The Best Hiking Trails in Italy

Italy is known as a country of history, art, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. But eager travelers know that this picturesque and diverse country in Southern Europe has much more to offer.

Majestic Italian mountain ranges, smoldering volcanoes, dramatic coastlines, ancient countrysides, atmospheric cities, and breathtaking wild nature provide multiple routes and opportunities for hiking in Italy.

This country has something for everyone, so, if you’re looking for a challenging hike or a lazy walk, scroll down or top-10 list of the best hiking trails in Italy, pack your backpack, don’t forget about equipment, appropriate outfit, and a pair of secure sneakers, which you can choose from best 11 affordable running shoes, and… Adventures await!

1. Tre Cime di Lavaredo (Dolomites)

The Dolomites, as the most amazing and famous mountain range of Italy, attract lots of hikers from all over the world. Among its numerous routes and trails, Tre Cime di Lavaredo Circuit in the Parco Naturale delle Dolomiti di Sesto is the most popular as you can do it during one day (3-5 hours), and the difficulty is moderate. Here, you will explore cloud-scraping mountains, pristine forests, see idyllic lakes, and guaranteed to take lots of breathtaking photos.

1. Gran Paradiso National Park (Piedmont)

Hiking in Italy is literary synonymic to Parco Nazionale Del Gran Paradiso in Piedmont in northwest Italy. This route is estimated as moderate to demanding, with the minimal duration of 10 hours (but, usually, hikers spend about 2 days to completely enjoy the sceneries). Besides amazing landscapes, you’ll also see woods, clearings, ancient churches, and castles, so that this hike is not gonna be boring or monotonous.

1. Sentiero degli Dei (Amalfi Coast)

This is an ideal option for beginners, as it takes no longer than 5 hours, and the path is not challenging (the only issue – it’s a bit narrow in certain sections). Walking along the Path of the Gods, you’ll see fantastic views of the Mediterranean, remote villages, terraced vineyards, and sights of Capri island.

Plan this hike from April to October, but be careful with July and August, as this period can be extremely hot.

1. Alta Via (Dolomites)

Here’s another popular destination in the Dolomites. Here, you will enjoy the most intriguing rock formations of Italian mountain range and famous Italian cuisine in the local rifugi. However, this route is rather physically demanding as it lies through various kinds of moderate to difficult terrain.

This place is clear of snow only for a couple of months per year, so you’d better plan your hike between July and September.

1. Selvaggio Blu, Sardinia

Incredible beaches of Sardinia, spectacular views to the Mediterranean, extreme cliffs, and mysterious caves –you’ll see all these beauties of Italy during a challenging even for experienced hikers Selvaggio Blu route. The hike includes walking on rough terrain, scrambling, and rappelling, so be prepared for the exhausting experience. Also, bear the weather in mind, as it’s not recommended to go on the Selvaggio Blu hike in July and August when the temperatures are too high.

1. Stromboli (Sicily)

For thrill seekers, Italy’s got a hiking route in Sicily, near one of the most active volcanoes in the world – Stromboli. This track is short but still very challenging, as it goes through the steep and unpredictable terrain. To witness lava gushing in all its thrilling glory, try to arrive at the crater at night. May and September are the most favorable periods for this hike.

1. Northern Italian Lakes

If you wanna see as many landscapes as possible and planning your hike in spring or autumn, opt for a route through Northern Italian Lakes. This track allows for seeing snow capped Italian mountain range, explore beautiful small towns like Tremezzo or Bellagio, boat on deep blue lakes, and take lots of fantastic pics to share your experience with friends.

1. Cinque Terre (Liguria)

If you’re planning hiking in Italy with your family, consider Cinque Terre track in June or September. Majestic Italian villages with local bars and cafes, swimming in a refreshing sea, walk along a famous lovers’ lane between Manarola and Riomaggiore. This track is super easy so that even kids can cope with it.

1. Valtellina (Lombardy)

Valtellina stretches for 200 kilometers within the northern region of Lombardy, placing beautifully in the middle of the Alps. This hike is moderate and it includes amazing parks and natural reserves, picturesque mountain peaks and evergreen forests.

The location is absolutely beautiful and definitely deserves your attention.

1. Corno Grande (Abruzzo)

And last but not least idea for hiking in Italy is the Corno Grande route in Abruzzo. It’s not meant for beginners, as it varies from moderate (along the normal route) to demanding (along the direct route). Corno Grande is the highest peak in the Apennines, and it is located in one of Italy’s largest national parks – Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso. Amazing view, opening from the peak is really powerful so that it is definitely worth the efforts.

For more intriguing locations to visit, check the Italy travel guide.