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The foliage is the natural spectacle seen in autumn, when the trees change color and their leaves turn yellow, orange and red. There are many places in Italy where this phenomenon is particularly striking. At North valleys of Trentino-Alto Adige, the Dolomites of Veneto, and areas such as the Langhe or Gran Paradiso in Piedmont stand out, but even in Lombardy, Valtellina and Stelvio Park offer very scenic views.
Going down to the Central Italy, Casentino and Chianti in Tuscany, the Sibillini Mountains in Umbria, and mountainous areas of Lazio such as the Cimini and Terminillo are among the most popular destinations. Even the South gives extraordinary colors, especially in Sila in Calabria, among the forests of Irpinia and Monti Lattari in Campania, and in the natural parks of Sicily and Sardinia, such as the Nebrodi and Gennargentu.
The period best to observe foliage varies depending on thealtitude and of the climatic conditions: In the mountains, especially in the North, colors begin to appear between late September and early October. In the hilly and flat areas of the Center and North, October is generally the richest month, while in the South and Islands the best time comes between late October and mid-November.
This color change occurs because, with the arrival of autumn and the decrease in light hours, plants suspend the production of chlorophyll, the pigment that keeps leaves green. When chlorophyll is reduced, other pigments already present in the leaves emerge, such as the carotenoids, which give the yellow and orange hues, and the anthocyanins, responsible for the reds and purples. The result is that striking mosaic of colors that makes autumn such a fascinating season.
The Campania offers very "warm" foliage in color due to the presence of chestnut, oak and beech trees. Deep red is not as prevalent as in alpine regions, but the golden and amber tones are spectacular, especially on sunny days.
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If you are curious to admire this spectacular natural phenomenon Movery has come up with some nature walking tours to experience the magic of foliage up close. For example, we offer you ahike on Mount Faito, ideal for fun with friends and family. Walking along the trails of the Monti Lattari Regional Park you will be able to encounter tree specimens that are more than four centuries old, as well as chestnut groves, orchids, cyclamens and the lush vegetation typical of the Mediterranean scrub.
The path is dotted with viewpoints which offer spectacular views: on one side the Sorrento Peninsula with the island of Capri and its famous Faraglioni, on the other Vesuvius and the immense urban expanse of Naples. Starting from the slopes of the Mount Faito, you will find yourself immersed in a journey that combines nature, history and ancient traditions, all the way back to Roman times.
The trail follows the ancient Via Conte Girolamo Giusso, which connected Castellammare di Stabia to the village of Monte Faito, now famous for its equestrian center and cable car. Much of the trail runs in the shade of cool, lush woods, making it perfect even on the hottest summer days.
Another unmissable experience is the tours in the Monti Lattari Park. This is a loop trail that begins in Pian del Pero and runs among majestic ancient beech trees and limestone outcrops that accompany the walk.
The itinerary is deeply related to the figures of San Catello, St. Antoninus and of theArchangelMichael, whose presence is recalled by the symbolic places scattered along the way. Prominent among these are the Croce della Canocchia, visible even from Sorrento, and the Holy Water spring. A little further on, one encounters the ancient snowfields, large cavities once filled with snow for ice production.
The entire route is immersed in the mountainous landscape of Faito, which with its views and silent atmosphere makes the walk an evocative and rejuvenating experience. With its 1444 meters, the Mount St. Michael is the highest peak in the Lattari Mountains and is known as "Molar" for its characteristic shape resembling a tooth. One of the most vast and spectacular views of Campania opens from this peak: we are on the highest point of the massif of the Monte Sant'Angelo at Three Peaks, from which the eye can run free from Cape Miseno to Punta Licosa.
Finally, foliage can also be observed with this hike in the Ferriere Valley. The simple and undemanding itinerary winds its way through the charming medieval villages of Minute and Pontoon, giving spectacular views at every step.
Along the way we pass through enchanting forests, encounter clear springs, small waterfalls, and the lively rapids of the Rio Canneto, once exploited as a motive power for ancient paper mills. The remains of these factories, which are still recognizable, tell the story of a craft tradition linked to the famous map of Amalfi, still appreciated all over the world.
Halfway along the route we reach the ancient ironworks, which gave its name to the valley-a place that testifies to the fundamental role it played in the past, when it supplied the powerful Maritime Republic of Amalfi with iron. Finally, the path leads to the area of the ancient mills, where history and nature are intertwined in a truly memorable experience.
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