Nature & Wildlife Tours in Milan

If you think Milan is all about fashion and crowded piazzas, think again. There’s a surprisingly green side to this city that often gets overlooked.

You can wander the sprawling Parco Sempione, right behind Castello Sforzesco, and find quiet spots where herons and ducks like to hang out around the pond. But if you want to do more than just stroll, local guides often run nature and wildlife tours along the Naviglio canals or out to the Ticino Park, just a short ride away. It’s a fantastic place to catch glimpses of deer, foxes, and a ton of bird species – a real escape into nature without needing to head all the way into the Alps.

A little tip: if you’re around in spring, keep an eye out for the wild orchids in the undergrowth of some city parks, like Parco delle Cave in the southwest. And don’t miss the sunset at Idroscalo, Milan’s former seaplane base turned nature reserve. It’s a favorite spot for locals casting fishing lines and spotting rare birds.

Getting out into Milan’s greener spots feels like a secret most tourists don’t know about, but it’s what I love about living here – a city with a pulse, yet surrounded by calm. Don’t be shy about asking local guides for lesser-known routes or small natural gems around Porta Venezia or even Lambrate. That’s where you’ll find Milan’s nature heart beating strongest.