the morning.

Italy Lake Como

The Renaissance Ring is a route in Tuscany that will connect history and nature in Italy. It covers around 170 km of hill walking and woodlands around Florence. Along this exhilarating landscape you will go past castles, monasteries and castles or trek on ancient roman roads. Doing the full route is only for the most determined trekkers, and to cover the 13 stages set by the local guides will require a good fortnight in Florence. Well worth it though.