Natural Crafts Italy

A romantic and popular sandy cove, Innamorata Beach (literally "the lover") offers clear water and splendid sunsets. According to legend, the beach was home to the loves of Romeo and Juliet of the Elbe in the 16th century, Lorenzo and Maria. Lorenzo was murdered by pirates and, out of despair, Maria threw herself into the sea... Their tragic love story is commemorated every July 14 during the Festa dell' Innamorata. Easily accessible, the beach has umbrella rentals, bars and restaurants.

If you are visiting the island of Pianosa, it would be a shame to miss a sunbath on this magnificent and long beach of white and very fine sand, located on the east coast, especially since it is the only place where swimming is allowed on the island. This famous little paradise with crystal clear and transparent water, worthy of a postcard, is not far from the village. Opposite the cove, stands the 32-metre high islet of La Scola, whose seabed is dotted with amphoras and well-preserved dishes.

Want to take off? About twelve kilometres north of Piombino, the town of Baratti offers a long and beautiful beach of fine sand. As a bonus, the island of Elba and the bay of Piombino in panorama. It is easily accessible by crossing a shaded pine forest; a good place for a picnic after swimming in clear water. The beach is free and open access - which is not so frequent in Italy -, parking is not free, and beware, there are many controls in high season!

These hills stretch north from the town of Novara (hence their name) and south from Lakes Orta and Maggiore, about a fifteen-minute drive from Gozzano. More a rural area to explore than a tourist attraction in itself, you'll be amazed by the beauty of the villages that dot the area, including Romagnano Sesia, Ghemme, Cavallirio and Borgomanero. Ancient bridges, fortifications, vineyards and rice fields are the main features of the unique landscape of the Novara hills. A beautiful region of Piedmont.

This recently-opened cave has to be earned: a 10-minute drive by car, then as much on foot along a balcony path. Greeted by your guide, you'll receive a caving helmet and set off on your guided tour, a true scientific and historical adventure. The environment once carved out by the underground river is now adorned with pools, stalactites, stalagmites and "draperies", which you discover just a few centimetres from your eyes on a 300 m-long trail. An intimate experience, as close as possible to geology!

Wooden footbridges and staircases lead up to this gorge with its rich vegetation and waterfall. At the top, you're rewarded with a panoramic view of Lake Caldaro. As you approach the Rastenbach Gorge, descending from Altenburg/Castelvecchio towards Lake Kaltern, the atmosphere is suddenly wonderfully refreshing. How reassuring to know that the wooden stairs and bridges are reinforced and properly secured. When you reach the bottom of the 1.5-hour trail (3.8 km), you're greeted by the sun and Lake Kaltern.

The river descends through a long, narrow gorge between Mount Margiani and Mount Omo and plunges with 3 jumps, the last of around 30 metres, forming the famous "Sa Spendula" waterfall. Situated in a natural setting of great beauty, amidst granite rocks and lush vegetation of rockroses and mastic trees, the succession of 3 waterfalls is easily accessible on foot. As for the rest, canyoning enthusiasts will have a field day. The massif is teeming with hiking and mountain-biking trails.

A wonderful oasis ideal for all tastes, from lovers of relaxation in nature and romantic atmospheres to sea sports enthusiasts. The marina of Gonnesa is an enchanting stretch of soft, compact sand of a beautiful amber-gold color in the Gulf of Lions (or Gonnesa). The sandy shoreline, wide and more than 3 km long, offers postcard views. Four beaches follow one another like a gentle slit in the rocky coast. Here there is little construction or concrete on the coast, it is wild, windy and we like that!