From olive groves to brown bears in just 30km

As the crow flies, it’s only 30km. But in that short distance, the land makes an extraordinary journey – jumping from Lake Garda to the 3,173m summit of Cima Tosa, the tallest of the Brenta Dolomites.

In doing so it swaps a hot Mediterranean climate for a harsh Alpine one, and passes through a dazzling array of landscapes and ecosystems. It’s for no wonder then, that this region - known as “Alpi Ledrensi e Judicaria” - has become one of Unesco’s rare Biosphere Reserves.

It’s a land of striking contrasts. In the south, cicadas rasp amidst the olive groves of Riva del Garda, while in the north the Adamello Brenta Nature Park is home to brown bears, lynx and even wolves. In between you’ll find 1,600 species of flora, as well as vineyards, forests and Alpine meadows – and three of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

You’ll find plenty of ways in which to enjoy a holiday, too. This is a living landscape of resort towns, ski areas and farms, as well as parks, and the interaction between man and nature is one of its most fascinating aspects. So whether you’re a biker, hiker or a gastronome, or you simply want to let your kids loose in a big, green and beautiful space, you’re going to love it.