We're not quite sure why Italy isn't as popular a hiking destination as Patagonia, Iceland, or the Pacific Crest Trail. Italian hiking trails range from volcanoes to Roman roads and vineyards to castles; best of all, at the end of the day, there’s pasta, bread, and plenty of wine. Perhaps most tourists prefer to enjoy all that delicious Italian food in the cities without having to hike hard for it, but for those adventurers willing to make the trek, they’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and practically no crowds.
In this post, we’ll share the different hiking trails you won’t want to miss.
The Path of the Gods - Amalfi Coast
High above, far from the tourist crowds, the Path of the Gods runs along the Amalfi Coast from Bomerano (a hamlet of Agerola) to the village of Nocelle, offering magnificent aerial views of the famous colorful villages and the island of Capri. Ideally, hikers should start in Bomerano and finish in Nocelle, as the trail descends gently in this direction. Upon reaching Nocelle, you must descend 1,500 steps to reach the center of Positano, or take the bus, or walk another 300 steps to Arienzo Beach to cool off in the sea after the hike.
The hike takes a few hours or about half a day if taken at a leisurely pace.
Once in the village of Nocelle, you can continue along the road for about 1 km until you reach the restaurant La Tagliata. Its simple, traditional dishes, plus the panoramic view from the terrace of the island of Capri, will make for a memorable end to your day of hiking.
Sentiero Azzurro - Cinque Terre
It is the most famous of the hiking trails in Cinque Terre, running along the cliffs and connecting the five villages, which are now so popular for their colorful houses and small fishing ports. There is a fee to hike this route, mainly due to the necessary maintenance of the trails, but the ticket also allows you to use the bus services in the five villages and provides free admission to some museums. The route can be completed in a day or a couple of days. Other free (and less crowded) trails include the Sanctuary Trail, which passes by several of the area’s most famous sanctuaries.
Mount Etna - Sicily
With regular spectacular eruptions, Mount Etna is one of the most exciting excursions you can experience in Italy. There are plenty of route options for different skill levels, some of which reach up to 4,500 feet. Along the way, you can discover ravines, caves, and seas of ancient lava. Guided hiking tours with local groups are also available, often including a traditional Sicilian lunch or visits to vineyards and honey producers. You can choose half-day, full-day, or even multi-day excursions.
Dolomites
For those seeking a walking vacation, don’t miss this 10-day hike through the spectacular scenery of the Dolomites. At one end lies the beautiful turquoise mountain of Lake Braies, and at the other, the picturesque town of Belluno. Along the way, the landscape ranges from pastoral alpine scenery to vertical cliffs and rugged peaks.
Chianti Hiking Trails - Tuscany
Hike through the Tuscan countryside from vineyard to vineyard. The Chianti region offers several trails to choose from, which also pass by castles, medieval villages, and ancient convents.
The tourist information office in the town of Gaiole can provide you with an excellent map of the different routes.
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