Walks for Biodiversity: Practical Guide to FAI Events on 23–24 May 2026

What the Biodiversity Walks are and where they take place

On 23 and 24 May 2026 the FAI organises the fourth edition of the Biodiversity Walks, a nationwide programme of events focused on the natural and cultural heritage of Italy’s villages and historic centres. The initiative includes guided walks, hands-on workshops and specialist-led observations at 25 FAI sites in 15 regions.

Highlights and featured activities

• Villa Rezzola, Lerici (SP) – garden walk with emphasis on water management and recovery techniques.
• Bosco Carmela Cortini, Valzo (TE) – a 5 km route inside Gran Sasso - Monti della Laga National Park (normally closed to the public).
• Bosco di San Francesco, Assisi (PG) – pollinator-focused activities and butterfly observation (Sunday 24).
• Abbazia di Santa Maria di Cerrate, LE – exhibition on traditional crops and heirloom varieties.
• Baia di Ieranto, Massa Lubrense (NA) – two citizen-science bioblitz events: one on 23 at higher altitude and one on 24 at sea level.
• Villa Panza, Varese – visit to the park and exotic plant collections (Sunday 24).
• Giardino della Kolymbethra, Valle dei Templi (AG) – riparian walk along the stream to study microhabitats and typical species.
• Saline Conti Vecchi, Assemini (CA) – guided tour of the Santa Gilla lagoon biodiversity (Sunday 24).
• Casa Noha, Matera – urban trekking through the Sassi with attention to local botanical species (Sunday 24).
• Giganti della Sila, Spezzano della Sila (CS) – pine forest walk and wildlife observation.
• Family activities – children’s workshops at Villa dei Vescovi (PD) and building insect hotels at Villa Della Porta Bozzolo (VA) (Sunday 24).

Practical information

• Dates: 23–24 May 2026.
• Full programme: check the official Biodiversity Walks calendar for the complete list of events and updates.
• Booking: many activities require advance reservation; verify availability, times and fees on the event calendar.
• What to bring: comfortable shoes, layered clothing and sun protection; bring water and basic safety gear for mountain walks.
• Suitable for: families, nature enthusiasts, schools and anyone interested in local species and landscape management in villages and heritage sites.

Why attend

The Biodiversity Walks provide a direct experience of Italy’s local ecosystems and conservation practices within historic sites and small towns. With experts such as biologists, ornithologists and gardeners leading activities, participants gain practical knowledge on agrobiodiversity, water stewardship and habitat protection.

Tip: book early for popular activities and for visits to places that are not usually open to the public.