Italy’s got towering mountains and huge sandy beaches, yes it’s got amazing architecture but there are also active volcanoes, stunning coastlines and even an old pilgrimage way that traverses through multiple towns and cities. Italy is a stunning country that is sometimes best explored on foot and with that in mind, here are the best walking and hiking destinations for all activity levels in Italy. If you are on a hiking adventure in Europe, you might like to read our guide on Best Walking Destinations in Europe.
Cinque Terre
Ideal for: coastal lovers, charming seaside villages and amazing seafood
The Cinque Terre, meaning the five towns, consists of five villages on the cliffs of the Italian Riviera overlooking the Ligurian Sea, and is a UNESCO World Heritage coastline. Walk the famous coastal route between the 5 famed villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore. Hike between colorful coastal towns perched above jagged cliffs and azure Mediterranean waters and walk among olive groves and vineyards where beautiful trails lead from town to town. Traverse from Riomaggiore with its colourful stone houses and traditional fishing boats to picturesque Manarola. Continue to hilltop Corniglia, embraced by vineyards, and on to bustling Vernazza. Complete your adevnture in Monterosso al Mare, home to the biggest sand beach of the Cinque Terre, and swim in its pristine sea, a perfect rewarding end to your hike. Walking the Cinque Terre also means exploring some lesser-known trails that offer stunning coastal views such as Portofino and Levanto. In between the hiking, indulge in delicious Italian food and wine every night where the area is famous for its pesto, fresh fish and seafood dishes. Cinque Terre is ideal if you want a combination of an active holiday with plenty of time to relax, eat delicious Italian food with gorgeous seaside views while exploring the world-famous Cinque Terre and some of the lesser-known places in the Italian Riviera.
Read more on our Cinque Terre Walk
Path of The Gods
Ideal for: mountainous seaside trails with panoramic views
The Path of the Gods, also known as Sentiero degli Dei, is a well-travelled path between the hillside towns of the Amalfi Coast. Along this coastal walk you can peek in to other little towns, monasteries, and empty houses built in to the side of the cliffs. It has jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring views of the Amalfi Coast and the island of Capri. This hiking trail promises stunning scenery with magnificent views of the Amalfi Coast. The trail starts in the towns of either Agerola or Praiano and ends in the town of Nocelle (just above Positano). The trail earned its name from an ancient legend that states the Greek Gods walked this path to rescue Odysseus from sirens. Hike toward the medieval hamlet of Nocelle along the breathtaking Path of the Gods.
If this hike sounds like you, read more: Italy’s Amalfi Coast Walk
Dolomites
Ideal for: mountain-lovers, alpine landscapes and geological wonders
The Dolomites is a dream destination for mountain lovers providing endless hiking trails that just keeps on getting more beautiful. Uncover a majestic UNESCO World Heritage Site of alpine landscapes and dramatic peaks. The Dolomites are one of the most famous mountain regions in the world. Fairy-tale villages are dotted between rich topographic scenes. Hiking to impressive heights from day hikes to multi day hikes stopping along at a quintessential rifugio, a family-run trailside hut, for a perfect break. The best day hike in the Dolomites is the Tre Cime di Lavaredo, the three iconic peaks, and is a moderately easy hike, accessible to almost everyone.
We offer several hiking tours in Dolomites
Lake Como
Ideal for: enchanting lakeside trails, picturesque palazzos and exquisite villas
The Italian Lake District is home to Lake Como, Maggiore and Orta, three shimmering blue lakes with the dramatic Italian Alps as the backdrop. There are tons of hiking trails around Lake Como, but the Sentiero del Viandante hike from Varenna to Bellano is a wonderful place to start. You’ll start with a steep incline, and then enjoy gorgeous views of the lake, olive groves, and pretty villages and churches. Walk to historic Castello di Vezio and then walk to Varenna, known as the most romantic spot in Italy. In between, explore paths that lead to exquisite villas’ gardens and admire stunning lake views. The gardens at Hotel Villa Cipressi and Villa del Balbianello are absolutely breathtaking.
Embark on a Lake Como & Bellagio Luxury Walk
Italian Alps
Ideal for: off-the-beaten path and nature reserves rich with biodiversity
Explore Italy’s spectacular northern wilderness by foot. The geological and cultural diversity of the Italian Alps is one of the reasons why hiking in Northern Italy is so interesting. The Italian Alps refers to the northwest corner of the mountain range, while the Dolomites lie in the northeast. The Italian Alps arch across six regions of Northern Italy: Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Lombardy, Trentino – South Tyrol, Veneto, and Friuli Venezia Giulia. The northwest of Italy is dominated by massive glaciated peaks and the highest mountains in the alpine chain (e.g. Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa, Matterhorn) while the northeast of Italy is defined by craggy limestone massifs. Alpine luxury hotels are scattered across the dramatic landscape of green valleys and towering peaks that make for an ideal oasis after a day’s hike. Hike in Gran Paradiso National Park, Italy’s oldest nature reserve. Paths wind past tumbling waterfalls and lush forests. Explore rugged mountain trails from hidden trailheads in the Aosta Valley, and step back in time as you walk through quaint hamlets and past medieval castles.
Explore more of The Italian Alps Gran Paradiso To Matterhorn Walk
Mount Etna, Sicily
Ideal for: rugged volcanic landscapes and wooded trails
Mount Etna in Sicily is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It stands as high as 3,326 m (10,912 ft) and is located on the east coast of the beautiful island of Sicily, 40 km north of Catania. The best thing about Mount Etna is that it’s a hikeable volcano. Meander past black and grey volcanic rock and across a lava plain where steam rises from the active volcano. Explore the lunar landscape of Mount Etna and its ancient craters and explore the spectacular wildlife reserve of Isola Bella. Your walking adventure is paired with tasting local organic delicacies straight from the fertile soils of the volcano. After hiking Mount Etna, combine your adventure to discovering the historic town of Taormina including the ancient Greek theatre of Taormina and the beautiful Bay of Nexus.
Choose your Mount Etna Walk
