Hiking in Italy: The Best Trails to Visit

One reason I fell in love with Italy: the amazing outdoors. The landscapes, the mountains, the woods, the hills, the challenging trails. Italy is absolutely a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. It you want to explore this country, but also want to add a little adventure to your trip then hiking in Italy might just be the right move for your next trip.

So often people visit Italy and head straight to the “go-to”s. You know them, I say all the time: “Rome, Amalfi, Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre”. But as I love to tell you, Italy is so much more than this. Don’t be afraid to skip the classics and plan a trip all about Italy’s hiking trails.

Of course – sometimes you can fit the best of both worlds. And that’s what I have decided to share you in this blog. From the rugged Dolomites to the unforgettable trails of Cinque Terre, Italy offers a range of hiking experiences for any level. Whether you’re an avid hiker seeking a challenging ascent or just in it for the mental-health walks, you’re going to find a one-of-a-kind beauty along Italy’s trails.

Hiking in Italy: 5 Paths to Add to Your List

Here’s some of the best trails for hiking in Italy. A mix of some popular destinations, where you can tag a hike on to your trip, and one I think is worth a trip to all on its own. If you need any more inspiration, I am always ready to help you plan your next adventure hiking in Italy.

The Dolomites: Lagazuoi

I bet you were expecting the Tre Cime. But you should know by now – if there is a chance for me to give you a little step of the beaten path, I am taking it. Tre Cime is way too crowded for my liking, and frankly, I dare to say, overrated.

But Lagazuoi – this is one hike that has stuck with me for years. Not only for the beauty of the region, but for the history you find along the way.

Trail Highlights

On the Lagazuoi hike, you’ll pass by the tunnels and outposts that soldiers dug into the mountain during WWI.

Starting from Passo Falzarego, you can opt for a cable car to whisk you to the top, then either take the tunnel down or explore from the ridge. But my hope is that you’ll skip that and let your legs take you straight up.

Hiking up let’s you catch some of the trenches you might miss in the tunnel route. It was here that Italian and Austro-Hungarian soldiers fought, using the actual mountainside as their refuge.

You’ll reach Rifugio Lagazuoi, where you’ll see incredible views of the Dolomite peaks, from Marmolada to the Tofana range. The summit itself is at 2,835 meters.

If you want to spend some extra time there, the Rifugio has a restaurant, a sauna, and even very cozy rooms to sleep over.

You can descend through the famous tunnel, or opt for an alternative hike down. There is the Val Travenanzes, or the Val Lagazuoi. But if you aren’t done yet, there’s a few more paths to take you further, check them all out here.

Logistics and Tips

The trail is considered moderate to difficult. If you hike often enough, it’s fairly easy, but if you have never been to these altitudes, or hiked on this rocky terrain – you may find it a tad more difficult.

Reaching the Rifugio is fairly easy, but then know that reaching the peak involves some Via Ferrata sections. These are well taken care of with ropes, but you will need the right equipment.

Then of course if you go down the tunnels it is steep, dark, and a bit slippery. There are ropes to help you navigate but you’ll want to be prepared.

That means the right equipment. If you plan on doing the tunnel, be extra, extra sure your boots have a good grip. Bring along a helmet, a headlamp, and definitely extra layers. There is often snow at the top of these peaks, and weather changes fast, so bring warm clothes and varying layers. But the helmet and headlamp – you can rent on site if you need!

If you are nervous about ice, or via ferrata sections, you can also bring along spikes and equipment, but it is by no means necessary.

It’s best to visit this path from late June to early September. Be sure to check ahead, depending on the conditions the tunnel may be closed. Here’s a look at the AllTrails in case it helps you plan.

If you are looking for even more Dolomites inspiration, you may want to check out this little guide here. And if you are hoping to do it with kids, I even laid out best hikes for bringing along the littles in this guide. If none of that sounds right, get in touch, let’s plan the Dolomites trip you’ve been dreaming of.

---

Camogli to San Fruttoso

When in Liguria, Cinque Terre is a beautiful destination, but there’s another spot that really took my heart. That is: San Fruttoso. You can reach this once-monastery by boat of course, but where is the fun in that.

Hiking from Camogli to San Fruttoso is a fairly easy hike, though the summer heat can bear down on you. If you are up for something longer, you can extend the hike all the way to Portofino and treat yourself to a very, very, very, overpriced aperitivo (when in Italy, right?)

The Route & Sites

You’ll start the hike in Camogli, known for its colorful houses and classic Ligurian seaside. As you start heading out of the town, your first landmark will be the San Rocco Church, which already gives you stunning views of the coastline. The rest of the walk will take you through the famous terraced olive groves and fields of the regions heroic agriculture.

Your destination is the Abbey of San Fruttuoso a stunning 10th-century Benedictine monastery nestled in a secluded cove. Here there is also a small pebble beach with incredible waters for you to take a dip in.

Then you’ve got options: walk back, or grab a ferry. Or continue to Portofino and head back by foot or boat. If I was planning your itinerary, I’d say: head to San Fruttoso by foot in the morning, enjoy a lunch and swim there, then in the afternoon head to Portofino for an aperitivo, before getting a boat back to Camogli.

