Best hiking trails in Italy – guess which one is our favorite!
Do you love hiking? Italy is the place to be. From the Dolomites to the Apennines, from Tuscany to Sicily and - of course - our beloved Puglia, there are numerous trails which will take you to stunning landscapes and offer you a delightful way to experience the country. Italy is a country with many different climates and landscapes, making it perfect for outdoor excursions. In summer or fall, by the sea or up its magnificent mountains, nature in Italy offers beautiful landscapes all year round. The best time to go hiking in Italy, however, is between April and October, when the weather is mostly pleasant all over the country. If you're visiting or moving to Italy, make sure to check out the list of our top hiking trails in Italy.
There are many reasons why you should go hiking in Italy:
If you are looking to explore the beauty of Italy on foot, hiking is the perfect way to do it.
Hiking in Italy is one of the best ways to see the country’s most scenic spots and enjoy its natural wonders. The variety of terrain and climate makes it possible to find a hike that fits your needs and interests in any season (and regardless of budget).
It’s good for your mental health – Hiking helps relieve stress and anxiety by giving you time alone with your thoughts while being active at the same time. It can also help improve your mood because walking, like other forms of exercise, helps boost serotonin levels in your brain, and yet it is not as taxing on the body and therefore accessible even to people who do not exercise regularly. Hiking holidays in Italy are a real treat for those who love nature and want to get away from it all and reconnect with themselves.
Are you curious yet? If you are considering working a hiking excursion into your schedule while visiting Italy, we have a few tips for you!
These are our favorite hiking trails in Italy!
Marmolada - Trentino-Alto Adige
Marmolada, the giant of the Dolomites, is one of the most fascinating places to visit for a hiking trip in Italy. This is because Marmolada is at 3,343 meters its highest peak and has the longest ski slope in the Dolomites as well as being home to a giant glacier. In addition, it has always been a coveted destination for mountaineering excursions. Hiking is popular in the Dolomites. Numerous trails for hikers of all levels start around the Marmolada, some of them accessible to beginners and others best left to experienced and well-trained hikers. These are some of the most sought-after hiking trails in Italy, because of the Dolomites' world-famous landscape and the cool summer weather.
Sentiero Azzurro - Cinque Terre - Liguria
The Cinque Terre National Park is famous for its cliffs and the five villages clinging on to them. It’s also known as ‘Italy’s best-kept secret” because it hasn’t been commercialized like other places along this stretch of coast. Here you will find what is believed by many to be the perfect hiking trail: 12 kilometers encompassing seascapes, rich history and lush nature: the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail) not only connects the five seaside villages of Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola and Riomaggiore but provides breathtaking views and - crucially - is perfectly suitable for inexperienced hikers and families with children. The trail intertwines with fisherman's paths, cycling tracks and ancient footpaths. Hikers will come across natural parks offering unique views of the sea and picturesque villages. It takes just five and a half hours to walk the entire Blue Trail, which is of medium to low difficulty. And along the way, there is plenty of time to stop and take photographs, indulge in some snacks, or even take a dip in the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea.
Porto Selvaggio Natural Park – Puglia
The Regional Natural Park of Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano develops along the Ionian coast of Salento and is located in the territory of the municipality of Nardò. The park is a natural reservation that extends over an area of about 1122 hectares, mostly covered in pinewood forest, and it includes some of the most beautiful sea caves in this area. The Porto Selvaggio Natural Park is of considerable interest both in terms of landscape and archaeological history, as there are numerous natural caves and coastal towers within it. This is a hike of low difficulty and suitable for everyone. At the end of a pleasant walk among the pines and on the rocky shores, you can relax with a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea.
Ready to hike?