The Best Hiking Trails in Italy — Italy Best Places Travel Blog
In this article we’ll lay out the best hiking trails in Italy from the north to the south. Italy is marked by clear blue waters, daring mountain peaks, and vast meadows. The striking landscapes are an unforgettable sight, and beautiful hiking trails take you through the heart of Italy’s greatest natural wonders.
If you love trekking through the Alps or following a windy cliff side path, you’ll love the outdoor adventures Italy has to offer.
Hit the trails and start your journey on one of these best hiking trails in Italy:
The High Routes of the Dolomites
If you love the thrill of long-distance hiking at high altitudes, overlooking valleys below towering mountain peaks, consider trekking the Dolomites’ high routes. There are eight itineraries to choose from that take you as high as 3,000 meters, overlooking extraordinary places like the Marmolada or the Three Peaks of Lavaredo.
Difficulty: Medium/Challenging
Length: Depends on the Itinerary (Ranges From 36 to 180 Kilometers)
Time: Several Days
Lake Como Greenway
Lake Como is known for its idyllic scenery and historic villas. You can easily explore all the area has to offer along the Lake Como Greenway. The 10-kilometer hike takes you past landmark villages like Colonno, Sala Comacina, Mezzegra, and more. You can break it up into seven stages or walk the entire six miles while you wonder at medieval churches, quaint shops, and panoramic lake views.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 10 Kilometers
Time: 3.5 Hours, Depending on Pace
Camogli to Portofino
The Regional Natural Park of Portofino (Parco di Portofino) is home to seaside views and some of the best hiking trails in Italy, including the Camogli to Portofino trek. The journey begins in Camogli and takes you along rocky cliffs and past historic buildings like the San Fruttuoso Abbey before ending in the famous vacation spot known as Portofino.
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Length: 13 Kilometers
Time: About 4 to 5 Hours
Path of the Gods
The Amalfi Coast is known for its beautiful natural landscape dotted with beaches, colorful fishing villages, and miles of vineyards. Take in the region’s beauty by way of the Path of the Gods, an eight-kilometer trail that hugs the coast and provides spectacular views for miles. There are several trails to choose from that range in difficulty. The best time to go is during spring or autumn when the temperatures are cooler.
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Length: 8 Kilometers
Time: Between 4 and 5 Hours
The Germoplasma Trail
Get up close and personal with Italy’s volcanoes along the Germoplasma Trail in Etna Park. Located near Sicily, the park gets its name from the towering active volcano that can be seen for miles. The Germoplasma Trail is short and easy for people to traverse and find unbelievable views of Mount Etna and the surrounding landscape shaped by years of volcanic activity.
Difficulty: Easy and Accessible
Length: Just Over 1 Kilometer
Time: One Hour (Depending on how many times you’ll stop for photos etc.)
Via degli Dei
This ancient military road takes you from Bologna to Florence on a multiple-day trip through the woods. The trek covers 130 kilometers and will take you anywhere from four to six days by foot, though you can also ride a bike. Most travelers hike the trail in five stages, stopping to camp along the way. There are also hotels and farmhouses offering a place to sleep and eat.
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Length: 130 Kilometers
Time: Between 4 and 6 Days
Grand Tour of the Gran Paradiso
Tour companies offer a fantastic trek through Gran Paradiso National Park, a region aptly named for the towering peak that cuts through the skyline. The hike is challenging and takes several days. Still, travelers will be able to explore alpine lakes, encounter glaciers, and ascend altitudes more than 4,000 meters. The hike isn’t for the faint of heart, and it’s recommended to be in good physical condition.
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Length: 56 Kilometers
Time: 4 to 5 Days
Alpe Adria Trail
Leave Italy behind for a moment and cross through Austria and Slovenia along the Alpe Adria Trail, an international hike featuring 43 stages. It’s a long hike if you attempt to complete the entire trek, but the route itself is not challenging. The trail cuts through scenic mountains and takes you out to the sea for spectacular views.
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Length: 750 Kilometers (Each Leg is about 20 Kilometers)
Time: 43 Days (For Entire Trail)
Via di Francesco
The Via di Francesco (Way of Francis) stretches from Assisi to Gubbio and crosses over idyllic hillsides, bubbling streams, and historic abbeys and castles. Trace the footsteps of St. Francis on foot, by bike, or on a horse. The spectacular buildings overlooking the valley and preservation of historic spots are what makes this multiple-day trek one of the best hiking trails in Italy.
Difficulty: Medium/Challenging
Length: 50 Kilometers
Time: 2 to 3 Days
The Appian Way
Rome is a bustling city, but just steps away from the downtown area is a quiet, 20-kilometer hike along an ancient path. The Appian Way takes you through the best parts of Appian Way Regional Park. Start your journey at the Porta Capena, an ancient Roman gateway, and wander past the Cecilia Metella and the Casal Rotondo, both ancient architectural wonders.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 20 Kilometers
Time: 1 Day
Selvaggio Blu
The Selvaggio Blu (Wild Blue) is one of the most demanding trails on the continent and requires hikers to climb via ferrata. However challenging it is, though, the trek is one of the most beautiful in the country, as it takes you on cliffside paths along the deep blue sea and along old shepherd paths. The 50-kilometer trail starts at Santa Maria Navarrese and ends in Cala Gonone.
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 50 Kilometers
Time: 7 Days
Tratturo Magno
The Tratturo Magno is one of the longest and most striking trails in Italy. The trek passes through the Gran Sasso mountains and takes you through idyllic farmlands in Tavoliere delle Puglie. The hike is known for its historical significance as it was once a popular pathway for shepherds.
Difficulty: Medium/Difficult
Length: 244 Kilometers
Time: 10 Days
One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Italy is to take a day — or even a few weeks — to trek through the breathtaking hiking trails. Whether you’re a novice or experienced hiker, there are plenty of options for you to enjoy Italy’s scenery. For more advice on the best places to visit in Italy check out our articles here.
Originally published at https://theitaliandesk.com on February 8, 2021.