Logistics

You’ll want to bring plenty of water and sunscreen, even though this path is better shaded than others. Make sure you’ve got decent footwear. But most of all carry what you’ll need for the day: swimming gear and a change of clothes, and a towel.

If you opt to take the boat back, I would book your ticket in advance. You can do so at the ferry point in Camogli the day before.

This is more of a summer hike, but it isn’t necessarily closed in the off season. While you’ll be able to still do the hike, just be sure to check the ferry schedules as they change in fall and winter.

Amalfi Coast: Valley of the Mills

When it comes to breathtaking hikes in Italy, not even I can deny the Amalfi Coast is something else. You’ve probably already heard of the Path of the Gods, the regions most famous trek. But today, I want to share a little alternative – the hike through the Valley of the Mills.

Historical Landmarks

There’s a few different extensions of this hike you can take. I like a full loop so go with this version on AllTrails.

The path starts behind Amalfi and heads directly into quiet woods, that are seemingly out of place compared to the busy coast.  You’ll catch peaceful waterfalls, and even glimpses of the coast when you head to the tallest point. But most interesting about this hike is its history. You’ll pass by the remnants of industry from the 10th century, including remains of an old aqueduct and ironworks. Then this path got it’s name, the Valley of the Mills for the ruins of the numerous paper mills one of the few remaining symbols of the Republic of Amalfi.

Logistics

The hike outlined here is moderate, and lasts about 2 hours, but you can easily extend your hike further inland, or by looping out to Minuta and Ravello before coming back down to the coast. The paths are very well marked, and often cross back to roads so don’t be afraid of getting too lost.

Make sure you have shoes with a good grip – no need for full hiking boots, but something sturdy at least. It is a shadier path, but the summer can still get hot so bring plenty of water.

Piedmont: Pian della Regina to Lago Chiaretto Loop

Off the usual travelers path in Italy, I’m including this because it is one of my all-time favorite areas to hike. If you are planning a trip more for the hikes, less for the tourist sites: head to Turin, then head into the Piedmontese Alps.

This hike takes you around the bottom of Monviso, one of the regions most iconic mountains. This is a loop you can do in one day, but there are so many paths around this area that you could even extend a greater loop and sleep in local rifugi.

The Path & Logistics

This is a more challenging hike than the others, but worth the walk. It’s 8.7km but only 616 gain in elevation. You’ll head out from Pian della Regina, a stunning alpine prato with an unbelievable view of Monviso, and even a little waterfall and stream to dip in. There is a Rifugio right here, I’d recommend sleeping over the night before to start hiking early.

You’ll head up to then Lago Chiaretto and Lago Fiorenza before circling to come back down past Pian del Re. The whole way. you’ll have views of Monviso and the peaks in both Italy and France. If the season is right, you’ll also walk through a lot of blueberry bushes, giving you lots of snacks for the walk.

You’ll need to upgrade your sneakers here, it is better to have solid hiking or trekking shoes. Bring plenty of water, but know that you can fill it up in the streams you pass! This whole path is exposed, so also make sure to have sunscreen and a hat if you need.

If you are looking for more challenging hikes, there are plenty. Still leaving from Pian della Regina or Pian del Re, you can head to the Buco di Viso, Mont Granero, or Colle Armoine from here as well. If you’re feeling excited about all this – feel free to get in touch and I’d love to help you plan your trip.

Sicily: Mount Etna

Because when you are in Italy, you might as well hike a Volcano. And this is one of the most impressive volcano hikes you can get. You’ll have incredible views all the way up. This hike is easy to fit into your Sicily vacation, and isn’t too far away from Catania.

The Path

The actual hike up to the crater is unforgettable. But it is also very difficult. It’s tough terrain, and a long journey. If you’d prefer there are a lot of smaller paths to just get a feel for the area. Here are a few options that AllTrails has logged. To be honest all of them are great!

Something incredible about walking these lower paths is that you can see how vegetation has come back after explosions, bursts of green contrast the black volcanic rock. It’s a site to see no matter how you choose to challenge yourself. As far as hiking in Italy goes, this is one of the most unique experiences you’ll find.

If you do opt for the full trek, you’ll need to get an expert guide. Hiking beyond the 2500m point is not allowed without one.

Logistics

While hiking Mount Etna is an unforgettable adventure, I guess we should mention…it is still an active volcano.

So before you go, stay informed. Be sure to check the latest updates on volcanic activity and weather conditions. Mount Etna is a dynamic environment, and it’s important to heed any warning signs or safety advisories along the trail. Normally, there will be fair warning before any burst, but always be aware.

Even for the lower hikes, you’ll want to get good footwear, and plenty of sunscreen and water. If you head higher up, you’ll need layers as there can be alot of wind and chillier weather.

As I mentioned, if you plan to go to the top you’ll need to book with a guide. You’ll also want to make sure you are physically in shape.

Here are some expert safety tips from the Sicilian Alpine Club to help you prepare for your adventure on Mount Etna.

Final Thoughts on Hiking in Italy

Now that you’ve had a glimpse of the hiking in Italy has to offer, it’s time to lace up your boots and start planning your own adventure. There’s so, so much more to explore, these are just a few favorites. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking to enjoy another side of Italy, there’s a trail for everyone.

If you’d like to add a bit of hiking to your next Italy trip, I’d love to help you out. Reach out, and let’s make it happen.