Fodor's Expert Review Parco Nazionale dello Stelvio

The Alps' (and Italy's) biggest national park is spread over 1,350 square km (520 square miles) and four provinces. Opened in 1935 to preserve flora and protect fauna, today it has more than 1,200 types of plants, 600 different mushrooms, and more than 160 species of animals, including the chamois, ibex, and roe deer. There are many entrances to the park and 11 visitor centers. Bormio makes a good base for exploring—the closest entrance to town is the year-round gateway at Torre Alberti.