Camping Camaldoli

Right next door to the site is 16th-century Camaldoli Monastery, set among a centuries-old chestnut forest. It's a tiptop spot for a wander around, housing a walnut-bedecked reception room and great hall, as well as an ancient pharmacy that once provided a laboratory for clever monks to concoct medicines from the forest's herbs for use in the hospital next door. Around 650 kilometres of waymarked trails cross this vast forest, giving you endless opps for trekking, mountain biking and horse riding. Ask staff at the site about where best to forage for mushrooms and chestnuts, because you'll need to get permission before you pluck anything from the wild. Head over the town of Poppi, about 13 kilometres from Camaldoli, to sample some of the region's best ever focaccia – there's some argument as to whether or not the potato topping is better than the porcini mushroom one, so probably best get over there quick to make up your own mind with several samples. Once you've put that one firmly to bed, move on to the rest of the town's attractions, namely medieval Poppi Castle, ancient St Fedele Abbey and Agostiniane Monastery.