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I SPECIAL FEATURE I ADVENTURE TOURISM IItaly's regions offer outdoof all kindsFrom mountain biking to rock climbing, from whitewater raftfor those of all fitness and energy levels.EMILIAROMAGNAEmilia Romagna in northern Italy is excellentcycling territory, so its hills have long beenfavourite training grounds for professionalcyclists. It is no wonder, then, that thecelebrated Giro d'Italia or Tour of Italy ispassing through from May 20 to 22 this yearand taking in three cities (Cervia, Cesenatico,Rimini).Hiring a bike is one of the best ways to enjoythis region, especially as many of its roadsare known for having little traffic.For outdoor enthusiasts, Emilia Romagnahas dozens of hiking trails, as there are theApennines. Among them are the 18 ancientpilgrimage routes that pass through theregion. These offer opportunities for cyclingas well as walking.© Alvaro German Vilela - Dreamstime.comREPUBLICOF SAN MARINOSan Marino is a cultural destination on a par withany other, with its historic centre, along with themunicipality of Borgo Maggiore and the highestpeak, Mount Titan, having been added to the listof UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2008.But for those who enjoy a holiday that is asenergetic as it is cultural, San Marino is alsoideal, with many areas to explore on foot, bike orhorseback.There are appealing mountain bike routes suitablefor riders at all levels, plus bike hotels that cantake care of their guests' two-wheelers.Meanwhile, Mount Titan, which reaches 739metres above sea level, is an ideal place for thosewho would like an energetic walk. The views fromthe top are well worth the effort.© Antanovich 1985 - Dreamstime.comLAZIOThe multiple protected areas in this region ofcentral Italy are drawing increasing numbers ofvisitors looking for outdoor activities.Lazio has no fewer than four state naturereserves, three national parks and two marineprotected areas, making the region a hub forsustainable tourism.People seeking high-adrenaline action needlook no further. Paragliding and kite surfingare popular, while Lazio has what is describedas the longest and fastest zipline in the world.Further high-octane pursuits including freeclimbing on cliffs overlooking the sea.Rafting, canoeing, kayaking, mountain bikingand canyoning - jumping into a river - are alsopossible.But Lazio is not all about thrill-seeking. Thoselooking for the quiet contemplation of theoutdoors will also find much to enjoy, with theregion having an extensive network of hikingtrails.© Antonio Nardelli - Dreamstime.comCyclists crossing Via Giuseppe Mazziniof Ferrara, Emilia-RomagnaRepublic of San-MarinoAbruzzo - Lazio National Park22 ITB BERLIN NEWS 01 • WEDNESDAY 4 TH MARCH 2020www.itb-berlin-news.com
ADVERTORIALor opportunitiesing to hiking, there are activitiesBASILICATAThis beautiful region of southern Italy remainsundiscovered by many tourists, yet its outdoorattractions are a match for anything on offerelsewhere in the country.In Basilicata it is easy to combine culturaldelights with open-air action. For example, thearea around the extraordinary rock-hewn cityof Matera is a popular place for quad biking,so tourists can enjoy both a relaxed walkthrough the city and a session of petrol-headedadventure.The beautiful blue waters off the coast are idealfor organised boat excursions, with caves, smallislands and beaches to be enjoyed.Other open-air activities for which Basilicata isrenowned include hiking in the natural parks.Italy's largest national park, the Pollino, isespecially known for its unspoilt upland areas.The park is also great for mountain biking,whitewater rafting, canoeing and, in winter,cross-country skiing.PUGLIAA southern Italian region full of undiscoveredgems for the cultural tourist, Puglia is alsoexcellent for those who enjoy outdoor activities.Visitors can explore a nature reserve by trekkinga path of red soil through Mediterraneanscrubland down to the blue sea.There are the delights of the Ionian and Adriaticseas to explore, and there is never a shortage ofsun and wind, with spectacular bays where surflovers can tame the waves.Holidaymakers can also go horse ridingthrough the gentle hills of the Murge plateau ortake a bike ride through Puglia's country roads.Cycling can be combined with the joys of Italianfood, with cities such as Bari offering bike tourscombined with pasta making - a uniquely Italianexperience.Golf enthusiasts can tee off on vast golf coursesnext to the sea.PIEDMONTThis region in northwest Italy is a magnet forthose who enjoy skiing - and much else. Setagainst the Alps, top international destinationshave 1,350km of slopes suitable for everythingfrom steep downhill skiing to cross-countryskiing, ice-skating and snowboarding.The rushing rivers draw in people who enjoythe thrill of rafting, specially in Valsesia. Insummer, mountains and valleys offer a widenetwork of trekking, walking and hikingroutes, while the whole region is ideal forcycling tours. The shores of Lake Maggiore aregreat for sailing, windsurfing and canoeing.There are myriad large-scale outdoor culturalattractions in the area, notably ancient cavesand talc mines in the valleys, or the magnificentprotected area of the 7 Sacred Mountains,popular for spiritual treks. Wine trails are anexcellent way to enjoy the region, as in theLanghe, Roero and Monferrato UNESCO area.© Ffolle90 - Dreamstime.com© Cezary Wojtkowski - Dreamstime.com© Roberto Caucino - Dreamstime.comSunset Pollino national park mountains Row of Trulli houses - historical quarter - Alberobello Skiing in Biella, ItalyITB BERLIN NEWS 01 • WEDNESDAY 4 TH MARCH 2020 23
