If you are looking for something a little bit different to do in Italy on your next vacation, look no further as we have compiled a list of some of the most adventurous and exciting things to do in the county: extreme sports in Italy.
1. Calcio Storico
This extreme sport is exceptionally Italian and, therefore, the best extreme sport to pick for those seeking a thrill in Italy. Il calcio storico fiorentino is a precursor to soccer that is played annually during the third week of June in Florence. Quite unlike the game that we are all familiar with, calcio storico is a brutal, violent sport intimately interconnected with the city's history, rivalries and codes of honour. It is more like a blend of soccer with rugby and boxing. It is also a rather unique experience. While you can't participate yourself, watching this thrilling and brutal sport makes for an exciting outing – if you can stomach it!
1. Calcio Storico
This extreme sport is exceptionally Italian and, therefore, the best extreme sport to pick for those seeking a thrill in Italy. Il calcio storico fiorentino is a precursor to soccer that is played annually during the third week of June in Florence. Quite unlike the game that we are all familiar with, calcio storico is a brutal, violent sport intimately interconnected with the city's history, rivalries and codes of honour. It is more like a blend of soccer with rugby and boxing. It is also a rather unique experience. While you can't participate yourself, watching this thrilling and brutal sport makes for an exciting outing – if you can stomach it!
In the Renaissance, the game was actually reserved for aristocrats and even popes are known to have played. It was revived in the 20th century and is now recognised as an official Italian sport. Three games take place each year between teams from each of the four quarters of Florence; two opening games and a deciding match on June 24th. The teams are Santa Croce (the Blues), Santa Maria Novella (Reds), Santo Spirito (Whites) and San Giovanni (Greens). Players are volunteers and the only compensation is honour and the banquet given to the winning team. There are few rules and a high level of violence is allowed. If you have found a vacation rental in Florence and are planning a trip there during the summer, this traditional sport is well worth checking out for sports enthusiasts and thrill seekers alike.
2. Volo del Angelo
In Basilicata, in the south of Italy, you will find the famous “Flight of the Angel”.
2. Volo del Angelo
In Basilicata, in the south of Italy, you will find the famous “Flight of the Angel”.
This is a very special and heart-stopping zip-line that sees participants hanging parallel to the line and facing forward, giving the sense of flying through the air like an angel, lending the nickname. The line stretches across a valley between the two picturesque villages of Pietrapertosa and Castelmezzano. It is one of the highest, fastest and longest zip-wires in the world, with participants travelling at a top speed of 120km per hour. Situated in the Lucanian Dolomites, the surrounding landscape is largely unspoilt and set within a natural park, the Parco Naturale di Gallipoli Cognato e delle Dolomiti Lucane. The views, therefore, rival the thrill but the thrill alone is reason to find a vacation rental in Basilicata.
These two exciting extreme sports options are but two of the many Italy has to offer so be sure to read on to the next posts in this series for more!
These two exciting extreme sports options are but two of the many Italy has to offer so be sure to read on to the next posts in this series for more!
Photo credits
Picture 1: Lennaz / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: Rocco Lucia / CC BY-SA 2.0;
Picture 1: Lennaz / CC BY-SA 3.0;
Picture 2: Rocco Lucia / CC BY-SA 2.0;